How to Find Windows Operating System Version
Step 1: Check Your Computer’s Device Manager
The first step to finding the Windows operating system version is to check your computer’s device manager. The device manager is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to manage and troubleshoot your computer’s hardware components.
To access the device manager, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- Click on Device Manager from the pop-up menu.
- In the device manager, you will see a list of all the hardware components on your computer, including the operating system.
Step 2: Look for the Version Number
Once you have accessed the device manager, look for the version number of the operating system. The version number is usually displayed in the System Information section of the device manager.
Here’s how to find the version number:
- In the System Information section, click on Details.
- In the Details section, you will see a list of all the hardware components on your computer, including the operating system.
- Look for the Windows Version or Windows Build number, which is usually displayed in the System Information section.
Step 3: Check the Command Prompt
Another way to find the Windows operating system version is to check the command prompt. The command prompt is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to execute commands and troubleshoot your computer’s hardware components.
To access the command prompt, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- In the command prompt, type ver and press Enter.
The ver command will display the version number of the operating system.
Step 4: Check the System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool in Windows that scans your computer’s system files for any errors or corruption. The SFC tool can also be used to update your operating system to the latest version.
To check the SFC tool, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- Click on Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
The SFC tool will scan your computer’s system files for any errors or corruption and update your operating system to the latest version.
Step 5: Check the Windows Update History
The Windows Update History is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to view your computer’s update history. The update history includes information about any updates that have been installed on your computer, including the version number of the operating system.
To access the Windows Update History, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- Click on Windows Update.
- In the Windows Update window, click on View update history.
- In the update history window, you will see a list of all the updates that have been installed on your computer, including the version number of the operating system.
Significant Points to Keep in Mind
- The version number of the operating system is usually displayed in the System Information section of the device manager.
- The ver command in the command prompt can be used to display the version number of the operating system.
- The System File Checker (SFC) tool can be used to update your operating system to the latest version.
- The Windows Update History is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to view your computer’s update history.
Table: Windows Operating System Version
| Version | Release Date | Build Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | 2015 | 1511 | Initial release of Windows 10 |
| Windows 10 Anniversary Update | 2016 | 14393 | Released as a free update to Windows 10 |
| Windows 10 Creators Update | 2017 | 18362 | Released as a free update to Windows 10 |
| Windows 10 Update 1903 | 2019 | 18362 | Released as a free update to Windows 10 |
| Windows 11 | 2021 | 22130 | Released as a free update to Windows 10 |
Conclusion
Finding the Windows operating system version is a simple process that can be done using the device manager, command prompt, and Windows Update History. By following these steps and checking the version number of the operating system, you can ensure that your computer is running the latest version of Windows.