What version of Windows do I have?

Sometimes a user wonders, “what version of Windows do I have?”. Normally, for home or business use, it is not necessary nor easy to memorize the exact version number. However, these versions are signified by their respective names. If you are a beginner and unable to identify your Windows version, then you can face serious issues in installing applications and updating your system.

See also: How to find out the number of cores and the processor speed on Windows 10

Checking your version

This operation can be performed on all versions of Windows in the same way. On your keyboard press and hold Windows Key, then press R + WIN to open up Run dialogue box. Simply type winver (Windows Version) to see the information regarding your Windows.

Listed below are the major versions of Windows and how you can check the version in each.

Windows 10

Loved by the gaming community, Windows 10 is by far the latest and greatest version of Windows. Windows 10 is pre-installed in the latest computers and laptops. You will also find an improved browser, Microsoft Edge as a replacement for the infamous Internet Explorer in this version of Windows.

If you have an organised Start Menu and if with right-click a Power User Menu opens, it means you have Windows 10 installed. A virtual voice assistant named Cortana is a prominent feature of this version.

By accessing Settings from the Start Menu, you can verify the version and system type (32-bit or 64-bit). Type in the Settings search box Windows version, and click “See if you have a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows”.

Once you do this, “About” page will open up, with all the info you need.

Windows 8 or 8.1

The main difference between these two versions is the Start Menu button on bottom-left of the desktop. If you see the button, then it means you have Windows 8.1 because Windows 8 does not display the Start Menu button at all.

This version was optimized for then-trending touch PC devices. You would see your applications are placed on the screen, much like the platform of handheld devices. All the information regarding system type and version are present in Control Panel that can be accessed from the ‘System’ app.

The version numbers for Windows 8 and 8.1 are 6.2 and 6.3, respectively.

Windows 7

For many years Windows 7 has been the ultimate choice for home or business usage. If your Start Menu button fits perfectly inside the taskbar, then you have Windows 7. It is the most user-friendly version that is compatible with a huge number of new and old applications.

Click the Start Menu button to open up a well-organised Menu that directly allows you to open Control Panel. From here you can check whether your Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit and even the edition of Windows 7.

The version number for this Windows is 6.1.

Windows Vista

This highly anticipated version released as the gift of The New Year. An entirely new Graphical User Interface (GUI) Aero was introduced and changed the appearance of major Windows elements.

If you have noted that the Start Menu button extends above and below the taskbar unlike Windows 7, then you have Windows Vista.

Similar to Windows 7, you can access the Control Panel directly from the Start Menu to check your edition and type of Windows Vista. 6.0 was the version number given to Windows Vista.

Windows XP

Your PC has Windows XP if the Start Menu button contains Windows Logo along with the word ‘start’. The button is unique when compared to the newer versions of Windows because you can see its shape is rectangular with a curved right-side.

This version also allows you access Control Panel from Start Menu to check the architectural build of your Windows XP.

For 32-bit Windows XP, the version number is 5.1 and for 64-bit, it’s 5.2.

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