Understanding what operating system your computer is running

How many times have you been asked what operating system version you use, and you haven’t got a clue? The question is often asked when you’re seeking technical support for software or hardware issues, during software installation, online forms or when you’re trying to set up a network. It feels like an answer you should instinctively be able to provide, but oftentimes people aren’t even aware or don’t have it memorized.

So what exactly is an operating system (OS)? An operating system is a software program that allows users to interact with the computer or mobile device and run applications (like Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Facebook, etc). Examples of popular operating systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS and Unix. Each operating system has its own features, interface and capabilities, catering to the needs of different users and environments.

Additionally, operating systems have multiple versions representing a release that may include new features, improvements, bug fixes and security updates.

Providing accurate information about your operating system can be important for receiving troubleshooting assistance and using compatible software and hardware.

So, how do you find the operating system you’re on? Below are some well-known operating systems and step-by-step instructions on how to identify the version of that operating system.

Quick Links:

If you are unsure start with Method 1, but if you think you know what OS you have here are some quick links to help below:

• Windows 11
• Windows 10
• Windows 7
• Apple MacOS

How to find the operating system for a Windows Machine

Method 1: Using System Information

1. Press Windows + R:
   • Open the Run dialog by pressing the "Windows" key and "R" simultaneously.
2. Type msinfo32 and Press Enter:
   • In the Run dialog, type msinfo32 and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.
3. Check the Operating System Version:
   • In the System Information window, look for the "System Summary" on the left sidebar.
   • Under "System Summary," look for "OS Name" and "Version." These fields will display information about your operating system.

Method 2: Using Settings

1. Open Settings:
   • Click on the "Start" button in the taskbar (Windows icon) or press the "Windows" key on your keyboard.
   • Click on the "Settings" icon (gear-shaped) in the Start menu.
      
2. Go to System:
   • In the Settings window, select "System" from the options.<
      
3. About Section:
• In the System settings, click on the "About" tab in the left sidebar.
   
4. View Operating System Information:
   • On the right side, you will see information about your device, including the edition of Windows and the version number.

How to find the operating system info in Windows 11

1. Open Settings:
   • Click on the "Start" button in the taskbar (Windows icon) or press the "Windows" key on your keyboard.
   • Click on the "Settings" icon (gear-shaped) in the left sidebar, or press "Windows + I" on your keyboard to open Settings.
      
2. Go to System:
   • In the Settings window, select "System" from the left sidebar.
      
3. About Section:
   • In the System settings, click on the "About" tab in the left sidebar.
      
4. View Operating System Information:
   • On the right side, you will see information about your device, including the edition of Windows 11 and the version number.

The "Edition" will tell you the specific edition of Windows 11 you are using, and the "OS build" or "Version" will provide the version number.

How to find the operating system info in Windows 10

1. Open Settings:
   • Click on the "Start" button in the taskbar (Windows icon) or press the "Windows" key on your keyboard.
   • Click on the "Settings" icon (gear-shaped) in the Start menu, or press "Windows + I" on your keyboard to open Settings.
      
2. Go to System:
   • In the Settings window, select "System" from the options.
      
3. About Section:
   • In the System settings, click on the "About" tab in the left sidebar.
      
4. View Operating System Information:
   • On the right side, you will see information about your device, including the edition of Windows 10 and the version number.

The "Edition" will tell you the specific edition of Windows 10 you are using, and the "Version" will provide the version number.

How to find the operating system info in Windows 7

1. Open the Start Menu:
   • Click on the "Start" button in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
      
2. Access the Control Panel:
   • From the Start Menu, select "Control Panel."
      
3. Go to System and Security:
   In the Control Panel, click on "System and Security."
    
4. View System Information:
   • Within the "System and Security" category, you will find an option called "System." Click on it.
      
5. Check Operating System Information:
   • In the System window, you will find information about your computer, including the operating system version.
      
6. The information displayed will include the Windows edition, system type (32-bit or 64-bit), and other details about your computer.

Please note that Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft as of January 14, 2020. It's recommended to upgrade to a newer and supported operating system for security reasons.

How to find the operating system for an Apple Mac

1. Click on the Apple Logo:
   • In the top-left corner of the screen, click on the Apple logo. This is usually located on the menu bar.
      
2. Select "About This Mac":
   From the drop-down menu that appears after clicking the Apple logo, select "About This Mac."
    
3. View Operating System Information:
   • A new window will open, displaying information about your Mac. The "Overview" tab will show the version of macOS or OS X that is currently installed.
      
4. The version number is typically displayed as something like "macOS [Version Number]" or "OS X [Version Number]."
    
5. Check for Updates:
   • If you want to check for software updates, you can click on the "Software Update" button within the "About This Mac" window. This will open the App Store, where you can check for and install the latest updates to your operating system.

Keep in mind that the appearance of these options may vary slightly depending on the version of macOS you are using, but the general process remains the same.

Now that you know the version you’re on, how can you tell if it’s the most updated? Most modern operating systems provide automatic updates, and enabling automatic updates is a good practice to help ensure your OS is up-to-date. Some people prefer to update manually; if this sounds like you, we recommend doing so at least every month by following the steps below.

Windows and Android users can check for updates by selecting Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If an update is available, you may install them directly from there.

Mac users can click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the screen > System Settings > General > Software Update. If there is a new version available, you will see an option to update.

iPhone and iPad users can open the Settings app > General > Software Update.  If there is a new version available, you will see an option to update. 

Make sure to follow these steps carefully because there are some ‘bad actors’ out there who might try and scam you by offering fake updates. Scammers often use tactics like phishing emails, fake websites or pop-up messages to trick users into downloading malicious software or providing personal information. If you're ever unsure about the legitimacy of an update or communication, it's advisable to reach out to the official support channels of the software or operating system for confirmation.

There are several reasons why it’s important to keep your operating system updated—here are a few:

• Security: One of the primary reasons to update your operating system is to address security vulnerabilities. Software updates often include patches and fixes for known security issues. Running an outdated operating system makes your computer more susceptible to malware, viruses and other security threats.
• Bug Fixes: Operating system updates typically include bug fixes that address issues and glitches present in previous versions. These fixes can improve system stability, performance and overall user experience.
• Compatibility: Newer software applications and hardware devices are often designed to be compatible with the latest operating system versions. Updating your OS ensures that you can use the latest software and hardware features without compatibility issues.
• Performance Improvements: Updates may include performance enhancements and optimizations, leading to faster and more efficient operation of your computer. This can result in improved responsiveness and overall system performance.
• New Features: Operating system updates often introduce new features, functionalities and improvements. These additions can enhance the user experience, providing access to new tools, capabilities and user interfaces.
• Support and Compatibility: Manufacturers and software developers may phase out support for older operating system versions. By updating to the latest OS, you ensure that you receive ongoing support, including security updates and assistance from customer service.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In some cases, using outdated software may expose you to legal and regulatory issues. Certain industries and organizations are required to comply with specific security standards, and using an outdated operating system may violate these standards.
• Data Backup and Recovery: Some updates may include improvements to data backup and recovery mechanisms. Regularly updating your operating system helps ensure that your data is backed up properly, reducing the risk of data loss in the event of system failures.

There are different types of updates depending on the scope and impact of the changes being introduced. Regular (or minor) updates generally happen on a monthly basis and involve small improvements, optimizations and bug fixes; these updates are often provided free of charge. Major updates are more significant and may be released on a yearly or multi-year basis to bring new capabilities, feature enhancements and sometimes a refreshed user interface. Moving to a new major version of an operating system may involve a cost.

Deciding when to upgrade to a new major version of an operating system depends on various factors, and it comes down to a personal choice. It should align with your specific needs, preferences and the technical requirements of your system. It’s a good practice to stay informed about updates, regularly check for security considerations and plan your upgrade based on a combination of these factors.

If you do decide to upgrade, it’s important to know that an internet connection is often required to initiate the upgrade (during the download), but likely not required for the installation. If you have automatic updates enabled, your OS may download and install updates in the background whenever your device is connected to the internet.

Sometimes it’s difficult to get used to the upgrade once completed. For example, the experience is too different from what you had prior, or it might even break some of the software you use on a regular basis. Major operating system changes can take some time to get used to, and initial discomfort may be temporary. First try and give yourself some time to explore and adapt to the new features and interface. If the issues persist and are significantly impactful, you may want to consider rolling back to the previous version, restoring from a backup, check for updates or service packs, customize settings or consider an alternative operating system.

Need some help?

It may be helpful to visit the official website of the company to get more information around your issue(s). For Windows and Android information, visit Microsoft and for Mac and iOS information, visit Apple. Additionally, AOL provides support for nearly any issue you might be experiencing:

• Issues related to your AOL account like your password and email
• Issues unrelated to your AOL account including general questions about your operating system, virus removal, etc; they can also help perform a computer tune-up for better performance, and even help set up a printer