Hello readers! Today, we will be discussing a common question that many Windows 10 users face – how to check Windows version in Windows 10? Knowing your Windows version is essential for many reasons, such as determining if your PC is compatible with certain software or updates. Fortunately, checking your Windows 10 version is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. In this article, we will guide you through these steps and provide additional tips and tricks along the way.
Steps to Check Windows Version in Windows 10
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
The first step is to open the Start menu on your Windows 10 PC. You can do this by clicking on the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Click on Settings
Once the Start menu is open, click on the Settings icon. This is represented by a gear icon and is located at the left-hand side of the Start menu.
Step 3: Click on System
After clicking on Settings, you will be taken to the Windows Settings menu. Here, click on the System tab.
Step 4: Click on About
Once you are in the System settings, scroll down until you find the About option. Click on it to open the About page.
Step 5: Check the Windows Specifications
On the About page, you will find the Windows Specifications section. This section provides important information about your PC, including your Windows version and edition.
Step 6: Check the Edition
Under the Windows Specifications section, you will find the Edition category. This tells you which edition of Windows 10 you are running, such as Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise.
Step 7: Check the Version
Next, look for the Version category in the Windows Specifications section. This will tell you the specific version number of your Windows 10, such as version 2004 or 21H1.
Step 8: Check the OS Build
The OS Build category under Windows Specifications provides information about the build number of your Windows 10. This is important for determining if your PC has received the latest security updates.
Step 9: Check the System Type
Under the Device Specifications section, you will find the System type category. This tells you whether your PC is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10.
Step 10: Use the Winver Command
Another quick and easy way to check your Windows 10 version is to use the Winver command. Simply press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type “winver”, and hit Enter. This will open a dialog box showing your Windows version and build number.
Step 11: Check the Registry
Advanced users can also check their Windows version by accessing the Registry. To do this, open the Run dialog box (Windows key + R), type “regedit”, and hit Enter. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion and look for the ReleaseID and CurrentBuildNumber entries to find your Windows version and build number.
Step 12: Check the Command Prompt
Finally, you can also check your Windows version using the Command Prompt. Open the Start menu, search for “Command Prompt”, and open it. Type “systeminfo” and hit Enter. This will display detailed system information, including your Windows version and build number.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Check for Updates
Make sure to regularly check for Windows updates to ensure that your PC is running the latest and most secure version of Windows 10.
Tip 2: Use the System Information Tool
Windows 10 also comes with a built-in System Information tool that provides detailed information about your PC, including your Windows version.
Tip 3: Use the Settings App
In addition to checking your Windows version, the Settings app is also useful for customizing various aspects of your Windows 10 PC.
Tip 4: Use the Control Panel
While the Settings app has replaced many of the functions of the Control Panel, it is still a useful tool for managing your Windows 10 PC.
Tip 5: Check the Windows Support Site
If you are experiencing issues with your Windows 10 PC, visit the Windows Support site for helpful articles and troubleshooting guides.
Tip 6: Use Third-Party System Information Tools
There are many third-party system information tools available that can provide even more detailed information about your PC and Windows version.
Tip 7: Keep Your PC Clean
Ensure that your PC is free of malware and unnecessary files, as these can slow down your system and cause issues with your Windows version.
Tip 8: Use the Command Prompt for Advanced Tasks
For advanced users, the Command Prompt is a powerful tool for performing various tasks, including checking your Windows version.
Tip 9: Research Before You Update
Before updating your Windows 10 version, research the changes and new features to ensure that they are compatible and relevant to your needs.
Tip 10: Contact Support with Issues
If you experience any issues with your Windows version, contact Microsoft support for assistance and troubleshooting.
That’s it for our guide on how to check Windows version in Windows 10. We hope this article has been helpful and informative. Remember to regularly check for updates and keep your PC clean to ensure optimal performance. Thank you for reading!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Checking Windows Version in Windows 10
Advantages
1. Knowing which version of Windows 10 you have can help you troubleshoot issues with your computer more efficiently.
2. Checking your Windows version can also help you determine whether your computer is running the latest updates from Microsoft.
3. If you need to download or install software that is compatible with your version of Windows, checking your Windows version is essential.
4. You can also determine whether your computer meets the system requirements for certain software or games by checking your Windows version.
5. Knowing your Windows version can also help you identify which hardware drivers are compatible with your system.
6. The process for checking your Windows version is easy and can be done quickly, so it doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
7. Checking your Windows version can help you stay organized by keeping track of which machines are running which versions and updates.
8. If you’re working in an IT department, knowing the Windows versions of your company’s computers can help with managing software deployment and troubleshooting.
9. Checking your Windows version can also be useful when seeking technical support, as support personnel can pinpoint issues more easily when they know which version of Windows you’re using.
10. Finally, keeping track of your Windows version can help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your computer’s performance and capabilities.
Disadvantages
1. If you’re not familiar with how to check your Windows version, it can be confusing or time-consuming to figure out.
2. Some older software applications may not be able to run on newer versions of Windows, so it’s essential to ensure that you’re using the right version before installation.
3. It’s crucial to keep up with the latest updates for your version of Windows to ensure that your computer is secure and running at its best, which can be challenging if you don’t check your Windows version regularly.
4. Checking your Windows version doesn’t provide a complete picture of your computer’s hardware or software configuration, so you may still need to troubleshoot other issues separately.
5. In some cases, checking your Windows version may reveal that updates haven’t been installed correctly, which can be frustrating to resolve and may require further technical support.
6. If you’re using multiple versions of Windows 10 across different machines, it can be challenging to keep track of which version is running on each computer and ensure that all of them are up to date.
7. Because checking your Windows version is a manual process, it can be easy to forget to do it regularly or to overlook it altogether.
8. Some users may feel that the benefits of checking their Windows version do not outweigh the effort required to do so, especially if they’re not having any obvious issues with their computer.
9. If you’re not familiar with the technical details of your computer’s hardware and software components, checking your Windows version may not provide much value or actionable insights.
10. Finally, there are various tools available that can automate the process of checking your Windows version, but these may come with their own set of challenges, such as compatibility issues or security risks.
FAQ: How to Check Windows Version in Windows 10
Q1: Why do I need to check my Windows version?
A: Knowing the version of Windows installed on your computer can be useful when troubleshooting issues and installing software that has system requirements.
Q2: How do I check my Windows version?
A: You can check your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About. Under the “Windows specifications” section, you’ll see the version and build number.
Q3: Can I check my Windows version using the Command Prompt?
A: Yes, you can check your Windows version by opening Command Prompt and typing in “winver” (without the quotes). This will open a window with your Windows version and build number.
Q4: What is a build number?
A: A build number is a unique identifier assigned to specific versions of Windows. Each new version of Windows typically has a new build number assigned to it.
Q5: What is the latest version of Windows 10?
A: As of August 2021, the latest version of Windows 10 is version 21H1.
Q6: How often do new versions of Windows 10 come out?
A: New versions of Windows 10 usually come out twice a year, in the spring and fall.
Q7: Can I downgrade my Windows version?
A: It is possible to downgrade your Windows version, but it is not recommended as it can cause compatibility issues and potential security vulnerabilities.
Q8: How do I update my Windows version?
A: You can update your Windows version by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. From there, you can check for updates and download and install the latest version.
Q9: What happens if I have an outdated version of Windows?
A: Having an outdated version of Windows can leave your computer vulnerable to security threats and may cause compatibility issues with new software.
Q10: Can I install software on an older version of Windows?
A: It depends on the software’s system requirements. Some software may only be compatible with certain versions of Windows.
Q11: How do I know if my computer can handle a newer version of Windows?
A: You can check the system requirements for the newer version of Windows to see if your computer meets them. You can typically find this information on Microsoft’s website.
Q12: What should I do if my computer doesn’t meet the system requirements for a newer version of Windows?
A: If your computer doesn’t meet the system requirements for a newer version of Windows, you may need to upgrade your hardware or stick with your current version of Windows.
Q13: Should I upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10?
A: It depends on your needs and preferences. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest features and security updates, upgrading to the latest version is recommended. However, if your current version is working well for you, there may be no need to upgrade.
How to Check Windows Version in Windows 10
It is important to know which version of Windows 10 you have installed on your computer. This information can come in handy when troubleshooting issues or determining which software and hardware are compatible with your system. Here are a few easy ways to check your Windows version:
Conclusion
Knowing which version of Windows 10 you are using is important for many reasons. It can help you troubleshoot issues, determine compatibility, and ensure that your system is up to date with the latest security patches and updates. With the methods outlined above, you can quickly and easily check your version of Windows 10, whether you prefer to use the Settings app, the Run command, or the Command Prompt. Keep this information handy and don’t hesitate to seek out additional resources if you need further assistance.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope you found this information useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Good luck with checking your Windows version and happy computing!
Until next time!