If you’re troubleshooting a system issue, installing new software, updating drivers, or simply following a tech tutorial, one of the first things you’ll be asked is:
“What version of Windows are you using?”
Knowing your exact Windows 11 or Windows 10 version, build number, and edition is extremely important. Many features, security updates, and system settings depend on your Windows version. For example:
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Some features are only available in specific Windows 11 releases like 23H2 or 24H2
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Certain apps require a specific Windows 10 build
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Enterprise features depend on your Windows edition (Home, Pro, Enterprise)
In this complete guide, you’ll learn all the working methods to check your Windows version in both Windows 11 and Windows 10 — step by step and beginner-friendly.
Why Checking Your Windows Version Matters
Before jumping into methods, here’s what you should understand:
When someone asks for your Windows version, they usually mean:
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Edition (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education)
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Version (like 22H2, 23H2, 24H2)
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OS Build Number
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Whether it’s 64-bit or 32-bit
Now let’s go through every method to find this information.
Method 1: Check Windows Version Using “winver” (Fastest Method)
This is the quickest and most reliable method.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
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The Run dialog box will open.
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Type:
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Press Enter.
What You’ll See:
A small window titled About Windows will appear showing:
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Windows edition
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Version (like 23H2, 24H2, 22H2)
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OS Build number
This works in:
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Windows 11
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Windows 10
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Even older Windows versions
✔ Best for quick version checking.
Method 2: Check Windows Version via Settings (Recommended)
This method gives more detailed information.
For Windows 11
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Click System.
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Scroll down and click About.
Under Windows Specifications, you’ll see:
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Edition (Windows 11 Home/Pro/Enterprise/Education)
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Version (23H2, 24H2, etc.)
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Installed on date
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OS Build
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Experience Pack version
For Windows 10
Steps:
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Press Windows + I
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Click System
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Click About (left sidebar)
Scroll to Windows Specifications to see:
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Edition
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Version (like 22H2)
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OS Build
✔ Best method for detailed system information.
Method 3: Check Windows Version Using Command Prompt
If you prefer command-line tools, this method is perfect.
Steps:
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Press Windows key
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Type cmd
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Click Command Prompt
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Type:
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Press Enter
Look for:
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OS Name
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OS Version
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OS Build
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System Type (x64-based PC or x86)
This method gives detailed system information useful for troubleshooting.
Method 4: Check Windows Version Using PowerShell
PowerShell gives more advanced information.
Steps:
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Right-click the Start button
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Select Windows Terminal or PowerShell
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Type:
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Press Enter
You’ll see:
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Windows Product Name
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Version
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Additional system details
✔ Useful for advanced users and IT professionals.
Method 5: Check Windows Version via System Information Tool
This method provides complete system details.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R
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Type:
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Press Enter
The System Information window will open.
Under System Summary, look for:
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OS Name
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Version
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System Type
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BIOS Version
✔ Great for detailed hardware + OS overview.
Method 6: Check Windows Version from File Explorer
This method shows your edition quickly.
Steps:
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Open File Explorer
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Right-click This PC
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Click Properties
In Windows 11, this redirects to the About page in Settings where you can see your version and edition.
Method 7: Check Windows Version Using Registry (Advanced)
⚠ Only recommended for advanced users.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R
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Type:
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Press Enter
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Navigate to:
Here you’ll see:
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ProductName
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DisplayVersion
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CurrentBuild
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EditionID
Complete List of Windows 11 Versions (Latest Included)
Below are all major public releases of Windows 11:
| Version | Codename | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | Original Release | 2021 |
| 22H2 | Sun Valley 2 | 2022 |
| 23H2 | Moment 4 Update | 2023 |
| 24H2 | Major Feature Update | 2024 |
| 25H2 (Expected/Rolling) | Upcoming | 2025–2026 |
Latest stable version (as of now): Windows 11 24H2
Complete List of Windows 10 Versions (All Major Releases)
| Version | Release Date |
|---|---|
| 1507 | July 2015 (Original) |
| 1511 | November 2015 |
| 1607 | August 2016 |
| 1703 | April 2017 |
| 1709 | October 2017 |
| 1803 | April 2018 |
| 1809 | October 2018 |
| 1903 | May 2019 |
| 1909 | November 2019 |
| 2004 | May 2020 |
| 20H2 | October 2020 |
| 21H1 | May 2021 |
| 21H2 | November 2021 |
| 22H2 | October 2022 (Final Major Update) |
Latest and final feature version of Windows 10: 22H2
(Windows 10 continues to receive security updates until October 14, 2025.)
Difference Between Windows Version, Edition & Build
Many users get confused, so here’s a simple breakdown:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Edition | Home, Pro, Enterprise |
| Version | 22H2, 23H2, 24H2 |
| OS Build | Detailed update number |
| System Type | 64-bit or 32-bit |
How to Check If You Have 64-bit or 32-bit Windows
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Open Settings
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Go to System → About
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Look for System Type
You’ll see:
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64-bit operating system
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32-bit operating system
Most modern PCs use 64-bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest Windows 11 version?
The latest widely available version is Windows 11 24H2.
What is the latest Windows 10 version?
The final feature update for Windows 10 is 22H2.
Can I upgrade my Windows version?
Yes. Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
If a new version is available, you can install it.
Final Words
Checking your Windows 11 or Windows 10 version is easy and takes less than a minute. Whether you’re troubleshooting, installing software, or confirming compatibility, knowing your exact edition, version, and build number is essential.
The fastest method is:
Press Windows + R → Type “winver” → Press Enter
For detailed information, use:
Settings → System → About
If you’re managing multiple systems or working in IT, Command Prompt and PowerShell methods are more powerful options.