Knowing your Windows 10 version and build number is essential for with the . Whether you’re a casual user, an IT professional, or a software developer, understanding how to quickly access this information can save time and prevent potential issues. This guide provides five simple, step-by-step methods to check your Windows 10 version and build number, ensuring you can always verify your system details with ease.
Why Knowing Your Windows 10 Version and Build Number Matters
Your Windows 10 version and build number are critical pieces of information that help you determine whether your system is running the latest updates, compatible with specific software, or eligible for certain features. that introduce new functionalities, security enhancements, and bug fixes. Each update is associated with a unique build number, which helps identify the exact state of your operating system.
For example, if you encounter an issue with an application, the developer may ask for your Windows 10 build number to diagnose the problem. Similarly, if you’re following a tutorial or guide, some steps may only apply to specific versions or builds of Windows 10. By knowing your exact version and build, you can avoid compatibility issues and ensure a smoother experience.
Additionally, understanding your Windows 10 version is crucial for planning upgrades. Microsoft periodically releases major updates, such as the , which introduce significant changes. Knowing your current version helps you decide whether to upgrade and what new features you might gain.
Method 1: Using the Winver Command
The Winver command is one of the quickest and easiest ways to check your Windows 10 version and build number. This method provides a pop-up window with all the essential details about your operating system.
Steps to Use the Winver Command:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. This keyboard shortcut is a quick way to access various Windows tools and commands.
- In the Run dialog box, type winver and press Enter. This command will launch the “About Windows” window.
- A pop-up window will appear, displaying your Windows 10 version, build number, and other relevant details. For example, you might see “Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.685).”
This method is ideal for users who need a quick snapshot of their system information without navigating through multiple menus. The Winver command is universally applicable across all versions of Windows 10, making it a reliable choice.
Method 2: Using the Settings App
The Windows 10 Settings app is a centralized hub for managing your system, including checking your version and build number. This method is user-friendly and provides additional system details.
Steps to Check Your Windows 10 Version via Settings:
- Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. Alternatively, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly.
- In the Settings window, click on System.
- Scroll down and select About from the left-hand menu. This section provides detailed information about your device and operating system.
- Under the “Windows specifications” section, you’ll find your Version and OS build number. For example, “Version 21H1” and “OS Build 19043.1237.”
The Settings app not only shows your version and build number but also provides information about your device’s processor, installed RAM, and system type (32-bit or 64-bit). This makes it a comprehensive tool for understanding your system’s capabilities.
Method 3: Using the Command Prompt
For users who prefer command-line tools, the Command Prompt offers a straightforward way to retrieve your Windows 10 version and build number. This method is particularly useful for IT professionals or those comfortable with command-line interfaces.
Steps to Check Your Windows 10 Version via Command Prompt:
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Command Prompt or Windows Terminal from the menu.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:”OS Name” /C:”OS Version”
- The output will display your operating system name and version, including the build number. For example:
OS Name: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
OS Version: 10.0.19043 N/A Build 19043
This method is efficient for users who need to quickly extract system information without navigating through graphical interfaces. The Command Prompt can also be used to save the output to a text file for future reference by appending > filename.txt to the command.
Method 4: Using PowerShell
PowerShell is a more advanced command-line tool that offers greater flexibility and control over system information. It is ideal for users who need detailed system data or are managing multiple machines.
Steps to Check Your Windows 10 Version via PowerShell:
- Open PowerShell by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Windows PowerShell from the menu.
- In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object OsName, OsVersion
- The output will display your operating system name and version, including the build number. For example:
OsName: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
OsVersion: 10.0.19043
PowerShell provides a more structured and detailed output compared to the Command Prompt, making it a preferred choice for advanced users. You can also export the results to a CSV file for documentation or further analysis.
Method 5: Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool is primarily used for troubleshooting DirectX-related issues, but it also provides detailed system information, including your Windows 10 version and build number. This method is useful for users who need a comprehensive overview of their system’s hardware and software configuration.
Steps to Check Your Windows 10 Version via DirectX Diagnostic Tool:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type dxdiag and press Enter. This command launches the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, navigate to the System tab.
- Under the “System Information” section, you’ll find your operating system name and version, including the build number. For example, “Operating System: .”
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool is particularly useful for users who need to verify their system’s compatibility with specific games or multimedia applications. It provides a detailed snapshot of both hardware and software components, making it a valuable resource for troubleshooting.
Understanding Windows 10 Version and Build Numbers
Windows 10 versions and build numbers follow a specific naming convention that helps users and developers identify the exact state of the operating system. Here’s a breakdown of what these numbers mean:
Windows 10 Version Names:
- Version 1507 (Threshold 1): The initial release of Windows 10, launched in July 2015. This version laid the foundation for future updates and introduced features like the Start Menu and Cortana.
- Version 1511 (Threshold 2): Released in November 2015, this update focused on performance improvements and minor feature enhancements.
- Version 1607 (Anniversary Update): Launched in August 2016, this update introduced significant features like Windows Ink, extensions for Microsoft Edge, and improved security.
- Version 1703 (Creators Update): Released in April 2017, this version added 3D and mixed reality support, gaming features, and improvements to Cortana.
- Version 1709 (Fall Creators Update): Launched in October 2017, this update introduced features like OneDrive Files On-Demand, mixed reality enhancements, and improved security.
- Version 1803 (April 2018 Update): Focused on productivity and introduced features like Timeline, Nearby Sharing, and improved privacy controls.
- Version 1809 (October 2018 Update): Included features like , , and improvements to the .
- Version 1903 (May 2019 Update): Introduced a lighter, faster Windows experience with features like and improved update controls.
- Version 1909 (November 2019 Update): A smaller update focused on , and minor feature additions.
- Version 2004 (May 2020 Update): Introduced features like , , and improved virtual desktops.
- Version 20H2 (October 2020 Update): Focused on refining existing features, improving performance, and introducing a new Start Menu design.
- Version 21H1 (May 2021 Update): A smaller update with performance improvements, security enhancements, and minor feature additions.
Windows 10 Build Numbers:
Build numbers are used to identify specific releases and updates within a version. For example, Windows 10 Version 20H2 has a build number of 19042. Each build number corresponds to a specific release, with higher numbers indicating newer updates. Microsoft releases cumulative updates regularly, which increment the build number slightly (e.g., 19042.685 to 19042.686).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While checking your Windows 10 version and build number is usually straightforward, you may encounter issues that prevent you from accessing this information. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: The Winver Command Doesn’t Work
If the Winver command fails to open the “About Windows” window, it could be due to system file corruption or a missing component. To resolve this:
- Run the by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This tool scans and repairs corrupted system files.
- If the issue persists, use the by running DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an elevated Command Prompt.
Issue 2: Settings App Crashes or Doesn’t Open
If the Settings app crashes or fails to open, you can use alternative methods like the Command Prompt or PowerShell to retrieve your system information. Additionally, you can reset the Settings app by following these steps:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
Get-AppXPackage *WindowsImmersiveControlPanel* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “\$(\$_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
- Restart your computer and try opening the Settings app again.
Issue 3: Command Prompt or PowerShell Doesn’t Display the Correct Information
If the Command Prompt or PowerShell fails to display the correct version or build number, ensure you are running the commands with administrative privileges. Right-click on the Command Prompt or PowerShell icon and select “Run as administrator” to ensure full access to system information.
Why Keeping Your Windows 10 Up-to-Date Is Important
Regularly updating your Windows 10 system ensures you have the . Microsoft releases updates to address vulnerabilities, improve performance, and introduce new functionalities. By staying up-to-date, you can and ensure compatibility with the latest software and hardware.
To check for updates, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. If updates are available, download and install them to keep your system secure and optimized.
Conclusion
Checking your Windows 10 version and build number is a fundamental task that helps you troubleshoot issues, ensure compatibility, and plan for upgrades. This guide provided five simple methods to retrieve this information, each catering to different user preferences and technical comfort levels. Whether you prefer the quick Winver command, the user-friendly Settings app, or the advanced PowerShell, you now have the tools to easily access your system details.
Understanding your Windows 10 version and build number empowers you to make informed decisions about updates, software compatibility, and system maintenance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate your operating system and ensure it remains secure, efficient, and up-to-date.
