Windows 10 version: Windows 10 is the latest and most popular operating system from Microsoft. It powers millions of devices around the world, from laptops and desktops to tablets and smartphones. Windows 10 is designed to be fast, secure, and user-friendly, and it offers a range of features and functionalities to suit different needs and preferences.
But did you know that Windows 10 is not just one operating system, but a series of different versions that are released periodically by Microsoft? These versions are also known as builds, releases, or editions, and they contain various improvements, enhancements, or changes to the operating system. For example, some of the recent versions of Windows 10 are 21H1, 20H2, 2004, 1909, and 1903.
Knowing which version of Windows 10 you have on your device can be very useful and important for several reasons. It can help you troubleshoot problems, optimize performance, access new features, or ensure compatibility with other software or hardware. In this article, we will show you how to check your Windows 10 version, why it matters, and how to update it if needed. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How to check Windows 10 version : Provide step-by-step instructions for different methods
There are several ways to check your Windows 10 version, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some of the most common and easy methods that you can use:
Method 1: Using Settings app
The Settings app is the default and recommended way to check your Windows 10 version. It provides a simple and straightforward interface that displays all the relevant information about your operating system. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and select Settings (or press Windows + I keys).
- In the Settings app, click on System and then select About from the left pane.
- On the right pane, you will see the information about your device and Windows specifications. Under Windows specifications, you will see the following details:
- Edition: This shows the edition of Windows 10 that you have, such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- Version: This shows the version of Windows 10 that you have, such as 21H1, 20H2, 2004, 1909, or 1903.
- Installed on: This shows the date when the current version of Windows 10 was installed on your device.
- OS build: This shows the build number of the current version of Windows 10, such as 19043.1052, 19042.1052, 19041.1052, etc.
- Experience: This shows the experience pack that is installed on your device, such as Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.2020.0.
Method 2: Using System Information app
The System Information app is another way to check your Windows 10 version. It provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of your system configuration and components. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and type System Information (or press Windows + R keys and type msinfo32).
- In the System Information app, you will see a summary of your system information on the right pane. Under System Summary, you will see the following details:
- OS Name: This shows the name of the operating system that you have, such as Microsoft Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- Version: This shows the version and build number of the operating system that you have, such as 10.0.19043 Build 19043, 10.0.19042 Build 19042, 10.0.19041 Build 19041, etc.
- Original Install Date: This shows the date when the original version of Windows 10 was installed on your device.
- System Type: This shows the type of system that you have, such as x64-based PC, x86-based PC, or ARM64-based PC.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
The Command Prompt or PowerShell are the command-line tools that allow you to perform various tasks and operations on your system. You can also use them to check your Windows 10 version by entering some simple commands. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and type Command Prompt or PowerShell (or press Windows + X keys and select Command Prompt or PowerShell).
- In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
winver- A new window will pop up, showing the information about your Windows 10 version. You will see the following details:
- Windows 10: This shows the edition of Windows 10 that you have, such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- Version: This shows the version of Windows 10 that you have, such as 21H1, 20H2, 2004, 1909, or 1903.
- OS Build: This shows the build number of the current version of Windows 10, such as 19043.1052, 19042.1052, 19041.1052, etc.
Also Read: How to Resolve “This Build of Windows Will Expire Soon” Easy Steps !
Why Windows 10 version matters : Explain the benefits and drawbacks of different versions
Now that you know how to check your Windows 10 version, you may wonder why it matters and what difference it makes. Well, there are several reasons why you should care about your Windows 10 version, and they can be categorized into two main aspects: benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits
One of the main benefits of having the latest or updated version of Windows 10 is that you can enjoy the security updates, new features, bug fixes, and compatibility improvements that Microsoft releases regularly. These updates can help you protect your device from malware, viruses, or hackers, enhance your user experience, fix any errors or glitches, and ensure that your device works well with other software or hardware. Some of the examples of the recent updates that Microsoft has released for Windows 10 are:
- 21H1: This is the latest version of Windows 10 that was released in May 2021. It includes some minor improvements and enhancements, such as Windows Hello multicamera support, Windows Defender Application Guard performance, and Windows Management Instrumentation Group Policy Service optimization.
- 20H2: This is the previous version of Windows 10 that was released in October 2020. It includes some major changes and features, such as a new Start menu design, a new Edge browser, a new Settings app, and a new Taskbar experience.
- 2004: This is the older version of Windows 10 that was released in May 2020. It includes some significant additions and improvements, such as a new Cortana app, a new Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, a new Windows Sandbox, a new Windows Search experience, and more.
- 1909: This is the oldest version of Windows 10 that is still supported by Microsoft. It was released in November 2019 and it includes some minor updates and enhancements, such as a new File Explorer search, a new calendar app, a new notification center, and more.
As you can see, each version of Windows 10 brings something new and useful to your device, and you can benefit from them by keeping your Windows 10 version up to date.
Drawbacks
However, having the latest or updated version of Windows 10 is not always a good thing. There are also some drawbacks or risks that you should be aware of and prepared for. Some of the common issues that you may face with different versions of Windows 10 are:
- Compatibility issues: Sometimes, a new or updated version of Windows 10 may not be compatible with some of your existing software or hardware. This can cause problems such as crashes, errors, or performance issues. For example, some users reported that the 2004 version of Windows 10 caused issues with their Bluetooth devices, printers, or audio drivers.
- Performance issues: Sometimes, a new or updated version of Windows 10 may not be optimized for your device or system configuration. This can result in problems such as slow boot time, high CPU usage, or battery drain. For example, some users reported that the 20H2 version of Windows 10 caused issues with their SSDs, memory, or power settings.
- Bugs: Sometimes, a new or updated version of Windows 10 may contain some bugs or glitches that affect the functionality or stability of your device. This can lead to problems such as freezes, restarts, or blue screens. For example, some users reported that the 21H1 version of Windows 10 caused issues with their webcam, microphone, or network adapter.
As you can see, each version of Windows 10 may also bring some problems and challenges to your device, and you should be careful and cautious before updating your Windows 10 version.
How to update Windows 10 version: Provide step-by-step instructions for different methods
If you want to update your Windows 10 version to the latest or a specific one, there are several ways to do it, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some of the most common and easy methods that you can use:
Method 1: Using Windows Update
The Windows Update is the default and recommended way to update your Windows 10 version. It automatically checks for and installs the available updates for your device, including the new versions of Windows 10. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and select Settings (or press Windows + I keys).
- In the Settings app, click on Update & Security and then select Windows Update from the left pane.
- On the right pane, you will see the status of your Windows Update. If there are any updates available, you will see a message saying “Updates are available” or “Feature update to Windows 10, version XX”. Click on Download and install (or Install now) to start the update process.
- Wait for the update to download and install. You may need to restart your device to complete the update.
Method 2: Using Media Creation Tool
The Media Creation Tool is another way to update your Windows 10 version. It allows you to create a bootable USB drive or DVD that contains the latest version of Windows 10. You can then use this media to install the new version of Windows 10 on your device or another device. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Run the tool and accept the license terms.
- Select the option “Upgrade this PC now” and click on Next.
- Wait for the tool to download and prepare the files for the update. You may need to choose some options such as language, edition, and architecture of Windows 10.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update. You may need to restart your device to finish the update.
Method 3: Using Windows 10 Update Assistant
The Windows 10 Update Assistant is another way to update your Windows 10 version. It is a standalone app that helps you upgrade your device to the latest version of Windows 10. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Download the Windows 10 Update Assistant from the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Run the app and click on Update now.
- Wait for the app to check your device compatibility and readiness for the update. If your device meets the requirements, you will see a message saying “This PC can run Windows 10” and a button saying “Next”.
- Click on Next to start the update process. The app will download and install the latest version of Windows 10 on your device.
- Wait for the update to complete. You may need to restart your device to finalize the update.
Also Read: 8 Ways To Fix “Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working” In Windows 11/10/8/7
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to check your Windows 10 version, why it matters, and how to update it if needed. We hope you have learned something useful and interesting from this article, and you can apply it to your device and situation.
Here are some tips and recommendations that we would like to share with you:
- Always backup your data and files before updating your Windows 10 version. This can help you prevent any data loss or damage in case something goes wrong during the update process.
- Always check the compatibility and performance of your software and hardware before updating your Windows 10 version. This can help you avoid any issues or problems that may arise from the update.
- Always read the release notes and reviews of the new versions of Windows 10 before updating your Windows 10 version. This can help you understand what changes and improvements are included in the update, and what issues or risks are involved in the update.
FAQs: Answer some common or relevant questions about Windows 10 version
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about Windows 10 version:
Q: How do I know if my Windows 10 version is up to date?
A: You can check your Windows 10 version by using any of the methods that we have mentioned in this article. If your version is the same as the latest version that Microsoft has released, then your Windows 10 version is up to date. You can also check the latest version of Windows 10 on the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications.
Q: How often does Microsoft release new versions of Windows 10?
A: Microsoft releases new versions of Windows 10 twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. These versions are also known as feature updates, as they contain new features and enhancements for Windows 10. Microsoft also releases monthly updates for Windows 10, which are also known as quality updates, as they contain security updates and bug fixes for Windows 10.
Q: How long does Microsoft support each version of Windows 10?
A: Microsoft supports each version of Windows 10 for 18 months from the date of its release. This means that Microsoft will provide security updates and bug fixes for each version of Windows 10 until it reaches its end of service date. After that, Microsoft will stop supporting that version of Windows 10, and you will need to update to a newer version of Windows 10 to continue receiving updates and support.
Q: How do I stop or delay Windows 10 updates?
A: If you want to stop or delay Windows 10 updates, you can use some of the options that Windows 10 provides. For example, you can pause updates for up to 35 days, defer feature updates for up to 365 days, or set active hours to prevent updates from installing during your working hours. You can also use some third-party tools or methods to block or disable Windows 10 updates, but we do not recommend this, as it may cause problems or risks for your device and system.
Q: How do I uninstall or roll back Windows 10 updates?
A: If you want to uninstall or roll back Windows 10 updates, you can use some of the options that Windows 10 provides. For example, you can use the recovery options to restore your device to a previous state, or use the uninstall options to remove the latest update. You can also use some third-party tools or methods to uninstall or roll back Windows 10 updates, but we do not recommend this, as it may cause problems or risks for your device and system.