How to know which version of Windows 11 you have and why it matters

Have you ever wondered What version of Windows 11 do you have installed on your computer?You may have received automatic updates or even installed the operating system without paying much attention to the details. But knowing this information can be very useful, especially if you need to check compatibility, report bugs, or simply out of technical curiosity.

In this article we are going to teach you clearly and completely All the ways to find out which version, edition, and build of Windows 11 you have. In addition, we'll explain how to interpret this type of data so you can understand exactly what each one means. Whether you're setting up your PC, installing software, or dealing with technical support, having this information on hand is key. If you're not sure which version of Windows is installed on your PC, you can check out this article on how to find out easily.

Why is it important to know the Windows 11 version?

Microsoft launches Windows 11 updates regularlyMany of these releases introduce new features, security improvements, or bug fixes. Knowing which version you have installed allows you to:

• Check if you already have the latest major update installed.
• See if your edition of Windows has certain features enabled, such as Hyper-V or BitLocker.
• Diagnose errors and report them correctly indicating exact version and build number.

It is also useful to ensure that your system is still compatible with certain applications or system requirements if you have recently changed the hardware. You can find more information about system compatibility in [the latest version of Steam](https://mundobytes.com/the-latest-version-of-steam-is-no-longer-supported-with-windows-7-windows-8-and-8-1/).

Ways to check the version from Windows Settings

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to check your Windows version is through the system configuration menu.

Just open Settings by pressing Win + IThis will take you directly to the main System section. Once there:

• Scroll down until you find the section Information.
• Within this section, in the section Windows Specifications, you will clearly see the edition, version and build number of the operating system.

The edition will tell you if you're using Windows 11 Home, Pro, or some less common variant. The self refers to major updates (such as 21H2 or 22H2), while the compilation indicates smaller updates, usually monthly.

What does each of these data mean?

When you view the Windows Specifications, several lines may appear that may not be entirely clear at first. Let's break them down:

Edition: Indicate the type of license you have on your system:

• Home: Standard version for home users.
• Pro: Add advanced features like BitLocker, virtualization with Hyper-V, or Windows Sandbox.
• Enterprise or Education: Aimed at businesses and academic centers. Not commonly used by home users.

Version: Refers to major functional updates that Microsoft releases periodically, usually once or twice a year, such as:

• 21:2: First stable version of Windows 11 (second half of 2021).
• 22:2: Update released in 2022 with multiple visual and performance improvements.

Build number: This is a more technical number (e.g., 22621.1848) that details the exact version of the system, including security patches or monthly cumulative improvements.

Using the Winver command

A quick and direct way to see this information is to use the command winverThis will show you a floating window with key details about your system.

To use it:

• Press Win + R to open the run box.
• Write winver and hit Enter.

A window will open with the name of the operating system (for example, Windows 11 Pro) and just below you will see the version and build number.

Access the version from the command prompt or PowerShell

If you prefer more advanced options or need to automate processes, you can also Check the Windows 11 version from the Console or PowerShell. These are the commands most used:

• systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /B /C:"OS Version"
• slmgr /dlv (displays detailed information about the system license)

Both commands provide valuable technical data, such as the installed edition, system version, exact build number, and license details. If you need more information about updates, you can review the section on Installing updates in Windows.

Check hardware compatibility with Windows 11

Another common situation is that you've made physical changes to your computer, such as replacing the motherboard or processor. In these cases, It is important to check if your device is still compatible with Windows 11..

For this, you can use the official Microsoft application "PC Status Check". Here the steps:

1. Download the app from the official Microsoft website.
2. Open it from the start menu by typing “PC Health Check.”
3. Click on “Check now” and you will see if your equipment meets the minimum requirements.

In case the system has not yet updated the information after the hardware change, you can force it manually using the Task Scheduler or from the Command console with administrator privilegesTo better understand previous versions of Windows, you might want to review the differences between all versions of Windows Server.

Windows Feature Experience Pack

In addition to the edition, version, and compilation, you can also find another element: the Windows Feature Experience Pack. This package is occasionally updated to add experimental or minor features to your system.

It is not especially relevant in most cases for the average user, but it gives clues about New capabilities that are being tested before being officially integratedTo check it, go to Settings > System > About. There, next to Windows specifications, you'll see the number associated with this package.

This type of information is also updated with the monthly cumulative updates released by Microsoft. If you'd like more details on how to optimize your Windows installation, you can read about ETL files in Windows.

What are the differences between LTSC and mainstream versions of Windows?

In corporate environments, you may encounter versions of Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)These editions are characterized by having a lower update rate y fewer built-in applications like Cortana, Microsoft Store or Edge.

They are focused on specialized devices that require long-term stability, so It is not recommended to use them as the main operating system for home users. If you are interested in the differences and specific configurations, this article on program files in Windows It can be useful.

Whether you prefer visual methods from Settings or more technical commands from PowerShell, The tools to analyze which version of Windows 11 you have available are numerous and easy to use.The important thing is that you now know how to interpret them and understand what each one says.

Related article:

How to find out which version of Windows is installed on your PC

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.