Updated and reviewed by Adam Smart, Ecokeys Support Engineer — 2 September 2026

How Do I Know Which Version of Windows I Have?

There are several ways to check which version of Windows is installed on a PC. The best method depends on exactly what information you need.

Method 1: Check Your Windows Version in Settings

This is the clearest method for most users because it shows the Windows edition, version and build information together.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Scroll down and select About.
4. Look for the Windows specifications section.

You should see information including:

• Edition — for example, Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
• Version — the Windows feature release installed.
• Installed on — when the current release was installed.
• OS build — the specific Windows build installed.

Higher up on the same About screen, System type shows whether your Windows installation and processor are 64-bit.

Method 2: Use Winver to Check the Windows Version

winver is usually the fastest way to check the Windows version and OS build.

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type winver.
3. Press Enter or select OK.

The About Windows window will open and display the Windows release and OS build.

What Does the Winver Number Mean?

The information shown by winver normally includes two useful details:

• Version — identifies the Windows feature release.
• OS build — gives the more precise Windows build number.

The build number can be particularly useful when troubleshooting an update problem or checking whether a program requires a particular Windows release.

Method 3: Check Your Windows Version Using Command Prompt

If you want more detailed information, Windows can report it through Command Prompt.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type Command Prompt or cmd.
3. Open Command Prompt.
4. Type the following command and press Enter:

systeminfo

Windows will collect system details and display information including:

• OS Name
• OS Version
• System manufacturer
• System model
• System type
• Processor information
• Installed memory

This method is useful when you need both Windows and hardware information for troubleshooting or software compatibility.

Method 4: Use Windows System Information

The built-in System Information tool provides detailed Windows and hardware information without requiring any commands.

1. Open Start or Windows Search.
2. Type System Information.
3. Open the System Information application.
4. Select System Summary if it is not already selected.

The window includes information such as:

• OS Name
• Version
• System manufacturer
• System model
• System type
• Processor
• Installed memory

This is particularly useful when a software supplier asks for both your operating system and PC specifications.

Windows Version, Edition and Build Number Explained

The terminology can be confusing because these details describe different parts of the Windows installation.

How Do I Check Whether I Have Windows Home or Pro?

If you specifically need to know whether the PC has Windows Home or Windows Pro:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select About.
4. Look under Windows specifications.
5. Read the entry beside Edition.

For example, it may display Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.

This distinction matters when buying or activating Windows because a licence must normally match the edition installed on the PC.

How Do I Know if Windows Is 32-bit or 64-bit?

Open Settings > System > About and look under Device specifications for System type.

A modern PC will commonly show wording similar to:

Remember that this is separate from your Windows edition. A PC can, for example, be running Windows 11 Pro as a 64-bit operating system.

Why Does Knowing Your Windows Version Matter?

Checking the exact Windows version can help when:

• installing new software
• checking whether a program supports your PC
• troubleshooting Windows problems
• checking update requirements
• installing hardware drivers
• buying the correct Windows edition
• checking whether an activation key matches the installed edition

What if My PC Says Windows 10?

Windows 10 PCs continue to operate, but standard Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on 14 October 2025.

For ordinary Windows 10 installations this means Microsoft no longer provides the normal free security fixes, feature updates or technical assistance that were available during the supported lifecycle.

Some eligible Windows 10 devices can continue receiving security updates through Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates programme, and certain specialist LTSC editions have different lifecycle dates.

Which Method Should You Use?

Frequently Asked Questions