How to Find the Windows Server Version
Windows Server is a popular operating system developed by Microsoft, used for various purposes such as hosting servers, managing networks, and providing IT services. With numerous versions of Windows Server, it can be challenging to determine the exact version. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to find the Windows Server version.
Step 1: Check the System Information
The first step to find the Windows Server version is to check the system information. Here’s how:
- Windows Server 2019 and later versions: You can check the system information by clicking on the Start button, then selecting System. In the System Properties window, click on System Details.
- Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2: To check the system information, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select Control Panel.
- Click on System and Security.
- Click on System.
- Click on System Properties.
- Click on System Details.
Step 2: Check the Product Key
Another way to find the Windows Server version is to check the product key. Here’s how:
- Windows Server 2019 and later versions: You can check the product key by clicking on the Start button, then selecting Control Panel. In the System and Security window, click on System. In the System Properties window, click on System Details.
- Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2: To check the product key, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select Control Panel.
- Click on System and Security.
- Click on System.
- Click on System Properties.
- Click on System Details.
Step 3: Check the Server Manager
The Server Manager is a built-in tool in Windows Server that allows you to manage and configure servers. Here’s how to check the version:
- Windows Server 2019 and later versions: You can check the version of the Server Manager by clicking on the Start button, then selecting Control Panel. In the System and Security window, click on System. In the System Properties window, click on System Details.
- Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2: To check the version of the Server Manager, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select Control Panel.
- Click on System and Security.
- Click on System.
- Click on System Properties.
- Click on System Details.
Step 4: Check the Event Logs
The Event Logs are a record of system events that occur on the server. Here’s how to check the version:
- Windows Server 2019 and later versions: You can check the Event Logs by clicking on the Start button, then selecting Event Viewer. In the Event Viewer window, click on Windows Logs.
- Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2: To check the Event Logs, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select Event Viewer.
- Click on Windows Logs.
- Click on Application.
Step 5: Check the Server Configuration Files
The Server Configuration files are used to configure the server. Here’s how to check the version:
- Windows Server 2019 and later versions: You can check the Server Configuration files by clicking on the Start button, then selecting Control Panel. In the System and Security window, click on System. In the System Properties window, click on System Details.
- Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2: To check the Server Configuration files, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select Control Panel.
- Click on System and Security.
- Click on System.
- Click on System Properties.
- Click on System Details.
Significant Points to Keep in Mind
- Windows Server 2019 and later versions: These versions are the latest and most secure versions of Windows Server.
- Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2: These versions are still supported, but they may not receive security updates as frequently as newer versions.
- Windows Server 2014 and 2012: These versions are no longer supported and should not be used.
Conclusion
Finding the Windows Server version can be a bit challenging, but with these steps, you can easily determine the exact version of your Windows Server. By checking the system information, product key, Server Manager, Event Logs, and Server Configuration files, you can ensure that your server is running the latest and most secure version of Windows Server.