How To Find Out Which Operating System You Have

Learning Objectives

Make up one's mind what operating system you have.

An operating organization (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. Near every computer programme requires an operating arrangement to office. The 2 almost mutual operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Apple tree's macOS. This course's chief focus volition be Windows ten and 7.

Although this class volition exist focusing on Windows 10 and 7, the things you volition learn in this module can be done by any version of Windows or macOS. If you are non running Windows 10 or vii, y'all can detect directions online by searching for the task you are trying to practise and the name of your operating arrangement. (For example, you might search for "create folder windows vista.")

Windows vs. Mac

The Apple logo.

Apple tree logo

To identify your operating system, start past narrowing down which brand of OS you have. Often you can determine whether you are running Windows or macOS without even turning on your computer:

Is there an Apple tree logo somewhere on your computer?
Does your computer have a Command key (⌘) on the keyboard?
Was your figurer purchased at an Apple tree store?

If the respond to any of those questions isyep, and then you nearly likely have a calculator that runs macOS.

Another good way to see whether you are running Windows or Mac is simply to turn the computer on. As the operating system boots upwardly, it volition display a logo. A Windows logo means you are running Windows, while an Apple logo means you lot are running macOS.

If you have determined that you are running Windows, there are many methods to make up one's mind your specific operating organization, not all of which are listed here.It doesn't matter which method you use; what's important is figuring out which operating organisation you have. If ane method doesn't work, try another.

Method i

Printing the Windows cardinal (at the lesser of the keyboard, looks similar four squares) and R key at the aforementioned time to open up the Run dialog box. Type in "winver."

A dialog box called Run that has a text field called Open. In the Open text field is the word winver. The window has option buttons OK, Cancel, and Browse...

Click OK. A window should open up called About Windows that tells you which operating system you are using.

Notification pop up from the Windows 10 operating system. It's purpose is to let the user know about the Windows system. It contains the version, the copyright certification, and it's licensing source. In the bottom right corner there is a box which is labelled "ok".

This computer is using Windows 10.

Method two

Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-manus corner of your screen. If you see a search text box, select it so blazon "nearly" or "about your pc." If you exercise not see a search text box, and then just get-go typing "near" or "about your pc." Select About your PC. If you do non come across Virtually your PC, try a different method.

In the search box type "about". After you hit search a list of 4 options pop up. The first one is "Best Match", the best match is, "About your PC" this is shaded by a tint of gray to signify that the mouse is hovering over this option. The second result down was labelled "Apps", the third, "Settings", and the fourth was the, "Store".

This display shows the about menu of the Windows 10 operating system. In this window it describes the edition, the version, the OS build, the product ID, the processor, the installed RAM, and the system type of the Windows 10 PC. The edition and version labels are surrounded by a red box to highlight them. The system type is also surrounded by a red box.

This reckoner is running Windows 10 Home Version 1607 with a 64-chip operating system.

Method three

Open the Commencement menu past clicking the bottom left-manus corner of your screen. Right-click on Computer, then select Properties.

The control panel is open displaying a series of information regarding the operating system. On this panel are two important things. 1. The Windows edition which is surrounded by a red box and 2. The System type which is also surrounded by a red box.

This computer is running Windows 7 Professional with a 64-scrap operating organization.

Method 4

Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen.If yous see a search text box, select it and then type "Organisation Information" in the search box. If you practice not run across a search text box, then just first typing "arrangement" or "system information." Select Arrangement Information under Programs. If you do not see System Information, try a different method.

The systems search panel is open and in the search box is the words system information. Two options are showing, the first one being "Programs" and the second one being "Control Panel". Select system information under programs.

The system information box is open with three important items highlighted in red boxes. The first one highlighted is the OS Name, the second one highlighted is the Version, and the last one highlighted is System Type.

This calculator is running Windows 7 Professional with a 64-flake operating system.

Methods 2–4 also provide boosted data on your computer that is useful for troubleshooting and determining what programs you will be able to run. For instance, many software programs have a version for a x32-based processor and another for a x64-based processor. For the purposes of this course, you only demand to know which edition of Windows you have.