It’s surprising how many people use their laptops or desktops daily without knowing which version of Windows they’re running. But hey, no one’s judging! It’s completely fine if you haven’t needed to check before.
That said, knowing your Windows OS can be helpful for installing compatible software, troubleshooting issues, or checking for updates. In this guide, I’ll show you a few easy ways to check which Windows version you have, so you’re always in the know when it comes to your system.
Windows 10 and Windows 11
Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the latest versions of Microsoft's operating systems. While both come with notable features, it’s easy to get confused, especially if you’ve been using a different OS for a long time. Here’s how you can check what operating system your computer has.
Step 1: On your Windows system, press "Windows + I" to open the Settings window.
Step 2: In the Settings window, click on the “System” tab in the left pane to view your system configuration and settings.
Step 3: Within the System tab, scroll down and click on the “About” option.
Step 4: The System About section contains all your Windows information. Look for the “Windows Specification” section to check which operating system you have.
This will give you a complete overview of your Windows operating system. However, if you're looking for a method that provides only the operating system details, you can use the Run method as well.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R shortcut key on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: In the Run dialog box, type “winver” and press “Enter”.
Step 3: A new pop-up window will appear displaying your Windows version, OS build, and the edition of your operating system.
Mac OS
Mac doesn’t usually introduce drastic changes with each update, especially if the version is recent. So, if you’re unsure which macOS version you’re running, here’s how you can check your OS on your computer.
Step 1: On your Mac, click on the “Apple” icon located in the top-left corner of your screen.
Step 2: From the dropdown menu, select the “About This Mac” option.
Step 3: A window will appear displaying the macOS version name and version number.
Linux
For someone used to another OS, Linux can feel a bit outdated at first, and it’s not always obvious what to do. But if you need to check which Linux version you're running, here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: On your Linux laptop, open the “Terminal” application. You can do this by either pressing “Ctrl + Alt + T” on your keyboard.
Step 2: In the terminal window, type the command “lsb_release -a” and press “Enter”.
Step 3: After entering the command, the terminal will display detailed information about your Linux operating system, including the distribution name, release version, codename, and description.
Android
If your tablet or phone is running on Android and you want to check which OS version it's using, here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Open the “Settings” application on your Android phone.
Step 2: Scroll down through the options and tap on the “About phone” section.
Step 3: In the About phone screen, tap on the “Software information” option.
Step 4: Here, you will find all the essential details regarding your phone’s operating system, such as the Android version, One UI version, and other system-related information.
WPS: Office Software That Supports Multiple Operating Systems, Including Windows, Linux, and macOS
WPS Office isn’t just an affordable option—it’s designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that virtually anyone can use it without worrying about high costs or software limitations. Unlike some office suites that are restricted to specific platforms, WPS Office integrates across all major operating systems no matter where you wish to download WPS Office, whether on a phone, tablet, or desktop.
On Android devices, WPS Office delivers a smooth and intuitive experience with a mobile-friendly interface, allowing users to effortlessly access its built-in Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation tools. This makes it incredibly convenient for editing and viewing documents on the go. Beyond Android, WPS Office is also available on Linux, macOS, and Windows, intelligently adapting to each operating system while maintaining a consistent and user-friendly experience.
No matter which platform you’re most comfortable with, WPS Office ensures that you have access to its full suite of features, including AI-powered tools, without any restrictions, making it a truly versatile and inclusive choice for productivity.
FAQs
1. Why do I need to know my operating system?
Understanding your operating system is essential for optimal device performance and security. Here’s why:
Software Compatibility: Ensures that applications and programs run smoothly on your system.
Efficient Troubleshooting: Helps diagnose and resolve technical issues effectively.
Security Updates: Keeps your system protected with the latest patches and enhancements.
2. Can I upgrade my operating system?
Yes, operating system upgrades are generally possible on most devices. However, compatibility depends on hardware specifications, and older systems may not support the latest versions.
3. How do I know if my OS is compatible with certain software?
To ensure that a software program runs smoothly on your device, it is important to check whether your operating system meets its compatibility requirements. Follow these steps to verify compatibility:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the software developer.
Step 2: Locate the section detailing system requirements, often labeled System Requirements or Compatibility.
Step 3: Check the listed OS versions to confirm whether your operating system is supported.
Download WPS Office on Any Operating System
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to install software or download something, only to be left wondering “What Windows operating system do I have?” It happens more often than you’d think!
No matter what device you’re using, there are quick and easy ways to check your Windows operating system in just a few seconds. This is especially important if you’re looking to install software like WPS Office, which is compatible with almost all major operating systems, but the version you download needs to match your system.
