Find a Windows Computer's Operating System Version


Use these steps to determine your Windows computer's operating system version and other technical details that may be needed if you are reporting an issue or registering your computer for use at CUIMC.
You can also use Microsoft's steps to see Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

  1. Look for the Start button/Windows flag in the lower left corner.
    • If it is wavy/curved, click it and go to step 2 below.
    • If it is boxy, click the flag, then Settings (gear icon), and then System in the window that appears. In the left column of the window select About (you may need to scroll down to find it). Then skip to step 3 below.
    • If there is no flag but a series of tiles for different programs, look for the Desktop tile and select it. At the desktop move your cursor to the to the upper right corner of the screen. A vertical menu will appear; select Settings, then PC info, and skip to step 3 below.
  2. In the Start menu find Computer or My Computer and right-click on it. Select Properties using a normal left-click. Windows 7 Control Panel link
  3. A screen with detailed information about your computer will appear.  To find your specific OS version look for Edition (where this is listed can vary based on the computer).  It should start with Windows, include a number (11, 10, 8), and may include Home, Enterprise, Pro, or similar phrasing.  Example images are below.
    About Windows 10 information Windows 10 details; the Edition is under a Windows specifications heading. Windows System Properties Windows 7 System information. The version is under a Windows edition heading.
  4. Other details that can be useful when making sure your computer is compatible with software and other resources are:
    • Windows specifications or edition heading (or a General tab) - the operating system version, edition and any service packs, which are bulk updates to the OS, will be listed.
    • Device specifications or System heading (or General tab) - the System type shows if the computer is either a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. On an older computer, if neither is listed it is 32-bit.
    • Device or Computer name (or Computer Name tab) - this may be needed by IT staff registering your computer for the campus network or encryption software. It can also referred to as a hostname.
    • Domain - if your computer is joined to a domain it will be listed here; if not Domain may not appear at all. In the picture above the computer is joined to the MC domain. Computers listing DESKTOP or WORKGROUP are not joined to a domain.
  5. Click the red X in the upper right corner of the window when done to close.