Each Microsoft Windows operating system has a familiar name, like Windows 11 or Windows Vista, but behind each common name is an actual Windows version number1. You can determine your Windows version a number of ways if you want to check which build number you're currently running. Below is a list of major Windows versions and their associated version numbers:. To update Windows to the newest build number, use Windows Update.

The built-in Windows Update utility is the easiest way to check for and install Windows updates. If you haven't set up your version of Windows to install updates automatically, you can change the Windows Update settings so that new updates are downloaded and applied automatically.

It's the simplest way to keep Windows updated to the latest version number.

Guide to Windows version numbers and major Windows builds

Microsoft introduced several changes to the Windows operating system with Windows 10. These are some of the most significant differences between Windows 10 and Windows 8 (and older versions of Windows):. Cortana comes built-in to Windows 10. Microsoft Edge is pre-installed as a replacement browser for Internet Explorer.