Reuters
You can check which version of Windows your computer is running in a few easy steps.
- If you need to check your version of Windows, you can find out by typing "winver" in the Start menu search box.
- Depending upon which version of Windows you have, you might also be able to open a window that displays additional information.
- This information is important if you have Windows 7, because support for that operating system ends in January 2020.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Do you know which version of Windows you're running? Most of the time, there's little reason to care. But sometimes you need to know. Some programs and computer hardware will only work with a specific version of Windows, for example.
You might also need to know if it's time to upgrade. Microsoft generally supports each version of its operating system for about ten years, and "extended support" for Windows 7 ends on January 14, 2020.
That means Microsoft won't offer any updates or technical support after that date. If you have Windows 8, you have a little more time - support ends for that operating system on January 10, 2023.
Check out the products mentioned in this article:
Windows 10 Home (From $139 at Best Buy)
How to check which version of Windows you're running
1. Click the Start button.
2. Type "winver" in the search box and press Enter.
Dave Johnson/Business Insider Type "winver" in the Start menu to find out your version of Windows.
3. You should see the About Windows box with your Windows version information.
Dave Johnson/Business Insider You should see an informational dialog box like this one when you run winver.
If you want to know more than simply the version of the operating system, you can display a dialog box with additional information, but the process varies depending upon which version of the OS you are running.
How to get additional information about Windows 10
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings icon (which looks like a gear and is above the power icon).
3. Click "System."
4. In the left pane, click "About."
Dave Johnson/Business Insider If you're running Windows 10, this is the kind of additional information you can find in Settings.
How to get additional information about Windows 8
1. Move the mouse to the lower-right corner of the screen and swipe it up to display the sidebar.
2. Click "Settings" and then click "Change PC settings."
3. Click "PC and devices," and then click "PC info."
Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:
How to find the product key for your Windows 10 computer, depending on how you bought the software
How to find your computer's specs on Windows 10, for information on its processor, video card, memory, and more
How to boot your Windows 10 computer into 'Safe Mode,' to diagnose and troubleshoot problems
How to hide the taskbar in Windows 10 on your computer or tablet