How to Find Out the Version of Windows?
Window users often need to know the version of their operating system, especially when troubleshooting issues or seeking technical support. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to find out the version of Windows, including both Windows 10 and older versions.
Why Know Your Windows Version?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why knowing your Windows version is important:
• Troubleshooting: Knowing the version of your Windows operating system can help you troubleshoot issues, as different versions have different bug fixes and patches.
• Compatibility: Understanding your Windows version is crucial when using software, as some programs are compatible with specific versions only.
• System Requirements: When installing or upgrading software, it’s essential to know the minimum system requirements, including the required Windows version.
Direct Answer: How do I find out version of Windows?
The easiest way to find out the version of Windows is to check the System Information. Here are the steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type systeminformation and press Enter to open System Information.
- Look for the OS Name and Version under the System Summary section.
Alternative Methods:
- Check the Task Manager:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.
- Click on the Performance tab.
- Look for the System section.
- The Windows version is listed as OS Name and Version.
- Check the Registry:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NT**.
- Look for the CurrentVersion key.
- The value of the ReleaseId is the Windows version.
- Check the About Windows Page:
- Click on the Start button.
- Type About in the search bar.
- Click on About Windows.
- The version is listed under the About Windows section.
Additional Tips:
• Check the size of the Windows userdata folder:
- The user folder size increases as Windows version updates.
- This method is not always reliable, but can give a rough idea of the Windows version.
• Check the System Directory: - The System Directory typically contains files and folders specific to the Windows version.
- This method requires administrative privileges and is not recommended unless necessary.
Summary:
In this article, we have covered various methods to find out the version of Windows, including the direct answer to the question. We also discussed why knowing the Windows version is essential and provided additional tips and methods to aid in the discovery process. By following these steps, you will be able to determine your Windows version with ease.
Table: Correspondence of Windows Versions and Their Release Dates
| Version | Release Date | End of Mainstream Support |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | July 29, 2015 | October 13, 2025 |
| Windows 8.1 | October 17, 2013 | January 10, 2023 |
| Windows 8 | August 1, 2012 | January 12, 2016 |
| Windows 7 | October 22, 2009 | January 14, 2020 |
| Windows Vista | January 30, 2007 | April 10, 2012 |
| Windows XP | October 25, 2001 | April 8, 2014 |
Note: The release date and end of mainstream support dates may vary depending on the country and edition of Windows.