Windows 7 Version Numbers

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Each Microsoft Windows operating system has a familiar name, like Windows 10 or Windows Vista, but behind each common name is an actual Windows version number1.

Jun 26, 2009  Welcome to Windows 7 Forums. Our forum is dedicated to helping you find support and solutions for any problems regarding your Windows 7 PC be it Dell, HP, Acer, Asus or a custom build. We also provide an extensive Windows 7 tutorial section that covers a wide range of tips and tricks. In my environment i have update scan issue for some machines and i found that windows update agent version is “7.6.7601.23806” for those machines. I verified some of the working machines and the updated version is 7.6.7601.24085.Could you please help me with the Kb number.

You can determine your Windows version a number of ways if you want to check which build number you're currently running.

Windows Version Numbers

Below is a list of major Windows versions and their associated version numbers:

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The version numbers of Internet Explorer in the list are based on the versions of Windows. The list numbers might be changed by the latest hotfix. The build number of Internet Explorer in the release version of Windows Vista is the same as in other versions. For information about the differences between version 7.00.5730.1100 and version 7.00.

[1] More specific than a version number, at least in Windows, is a build number, often indicating exactly what major update or service pack has been applied to that Windows version. This is the last number shown in the version number column, like 7600 for Windows 7. Some sources note the build number in parenthesis, like 6.1 (7600).

[2] Windows XP Professional 64-bit had its own version number of 5.2. As far as we know, that's the only time Microsoft has designated a special version number for a specific edition and architecture-type of a Windows operating system.

[3] Service pack updates to Windows XP did update the build number but in a very minor and long-winded way. For example, Windows XP with SP3 and other small updates is listed as having a version number of 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_qfe.130704-0421 : Service Pack 3).

How to Update Windows

To update Windows to the newest build number, use Windows Update. Using the built-in Windows Update utility is the easiest way to check for and install Windows updates.

If your version of Windows isn't currently set up to install updates automatically, you can change the Windows Update settings so that new updates are downloaded and applied automatically. This is the simplest way to keep Windows updated to the latest version number.

Major Changes in Windows 10

Microsoft introduced several changes to the Windows operating system with the release of Windows 10. These are some of the biggest 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
  • Brand-new versions of Mail, Calendar, Maps, and Photos
  • Expanded notifications are available through Action Center
  • User interface that works well with both touch screen displays and traditional monitors that use a keyboard and mouse
  • Windows 10's Start menu replaces the full screen Windows 8 Start Screen
  • Microsoft Paint 3D replaces Microsoft Paint
  • Share files wirelessly with other PCs using Nearby Sharing
  • Set quiet hours by blocking notifications with Focus Assist
  • Windows Hello lets you log in to Windows 10, apps, and websites with your face
  • Play Xbox One games remotely on your Windows 10 computer

You may not have really thought about Windows build numbers in the past unless it was part of your job to do so. But they’ve become more important with Windows 10. Here’s how to find out what build—and edition and version—of Windows 10 you’re running.

Windows 10 Build Numbers

Windows has always used build numbers. They represent significant updates to Windows. Traditionally, most people have referred to Windows based on the major, named version they’re using—Windows Vista, 7, 8, and so on. Within those versions, we also had service packs to refer to: Windows 7 Service Pack 1, for example.

With Windows 10, things have changed a bit. For one thing, Microsoft claims there will be no more new versions of Windows—Windows 10 is here to stay. Microsoft has also done away with service packs, instead moving to releasing two big builds each year and giving them names. If you really need to refer to a specific version of Windows, though, it’s easiest to refer to it by its version number. Microsoft has hidden the version number somewhat in an attempt to make Windows 10 look always-up-to-date, but it’s not hard to find.

Note: In addition to builds, there also are still different editions of Windows 10—Home, Professional, Enterprise, and so on—with different features. Microsoft is also still offering both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows 10, as well.

Find Your Edition, Build Number, and More with the Settings App

The new Settings app also offers build, edition, and version information in a user-friendly form. Hit Windows+I to open Settings. In the Settings window, navigate to System > About. Scroll down a bit and you’ll see the information you’re after.

Navigate to System > About and scroll down. You’ll see the “Version” and “Build” numbers here.

RELATED:How to Upgrade From Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Professional

  • Edition. This line tells you which edition of Windows 10 you’re using—Home, Professional, Enterprise, or Education. If you’re using Home and you’d like to upgrade to Professional, you can upgrade to the Professional edition from within Windows 10. Switching to Windows 10 Enterprise or Education editions will require a complete reinstall and a special key that isn’t made available to normal home Windows users.
  • Version. The version number gives you the best information on what version of Windows 10 you’re running. The number is based on the date of the most recent large build release and uses a YYMM format. For example, in the screenshot above, the “1607” version tells us that the version we’re running is from the 7th month (July) of 2016. That’s the big Anniversary Update of Windows 10. The Fall Creators Update was released in September of 2017, so it’s version 1709.
  • OS Build. This line shows the specific operating system build you’re running. It gives you sort of a timeline of minor build releases in between the major version number releases. In the screenshot above, the “14393.693” build was actually the 13th build released after version 1607 shipped in July, 2016. This information is somewhat less important to most people than the major version numbers, but it can still help you identify exactly what you’re running. If you’re curious, you can check out the whole history of versions and builds for Windows 10 on Microsoft’s TechNet site.
  • System Type. This line tells you whether you’re using the 32-bit version of Windows 10 or the 64-bit version. It also tells you whether your PC is compatible with the 64-bit version or not. For example, “64-bit operating system, x64-based processor” indicates you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows 10 on a 64-bit processor. “32-bit operating system, x64-based processor” indicates you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows 10, but you could install the 64-bit version on your hardware if you preferred.

Find Your Edition and Build Number with the Winver Dialog

You can also use the old standby Windows Version (winver) tool to find some of this information. Hit Start, type “winver,” and then press Enter. You could also press Windows Key + R, type “winver” into the Run dialog, and press Enter.

Windows 7 Build Numbers List

The second line in the “About Windows” box tells you which version and build of Windows 10 you have. Remember, the version number is in the form YYMM—so 1607 means the 7th month of 2016. A couple of lines down, you’ll see the edition of Windows 10 you’re using—Windows 10 Pro in our example.

Windows 7 Sp1 Version Number

The “About Windows” box does not show whether you’re using a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 10, but it does give you a quicker way to check your version and build than navigating through the Settings app.

RELATED:Stupid Geek Tricks: How to Display the Windows Version on the Desktop

All this information—edition, version, build number, and build type—can be important if you’re trying to determine whether Windows 10 has received a specific update, whether you have access to a feature available only in certain editions, or whether you should download the 64- or 32-bit version of a program. And, if you’re super interested in keeping up with it, we even have a way to display your build number right on your desktop. Enjoy!

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