How to Check Which Windows Version You Have: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Knowing which Windows version you have is crucial for various reasons. For instance, you may need to know whether your computer is compatible with new software or hardware. Additionally, you may need to know which version of Windows you have to determine which updates you need. Checking your Windows version is easy and can be done using various methods that we’ll explore in this article.

Step-by-Step Guide

The first and easiest way to check your Windows version is through the Control Panel. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Start menu and search for Control Panel
2. With the Control Panel open, click on “System and Security” and then on “System”
3. The window that appears displays System Information, including the Edition, Version, and System Type of your system.

If you’re using Windows 10, another way to access this information is by typing “About Your PC” in the taskbar search box.

Command Line Method

If you prefer using command-line tools, you can check your Windows version using Command Prompt or PowerShell. Here’s how:

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell (Press Win + X, then click on Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell)
2. Type in the command “winver” and hit Enter
3. A window titled “About Windows” appears displaying your Windows version information.

Note that some users may not be familiar with command-line tools. Exercise caution when typing in commands and ensure that you’re using the correct commands.

System Information

The Windows System Information tool offers another way to check your Windows version:

1. Click on the Start menu and search for “System Information”
2. With System Information open, look for the “System Type” and “OS Name” fields, which display your Windows version information

System Information also displays various other system details that can be useful for troubleshooting issues.

Keyboard Shortcut

Another quick way to check your Windows version is by using a keyboard shortcut. Here’s how:

1. Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard
2. In the Run dialog box, type “winver” and press Enter
3. A window titled “About Windows” appears displaying your Windows version information.

Check via PC Settings

Windows 10 users can check their Windows version using the Settings app:

1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon)
2. Click on “System” from the options displayed on the Settings menu
3. Scroll down until you find “About” and click it.
4. Look for the “Windows specifications” field, which displays your Windows version information

Registry Method

The Registry Editor can offer yet another way to check your Windows version:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard
2. Type “regedit” into the Run dialog box and hit Enter.
3. When the Registry Editor window opens, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
4. Look for the “ReleaseId” value and double-click on it.
5. The “Edit DWORD Value” window will appear, displaying your Windows version information

Note that the Registry Editor is a powerful tool that can cause damage to your Windows system if not used properly.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several ways to check which Windows version you have. Whether you prefer using the Control Panel, command-line tools, the System Information tool, the Settings app, or the Registry Editor, all these methods can give you the information you need in seconds.

We encourage you to try out each method and see which one works best for you. If you’re having trouble checking your Windows version, consult relevant online resources or seek help from an IT professional.