How to Check Your Windows Version

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: June 6, 2024 Fact Checked

If you're doing some troubleshooting for your computer, you may need to know what version and build of Windows you are running. This can help others narrow down your problems based on what version you are using. Finding your Windows version, and whether you have a 32-bit operating system or a 64-bit operating system, only takes a minute. This wikiHow teaches you how to identify which version of Windows you are already running.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Finding Your Windows Version in Run

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1
Press the ⊞ Win+R keys together. This opens the Run dialogue box on Windows.^{[1]
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- Alternatively, you can right-click the Start menu button and click Run.
This opens "About Windows" in a separate window.^{[2]
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3
Check your version. Your Windows release will be displayed at the top of the About Windows window. Your Windows version is displayed next to "Version" and your build number is displayed next to "Build" to the right of "Version. (e.g. "Version 6.3 (Build 9600)"). As of January 2022, the latest version of Windows 10 is Version 21H2.
- If you are not running the latest version of Windows, it's recommended that you update Windows immediately.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Find Your Windows Version in Settings

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It's the button with the Windows logo. By default, it's in the lower-left corner in the Windows taskbar. This displays the start menu.^{[3]
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It's in the sidebar to the left of the Windows Start menu. This displays the Settings menu.^{[4]
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It's next to an icon that resembles a laptop computer. It's the first option in the Windows Settings menu.^{[5]
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It's the last option in the sidebar to the left. This displays information about your system.^{[6]
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5
Scroll down and check your device and Windows specifications. This information is displayed on the "About" page in Windows Settings. As of May 2020, the latest version of Windows 10 is Version 2004.
- Your system type (i.e. 32-bit/64-bit) is displayed next to System Type below "Device Specifications".
- Your Windows Edition (i.e. Windows 10 Home) is displayed next to Edition below "Windows Specifications".
- Your Windows version is displayed next to Version below "Windows Specifications".
- Your Windows Build number is displayed next to OS Build, below "Windows Specifications".

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Determining if Windows is 32-Bits or 64-Bits

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1
Click the Windows Start menu
. It's the button with the Windows logo. By default, it's in the lower-left corner in the Windows taskbar. This displays the start menu.^{[7]
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- Alternatively, you can press the Win + Pause keys to display the System Information screen in the Control Panel.
This displays the Control Panel in the Start menu.
It has an icon that resembles a blue screen with graphs. This opens the Control Panel.
4
Click System. You will find your system information displayed in this Window.^{[8]
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- Your Windows Edition (i.e. Windows 10 Home) is displayed below "Windows edition".
- Your system type (i.e. 32-bit/64-bit) is displayed next to System Type below "System".

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Check Main System Information in System Information

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Open System Information. Click on the Search bar and type “System Information” in its search box. Select it from the result.^{[9]
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2
Select a tab to view. There are three tabs listed in the top-left corner under System Summary which are Hardware Resources, Components and Software Environment. Click on “+” in front of each tab to select and view a subcategory.

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How can I check my download speed?

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Google "test my internet speed", and click on one of the links to a internet speed test. The test usually tests upload and download speeds.

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How do I install my updates?

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It depends on your version, but usually you'd go to Control Panel or Settings and choose Windows Update.

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My mouse suddenly goes to upper left of screen and I can't control it. Advice?

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If that happens, it might mean that your PC is hacked. Check the security On your PC and scan it.

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