How to Check the Version of Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Knowing the version of the Windows operating system in your computer is essential to ensure its compatibility with software applications, drivers, and other updates. However, some users may find it tricky to determine the version of Windows they are using, especially when they encounter errors, compatibility issues, or if they need to install new drivers or applications.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check the version of Windows using six different methods. These methods include command prompt, control panel, registry editor, PowerShell, settings app, and system information. By following these simple and easy-to-use methods, you can quickly determine which Windows version you are using.

II. Step-by-Step Guide

One of the easy methods to check the version of Windows is by simply using the Windows dialog box. Here are the step-by-step instructions to follow:

A. Introduction to the First Method

The Windows dialog box is a built-in feature in the Windows operating system, allowing users to check the version of Windows with just a few clicks. It doesn’t require any technical skills or knowledge, making it a convenient and straightforward method to use.

B. Step-by-Step Guide to Check the Version of Windows with Screenshots

  1. Open the Run window by pressing the Windows key + R.
  2. On the Run box, type “winver” and press Enter or click OK.
  3. The About Windows dialog box will appear, showing the Windows version and build you are using. You can also see the version number, system type, and other specifications related to your Windows version.
  4. You can also check the About section of the Settings app to view the current version of Windows installed on your computer.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of This Method

The Windows dialog box method is easy, convenient, and doesn’t require any technical skills. It is perfect for users who need a quick and straightforward way to determine their Windows version. However, it doesn’t provide detailed information and system specifications, making it limited for technical users.

III. The Command Prompt Way

A. Introduction to the Command Prompt Method

The command prompt is another built-in feature of Windows that allows users to perform various system-related tasks, including checking the version of Windows. This method provides a more detailed and system-specific information compared to the Windows dialog box method.

B. Detailed Instructions on How to Check the Version of Windows Using the Command Prompt

  1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + X and click Command Prompt.
  2. Type “systeminfo” command and press Enter.
  3. Wait for a few seconds, and then the system will display a comprehensive list of system information, including the Windows version and build number.
  4. Scroll through the report and locate the system information section to find the Windows version and other specifications.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of This Method

The command prompt method provides a more detailed and comprehensive system specification, making it an excellent option for technical users and system administrators. However, it requires basic knowledge of the command prompt and may not be suitable for users who are not familiar with command-line operations.

IV. Control Panel Method

A. Explanation of the Control Panel Method

The Control Panel is a graphical user interface in Windows that allows users to manage and configure various system settings. This method provides an easy way to find the Windows version, which can be useful when users encounter issues related to the operating system.

B. Step-by-Step Guide to Check Windows Version Using Control Panel

  1. Open the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar or press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel from the menu.
  2. Click on the System and Security option.
  3. Click on the System option, and the About section will display the Windows specification, including the version and build number.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of This Method

The Control Panel method provides an easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for all users. It doesn’t require any technical skills and displays more system information than the Windows dialog box method. However, it may not display comprehensive information compared to the command prompt or registry editor methods.

V. Registry Method

A. Introduction to the Registry Method

The registry editor is a feature in Windows that allows users to view, modify, and configure various system settings. This method provides a detailed and precise Windows specification, which can be helpful when troubleshooting issues related to the operating system.

B. Detailed Instructions on How to Check Windows Version Using the Registry Editor

  1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R and type “regedit” in the Run dialog box.
  2. Locate the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion.
  3. Click on the CurrentVersion key, and look for the Version and BuildNumber entries on the right panel.
  4. The Version entry displays the Windows version, while the BuildNumber entry displays the build number of Windows.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of This Method

The registry editor method provides the most precise and detailed Windows specification, making it an ideal method for technical users and system administrators. However, it requires advanced knowledge of the registry editor and should be used with caution, as any changes to the registry can cause issues in the operating system.

VI. PowerShell Method

A. Introduction to PowerShell Method

PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool in Windows that allows users to automate various system-related tasks, including checking the version of Windows. This method provides a more detailed and comprehensive system information than the Control Panel or Windows dialog box method.

B. Detailed Instructions on How to Check Windows Version Using PowerShell

  1. Open PowerShell by typing “PowerShell” in the search bar, and then right-click on the PowerShell app and select Run as Administrator.
  2. Type the following command: Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion, OsHardwareAbstractionLayer | Format-List.
  3. Wait for a few seconds, and the system will display the Windows product name, version, and hardware abstraction layer specifications.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of This Method

The PowerShell method provides a comprehensive and system-specific Windows specification, making it an ideal option for system administrators and technical users. However, it requires basic knowledge of PowerShell operations and may not be suitable for users who are not familiar with command-line operations.

VII. Settings App Way

A. Introduction to the Settings App Method

The Settings app is the modern and user-friendly interface in Windows that allows users to manage and configure various system settings, including the Windows version and specifications. This method provides an easy and accessible way to find the Windows version and other system details.

B. Step-by-Step Guide to Check Windows Version Using the Settings app

  1. Open the Settings app by typing “Settings” in the search bar or pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Click on the System option.
  3. Click on the About section.
  4. The Windows specification, including the Windows version and build number, will be displayed.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of This Method

The Settings app method provides an accessible and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for all Windows users. It displays more system information than the Windows dialog box method and doesn’t require any technical skills. However, it may not provide comprehensive information compared to the command prompt, registry editor, or PowerShell methods.

VIII. System Information Method

A. Introduction to the System Information Method

The System Information method is a built-in tool in Windows that allows users to view a detailed system report, including the Windows version and specifications. This method provides a more comprehensive and system-specific Windows specification compared to the Windows dialog box or Control Panel method.

B. Detailed Instructions on How to Check Windows Version Using System Information

  1. Open System Information by typing “msinfo32” in the search bar, or press the Windows key + R and type “msinfo32” in the Run dialog box.
  2. Click on the System Summary option, and the system specification, including the Windows version and build number, will be displayed.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of This Method

The System Information method provides the most comprehensive and system-specific Windows specification, making it an ideal method for technical users and system administrators. However, it may not be suitable for users who are not familiar with the technical specifications and requires more steps compared to the Windows dialog box or Control Panel method.

IX. Conclusion

Checking the version of Windows installed on your computer is essential to ensure its compatibility with software applications, drivers, and other updates. The methods provided in this article – Command Prompt, Control Panel, Registry Editor, PowerShell, Settings app, and System Information – offer various options to determine the Windows version quickly and easily.

We recommend using the Windows dialog box method for novice users who require a simple and straightforward way to check the Windows version. For technical users and system administrators, we recommend using the command prompt, registry editor, or PowerShell methods, as they provide a more detailed and comprehensive system specification.

By choosing the appropriate method, you can ensure the compatibility and smooth functioning of your Windows operating system, drivers, and software applications.

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