How to Check Windows Version: All Methods

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

Knowing the exact version, build, and edition of Windows is a fundamental requirement for solving many tasks. This information is critically important when:

• Searching for drivers — hardware manufacturers specify compatibility with specific OS versions.
• Installing software — some applications require a certain minimum build.
• Contacting technical support — specialists need this data immediately.
• Checking system relevance — for installing updates or assessing the need for an upgrade.

This guide describes several quick and reliable ways to obtain this information, from a single command to navigation through the graphical interface.

Requirements / Preparation

To complete all steps, nothing needs to be installed. You will need:

• A working Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server operating system.
• Access to standard system tools (Command Prompt, PowerShell, the Settings app).
• Local user privileges (administrator is not required).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Method 1: Using the Winver Utility

This is the fastest and most visual way to get key information.

1. Press the Win + R key combination to open the "Run" window.
2. In the "Open" field, type the command winver and press Enter or the "OK" button.
3. A small dialog box will open. The first line will show the version (e.g., 22H2), build (e.g., 19045.3448), and edition (e.g., Windows 11 Pro).

💡 Tip: If nothing happens after entering winver, the system might be blocking the execution of this file. In this case, use Method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Through Command Prompt or PowerShell

This method provides more control and the possibility for automation.

1. Open Command Prompt (cmd) or PowerShell. To do this, press Win + R, type cmd or powershell, and press Enter.
2. For brief information: Type the command ver and press Enter. The output will be brief, for example: Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3448].
3. For full information: Type the command:

   systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"
   

   • systeminfo — requests a full system report.
   • | (vertical bar) pipes the output of the first command as input to the second.
   • findstr searches for lines that start (/B) with the specified prefixes (/C:"...").
4. As a result, you will see two clear lines:

   OS Name:                   Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
   OS Version:                10.0.19045 N/A Build 19045
   

Method 3: Through the "Settings" Graphical Interface (Win 10/11)

The most modern and familiar way for most users.

1. Open the "Settings" app. Press Win + I or open the Start menu and select the gear icon.
2. Go to the "System" section.
3. In the left panel, select "About" (in Windows 11) or simply scroll down the page (in Windows 10).
4. In the right part of the window, in the "Windows specifications" section, find the fields:
   • Version (e.g., 22H2)
   • Build (e.g., 19045.3448)
   • Edition (e.g., Windows 11 Pro)

Method 4: Through "Control Panel" (Classic)

This method works in all versions of Windows starting from XP.

1. Open "Control Panel" (via search in the Start menu or Win + R → control).
2. Navigate to "System and Security" → "System".
3. On the right panel under the "Windows" heading, the version, build, and edition of your operating system will be indicated.

Result Verification

After completing any of the methods, you should see clear textual or graphical data. Compare the obtained values with the expected ones. For example, if you installed recent updates, the build should be higher than it was a month ago. If you see Windows 10 in the "About" section but expected Windows 11, it means the 10th version is installed on the device.

Possible Issues

• The winver command does not run. The winver.exe file might be corrupted or blocked by policies. Use Method 2 (systeminfo) or 3 ("Settings"). As a last resort, you can run it via PowerShell: Start-Process winver.exe.
• The systeminfo output lacks the "OS Name" lines. Ensure you entered the command exactly: systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version". Pay attention to quotes and spaces. If the system is not in English, the line names may differ (e.g., "Имя ОС"). In this case, it's easier to use winver or "Settings".
• "Settings" → "About" has no version data. This is possible with serious system corruption or in very old Windows 10 builds. It is recommended to check system file integrity: open Command Prompt as an administrator and run sfc /scannow. After the scan completes, restart the computer and repeat the check.