Windows 11, Microsoft's latest operating system, receives regular updates that introduce new features and enhancements. While it's easy to distinguish Windows 11 from its predecessors visually, identifying the specific version installed on your device can be more challenging. However, knowing your Windows 11 version is crucial for various reasons, such as checking compatibility or updating drivers and applications.

Before we explore the methods to check your Windows 11 version, let's clarify some key terms:

  • Edition: Refers to variants like Home, Professional, Enterprise, and Education, each offering specific features.
  • Version: Indicates major updates released biannually, named using the year and half of release (e.g., 24H2 for the second half of 2024).
  • OS build: Represents the current minor build number, which changes with frequent smaller updates.

Now, let's examine five effective ways to check your Windows 11 version, along with a useful keyboard shortcut.

Check Windows 11 version in Settings

  1. Right-click the Start icon or press Windows + X to open the Quick Access menu.
  2. Select "Settings" from the list. Alternatively, use the Windows + I shortcut to launch Settings directly.

  1. In the Settings app, navigate to the "System" tab.
  2. Scroll down the right pane and click on "About".

  1. Here, you'll find details about your Windows 11 edition, version, and OS build.

Note: You can quickly access the "About" section by using the Windows + Pause/Break keyboard shortcut.

Verify Windows 11 version through Control Panel

  1. Open the Start menu and search for "Control Panel".
  2. Click on the Control Panel app to launch it.

  1. Click the "View by" dropdown menu and select "Large icons".

  1. Find and click on the "System" option.

  1. You'll be redirected to the "About" section in System settings, displaying your Windows 11 version, edition, and OS build.

Use System Information to check Windows 11 version

  1. Press the Windows key and type "System Information".
  2. Click on the System Information app in the search results.

  1. In the System Information window, you'll see your Windows 11 version listed on the right side.

Determine Windows 11 version using Command Prompt

  1. Open the Start menu and search for "Windows Terminal".
  2. Click on Windows Terminal to launch it.

  1. If Command Prompt isn't your default profile, click the arrow icon at the top and select "Command Prompt". Alternatively, use Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open a Command Prompt tab.

  1. Type the following command and press Enter:
ver

  1. The command will display your Windows 11 version.

Find Windows 11 version with Winver command

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type "winver" and press Enter or click "OK".

  1. The "About Windows" screen will appear, showing your Windows 11 version, OS build, and edition.

These methods provide various ways to check your Windows 11 version. While the Winver command offers the quickest solution for version checking, other methods provide additional system information that may be useful in different scenarios.