How to Check What Version of Windows You Are Running

Often, it matters little what version of Windows you’re running on your PC. But if you’re trying to troubleshoot a technical problem or upgrade your system, you need to know.

This tutorial will show you how to identify most Windows versions at a glance and even get specific details such as the build number using simple commands.

Also read: Your PC Can’t Run Windows 11? Try Changing These Settings

How to Identify the Windows Version Visually

The fastest way to identify the version of Windows you’re running is through a visual check. After all, the general appearance of each Windows version is the same as long as you’ve not installed a custom theme.

Windows XP

Windows XP marked Microsoft’s golden age. Launched on October 25, 2001, it’s the longest-running operating system from Microsoft, with twenty one years under its belt.

Some of XP’s standout features include:

• Start Button: Windows XP has a green start button with the Windows logo and the word “Start”.
• Taskbar: XP comes with a blue taskbar with shadow effects to create a 3D illusion.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista, the Windows XP successor, was launched on January 30, 2007. Unfortunately, it was a dud and never took off as anticipated.

You’re running Windows Vista if you see the following:

• Start Button: Look out for a glassy Windows orb at the button left-hand side of your screen that extends above and below the taskbar.
• Glassy Windows: Vista features the Windows Aero theme characterized by transparent windows, sophisticated animations, and dynamic reflections.

Windows 7

Microsoft launched Windows 7 on October 22, 2009, and it became an instant hit with users. Support ended in 2020, but you can still use Windows 7 without updates.

Here’s how to tell if you’re using Windows 7:

• Start button: It has a glassy Windows orb similar to Windows Vista but fits completely within the taskbar.
• Start menu: The user profile picture extends upwards and out of the top of the start menu.
• Taskbar: The taskbar is transparent.

Also read: Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working: 12 Possible Fixes

Windows 8

Launched on August 1, 2012, Windows 8 was primarily aimed at touch screen devices. Unfortunately, it became a huge disappointment for everyone.

Here are some of the standout features of Windows 8:

• Start Screen: In Windows 8.0, you don’t have columns of icons that pop up after clicking the Start button. Instead, you have apps showing up as tiles on the Start screen.
• Start Button: In Windows 8.1, you have a Start button without the waving flag logo used in previous Windows operating systems. Instead, you have a logo with four panes set at an angle. The same logo is also used in Windows 10.

Windows 10

With more than 1 billion active users at the time of writing this, Windows 10 is the most popular operating system Microsoft has released.

• Start Menu: You have a start menu similar to Windows 7’s. But instead of having icons, you have Live Tiles (like those in Windows 8) inside the start menu.
• Start Button: The start button lives at the bottom left-hand corner of your screen with the Windows logo on top. The logo has four panes set at an angle.
• Search Box on Taskbar: On the left-hand side of the taskbar, you’ll see a search box with the words “Ask me anything.” This is the Cortana search box.

Windows 11

Microsoft launched Windows 11 in October 2021. As expected, it looks a lot more modern than the predecessor – Windows 10. Some of the outstanding features include:

• Rounded Edges: Windows corners for all apps are rounded.
• Taskbar: The tray area is clean, with app icons appearing at the center of the taskbar.
• Start Menu: The Start menu appears at the center of your screen. It looks a lot like the Android app launcher. The apps appear as a grid of icons that you can pin and unpin.
• Start Button: The Start button is a small Windows icon on the left side of the taskbar.
• Widgets Button: Windows 11 comes with a widgets button on the left-hand corner of the taskbar.

Also read: How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10

Alternative Ways to Check Your Windows Version

Unfortunately, checking the Windows version with your eyes isn’t very reliable. You see, it’s possible to use themes to change the look and feel of Windows, so things can get deceptive in the visual department.

Below, we’ve covered two reliable ways to check the version of Windows you’re running. They’re easy to use regardless of the Windows version, and you’ll even get the build number.

Note: The process is the same for the above Windows versions. But for this tutorial, we’re using Windows 11.

1. Using the Winver Command

Winver is a Windows command used to display the version of Windows you’re running, the service packs you’ve installed, and the build number. Here’s how to execute the command.

1. Press Win+R to open the “Run” application.
2. Type winver into the textbox in the ‘Run” application window and press Enter.

3. A new window will open showing the Windows version and the build number. Click “OK” to close the Window.

Also read: 15 Safe Websites for Downloading Windows Software

2. With CMD

While it might sound complicated, using CMD (Windows Command Prompt) to find out what version of Windows you’re running is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s how to go about it.

1. Press Win+R. The “Run” application will open.
2. Enter cmd into the “Run” application textbox and click “OK”.

3. Command Prompt will open. Type systeminfo and press Enter to execute the command. You’ll get details of your system inside the terminal output. This includes the Windows version and the build number.

Also read: Windows Home vs. Pro: Which Edition Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

Image credit: Pixabay

Richard Kanyoro

I'm a tech writer. I believe the world’s biggest problems can be solved by progressively solving the little ones. I hope that through my writing, I can help people solve the little problems in their life.