How to check which version of Windows you have on your computer

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How to check which version of Windows you have on your computer
You might need to know what version of Windows you have when updating. Microsoft
  • You can see what version of Windows you have quickly by searching for "winver" in the search menu.
  • In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can also go to your computer's "About" menu for more information.
  • Windows 8 users can open the "PC Info" menu to check their PC's specifications.
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Do you know which version of Windows you're running? Most of the time, there's little reason to care. But if you're trying to upgrade your system or use a program that requires a specific version, you'll need to know.

Luckily, every version of Windows lets you check the current version in a few ways. Here are the easiest ways to check exactly which version of Windows you have in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.

Quick tip: To upgrade your PC to Windows 11, read our Windows update guide.

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How to check which version of Windows you have

This method will work in every version of Windows. The only difference between them is where the Search feature is; in Windows 10 and 8 it'll be in the Start menu on the left side of the toolbar, and in Windows 11 it'll be the magnifying glass icon in the middle of the toolbar.

1. Open the search menu.

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2. Type "winver" in the search box and press Enter.

How to check which version of Windows you have on your computer
Type "winver" in the Start menu to find out your version of Windows. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

You should see the About Windows box with your Windows version information appear.

How to check which version of Windows you have on your computer
You should see an informational dialog box like this one when you run winver. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

If you want to know more than just what version of Windows you have, you can open another menu to find your PC's exact CPU type, ID number, and more.

How to check your Windows PC's specs

In Windows 11 and Windows 10

1. Click the Start icon, and then select the Settings option.

2. In the Settings menu, select System.

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3. On the System page, and click About. This will be the last option at the bottom of the System page.

How to check which version of Windows you have on your computer
Open your PC's "About" menu. William Antonelli/Insider

You'll see a page filled with information about your PC. This will include your PC's current name, what kind of CPU you have, your RAM, and your device's ID numbers.

How to check which version of Windows you have on your computer
Explore the About page to find more of your computer's specs. William Antonelli/Insider

In Windows 8

1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings menu.

2. In Settings, click Change PC settings.

3. Click PC and devices, and then click PC info.

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