Yous may not take really idea virtually Windows build numbers in the past unless it was part of your job to do and then. But they've become more important with Windows 10. Here's how to discover out what build—and edition and version—of Windows 10 you're running.

Windows has always used build numbers. They represent significant updates to Windows. Traditionally, most people have referred to Windows based on the major, named version they're using—Windows Vista, 7, 8, and and so on. Inside those versions, we also had service packs to refer to: Windows 7 Service Pack i, for example.

With Windows 10, things take changed a bit. For ane thing, Microsoft claims there will be no more new versions of Windows—Windows x is hither to stay. Microsoft has as well done away with service packs, instead moving to releasing two big builds each year and giving them names. If yous really need to refer to a specific version of Windows, though, it's easiest to refer to information technology past its version number. Microsoft has subconscious the version number somewhat in an attempt to make Windows 10 look always-upwards-to-engagement, merely it'southward not hard to notice.

RELATED: How Windows ten's "Builds" Are Different From Service Packs

Note: In addition to builds, there likewise are all the same different editions of Windows 10—Domicile, Professional, Enterprise, and so on—with different features. Microsoft is also notwithstanding offering both 64-bit and 32-scrap versions of Windows 10, as well.

Find Your Edition, Build Number, and More with the Settings App

The new Settings app also offers build, edition, and version information in a user-friendly form. Hitting Windows+I to open Settings. In the Settings window, navigate to System > Nigh.  Curlicue down a bit and you lot'll see the information y'all're after.

Navigate to System > Most and whorl downward. You'll meet the "Version" and "Build" numbers here.

RELATED: How to Upgrade From Windows 10 Dwelling to Windows x Professional

  • Edition. This line tells you which edition of Windows ten you're using—Home, Professional person, Enterprise, or Education. If you're using Home and you'd like to upgrade to Professional, yous tin upgrade to the Professional edition from within Windows x. Switching to Windows ten Enterprise or Educational activity editions will crave a complete reinstall and a special key that isn't made bachelor to normal domicile Windows users.
  • Version. The version number gives y'all the best information on what version of Windows 10 y'all're running. The number is based on the appointment of the most recent large build release and uses a YYMM format. For instance, in the screenshot above, the "1607" version tells us that the version nosotros're running is from the 7th month (July) of 2016. That's the big Anniversary Update of Windows 10. The Fall Creators Update was released in September of 2017, so it's version 1709.
  • Bone Build. This line shows the specific operating system build you lot're running. It gives yous sort of a timeline of minor build releases in betwixt the major version number releases. In the screenshot above, the "14393.693" build was actually the 13th build released after version 1607 shipped in July, 2016. This information is somewhat less important to most people than the major version numbers, but it can withal help you place exactly what you're running. If yous're curious, you tin check out the whole history of versions and builds for Windows ten on Microsoft's TechNet site.
  • Organisation Type. This line tells you whether y'all're using the 32-scrap version of Windows 10 or the 64-bit version. It likewise tells you lot whether your PC is compatible with the 64-fleck version or not. For example, "64-chip operating system, x64-based processor" indicates y'all're using a 64-bit version of Windows 10 on a 64-bit processor. "32-scrap operating system, x64-based processor" indicates you lot're using a 32-bit version of Windows x, just you could install the 64-flake version on your hardware if you preferred.

RELATED: What's the Difference Between 32-bit and 64-scrap Windows?

Find Your Edition and Build Number with the Winver Dialog

Y'all can too utilise the old standby Windows Version (winver) tool to find some of this information. Striking Beginning, type "winver," and then press Enter. You could likewise press Windows Central + R, type "winver" into the Run dialog, and press Enter.

The second line in the "About Windows" box tells you which version and build of Windows ten you have. Remember, the version number is in the course YYMM—so 1607 means the 7th calendar month of 2016. A couple of lines downwards, you lot'll see the edition of Windows ten you're using—Windows 10 Pro in our example.

The "About Windows" box does non testify whether you lot're using a 64-scrap or 32-fleck version of Windows ten, simply it does give yous a quicker style to check your version and build than navigating through the Settings app.

RELATED: Stupid Geek Tricks: How to Display the Windows Version on the Desktop

All this information—edition, version, build number, and build blazon—tin be of import if y'all're trying to determine whether Windows 10 has received a specific update, whether yous have access to a feature bachelor only in certain editions, or whether you should download the 64- or 32-chip version of a program. And, if you're super interested in keeping up with it, nosotros even have a fashion to display your build number right on your desktop. Enjoy!

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