How tell Windows version?

How to Tell What Version of Windows You’re Running?

In this digital age, it’s easy to get lost in the array of software and hardware options available to us. With the ever-changing landscape of technology, it’s natural to have questions about the versions of Windows that are out there. One of the most common inquiries is how to determine which version of Windows you’re running. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to identify the version of Windows on your computer.

Direct Answer: Checking the Operating System (OS) Version in Quick Steps

To begin with, the most direct way to find out what version of Windows you’re running is to check the Start menu. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Start menu (or Press the Windows key + X on Windows 7 or 8) to open the Start menu.
2. Right-click on the Computer or This PC option.
3. Select Properties from the context menu.
4. In the System properties window, scroll down to the Windows specification section.
5. The version of Windows will be listed next to Windows edition.

Alternative Methods: Checking the Version through the Task Manager

If the above method doesn’t work, or if you’re in a hurry, you can also check the version of Windows through the Task Manager. Here’s how:

1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the Performance tab.
3. Look for the Version line, which will display the version of Windows you’re running.

Checking the Version in the Settings App (Windows 10/8)

For Windows 10 and 8 users, you can also check the version of Windows through the Settings app. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Start menu and type Settings to open the app.
2. Click on System.
3. Scroll down to the About section.
4. Look for the Windows specifications section, which will display the version of Windows you’re running.

Checking the Version using a Third-Party Tool (for Advanced Users)

If you’re looking for a more technical or advanced way to check the version of Windows, you can use a third-party tool like the System Information tool. Here’s how:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click on the Start button and select Run as administrator).
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter to open the System Information tool.
3. In the System Information window, scroll down to the OS Name section.
4. The version of Windows will be listed next to OS Version.

Summary of Windows Versions (Major Releases)

Here’s a brief summary of the major releases of Windows, along with their release dates:

Version	Release Date	Release Notes
Windows 1.0 (1.03)	November 1985	First release of Windows, no longer supported.
Windows 2.0 (2.0)	June 1987	Introduced support for virtual memory and improved performance.
Windows 3.0 (3.0)	May 1990	Introduced overlapping windows, improved performance, and support for TrueType fonts.
Windows 3.1 (3.1)	August 1992	Improved performance, introduced a built-in web browser, and support for Unicode.
Windows 95 (4.0)	August 1995	Revolutionized the GUI, introduced the Start menu, and support for Plug-and-Play hardware.
Windows 98 (4.2)	June 1998	Improved performance, introduced the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) service, and support for DVD playback.
Windows ME (4.9)	December 2000	Improved performance, introduced the Windows ME startup disk, and support for DVD playback.
Windows 2000 (5.0)	February 2000	Server-oriented release, introduced Active Directory, and support for Kerberos authentication.
Windows XP (5.1)	October 2001	Introduced the Windows XP look and feel, improved performance, and support for Tablet PCs.
Windows Vista (6.0)	January 2007	Introduced a new, streamlined user interface, improved security features, and support for Windows Media Center.
Windows 7 (6.1)	October 2009	Improved performance, introduced the Windows Aero UI, and support for touchscreens.
Windows 8 (6.2)	October 2012	Introduced the Metro UI, improved performance, and support for touchscreens.
Windows 8.1 (6.3)	October 2013	Updated the Metro UI, improved performance, and support for IT pros.
Windows 10 (10.0)	July 2015	Introduced the Windows 10 UI, improved security features, and support for cross-platform apps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying the version of Windows you’re running is a simple process. Whether you prefer the simple, direct methods or the more technical, advanced approaches, there are several ways to determine the version of Windows you’re using. By understanding the different versions of Windows, you can better navigate the world of Microsoft’s operating systems and troubleshoot common issues or seek support from Microsoft. Whether you’re a novice or an IT pro, knowing your Windows version is essential for maintaining your PC’s performance and security.