How to find out what type of system is on your computer. How to find out what operating system is on your computer? Which bit is better?

What operating system is on your computer? Users usually answer: Windows (or say something else if they use Linux or Mac). Sometimes a version is added to this (8, 10, etc.) But often this is not enough. You need to know not only the name and number of your OS, but also the build number, version of the service pack (if provided), etc. Let's look at how to find out the computer's operating system exactly depending on its version.

For Windows 10

Microsoft's most popular OS today has become famous (not in the best sense) for its intrusive upgrade offers. Sometimes these updates are really helpful and worth installing. Sometimes, on the contrary, it is better to skip the next sentence containing errors and wait until they are corrected.

But in both cases, you need to know the exact version of your OS in order to decide whether to accept the offer from Redmond or refuse.

How to find out what operating system is on your computer in the case of Windows 10? The simplest way is this:

1. Press Win+R keys on your keyboard
2. Enter the command “winver” (from the English words Windows Version) into the input field that opens. Quotes or any other symbols other than winver are not needed
3. Press the Enter key or the OK button

After this, a small window will appear on the screen, which provides all the key information about your OS version:

• Name and generation (in our case Windows 10)
• Version number
• Assembly
• License status (whether the copy is licensed and the user's name and organization)

When it comes to updates, the key element is the OS build number. This is what you need to look at to understand whether to update or wait for now.

If for some reason your keyboard does not have Windows keys(let's say you're using a Bluetooth keyboard to mobile devices), there are other ways to send a command to the system:

1. Click on the search icon (the magnifying glass icon, to the right of the Start button in the lower left corner)
2. Enter winver
3. When the “Run command” prompt appears below the text, click on it with the mouse

As a result, you will get the same window as when you entered the command through Win-R.

For Windows 8

The winver command also works for previous version Windows. If you run a command through the Win+R keyboard shortcut, there will be no differences either in the launch process or in the window in which the system displays the results.

If you run a command through the search menu, then instead of the command, the search will show you the winver.exe file that you are prompted to run. Run it: it will give the same result.

For Windows 7 or Vista

An operating system released before the mass craze for touch screens, has a slightly different interface. In particular, the Start menu is launched there using a round button, although the button is located in the same left corner. But there is no separate “Search” button on the desktop.

1. Left click on the Start button
2. In the search field that opens at the bottom of the menu, enter the winver command we are already familiar with
3. Press Enter
4. When the search offers a result - the Winver.exe program, click on it, after which you will see a window with the title “About the program”.

This is the description of your version of Windows. Similar to more recent versions, this window also shows the Windows generation, version number, build number, service pack and licensing information.

The window title also shows which edition of Windows 7 you have installed (Elementary, Home Basic, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate, etc.) Please note that in Windows 10 the title is not so informative.

For Windows XP and earlier

If you use good old XP, then the algorithm for finding out what OS is on your computer will be like this:

1. Click on the "Start" button
2. Select “Run” from the list
3. In the “Run a program” window that opens, there is an input field. Enter the same “winver” command into it
4. Click on the "OK" button in the window or press Enter

An information window will appear before your eyes, the design of which will be in the style of Windows XP. In terms of information content, it will be more reminiscent of Vista than 8 or 10. In the window you can read the following data:

• OS edition (Home, Professional, etc.)
• Version number
• Build number
• Service pack
• User License Information
• Available volume random access memory

The last item on our entire list is unique to Windows XP.

We will not go deeper and explore ways to find out the version of Millennuim, 98 or 95. If such rarities work on your computer, then you probably have special reasons for this, and therefore you already know how to find out the version of the operating system on your computer .

Universal method

We have reviewed the simplest way get information about the version of your operating system. However, it produces relatively sparse data. There are enough of them to decide whether to accept or not accept the update. But sometimes you need to find out more about your system - for example, its capacity or information about hardware.

There is a more advanced method for finding out the OS on a computer. It is based on a key element of Windows - the Control Panel.

1. Click on the Start menu with the RIGHT mouse button.
2. Select “System” from the menu that opens.
3. Click on it.

In the window that opens, more modern versions of Windows (for example, 10) will not show the classic Control Panel, but its modern version, adapted for touch control. However, it will show key data:

• Device code
• Product code (i.e. Windows)
• System type (that is, its bit capacity – 32- or 64-bit)

To go to the classic “System” tab of the traditional Control Panel, in versions 8 and 10 you need:

1. Click on the “Search” button next to the “Start” menu
2. Enter “system” in Russian
3. Click on the proposed “best match” (this will be the Control Panel tab we need)

The panel that opens will contain much more data than the window that opens using the winver command. In particular, you can read there:

• System capacity
• Status Windows activation
• License key(code of product)
• Computer name
• The working group he belongs to
• Hardware information (processor, amount of RAM, touch screen availability)

Sometimes this data turns out to be more informative than a simple winver panel.

In other versions of the OS, you can enter this tab by launching the Control Panel using the method provided for this particular Windows edition.

In Windows XP, to view system properties you need to:

1. Find the My Computer icon on your desktop
2. Right click on it
3. In the context menu, find the “Properties” line and left-click on it

The System Properties tab will open, showing roughly the same information as the System tab in Control Panel.

Via Microsoft website

Finally, if you have a working internet connection, you can simply follow , and the site will automatically recognize your version (though not with such precise details). There will also be instructions for a more precise definition, specifically for your OS.

When installing Microsoft programs For Lync 2010, depending on your computer's operating system, you must use either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the installer.

Minimum Requirements The operating system for Lync 2010 is Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3 (SP3). For more information about system requirements, see System requirements for Lync Online and Online Meeting settings for Microsoft Lync 2010.

Determining the bitness of the operating system

Windows 7 or Windows Vista

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, there are two ways to determine the bitness of the version. If one doesn't work, use another.

Method 1: System window in Control Panel

Click the button Start, enter system in the search field and select System on the list Control Panel.

The operating system is described as follows:

System in field System type indicated 64-bit operating system.

System in field System type indicated 32-bit operating system.

Click the button Start, enter system in the search field and click System Information on the list Programs.

When selecting an item System Summary In the navigation area, the operating system is described as follows:

64-bit version: in section Element in field System type entry is displayed x64 based computer.

32-bit version: in section Element in field System type entry is displayed x86 based computer.

Windows XP Professional

In Windows XP, there are two ways to determine the bitness of the version. If one doesn't work, use another.

Method 1: System Properties window in Control Panel

Click the button Start, and then - Execute.

Enter sysdm.cpl and press the button OK.

Open the tab Are common. The operating system is described as follows:

64-bit version: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition<год> In chapter System.

32-bit version: Windows XP Professional version<год> In chapter System

Method 2: System Information window

Click the button Start, and then - Execute.

Enter winmsd.exe and press the button OK.

Selecting the item System Information in the navigation area, find CPU In chapter Element in the details area. Please note the value shown.

If the value in the string CPU begin with x86, then the computer has a 32-bit Windows version.

If the value in the string CPU begin with ia64 or AMD64, then a 64-bit version of Windows is installed on your computer.

How to find out the OS

Sometimes you need to find out what operating system (OS) is installed on your computer or laptop. This may be required in several cases, for example, if you need to find drivers for a printer or MFP, and for this you need to know the type of operating system and its bitness (32 or 64 bit). Let's consider possible ways OS type definitions.

Method for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7

Step 1. Click on the “Start” button, which is located in the lower left corner of the screen, and then, with the right mouse button, click on the “Computer” or “My Computer” button.

You need to right-click on the “Computer” or “My Computer” button - depending on the operating system

Step 2. In the context menu, select the “Properties” command.

In the context menu, select the “Properties” command

Step 3. In the window that appears, we can get all the necessary information regarding the operating system. In this particular case, 64-bit Windows 7 Basic is installed on the computer.

Operating system type and bit depth

Please note that in addition to the type of operating system and its bitness, we also received another useful information about our computer:

• Processor type;
• Service Pack version;
• Windows Experience Index;
• The amount of installed RAM.

Method for Windows 8

Windows 8 can be easily identified visually by the “tiles” on the screen.

Windows 8 is easy to distinguish by its interface, but you need to keep in mind that it can be either 32-bit or 64-bit

Let's use the Microsoft website help system:

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search. Or, if you're using a mouse, move your pointer to the bottom right corner of the screen and click the Find button.
2. In the search field, enter “system information.”
3. Tap or click the System icon, tap System Information or click the button System Information.

Click the System Information button

You can now view detailed system information.

The laptop has 64-bit Windows 8 version 8.1 installed

A universal way to identify all types of operating systems

This method requires an Internet connection. All you have to do is go to http://bilet.pp.ru/calculator_rus/moya_os.php.

The service determined the operating system (Windows 7) and browsers used on the computer

We hope you can now recognize your operating system. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments.

Today, a huge part of the world's population interacts with computers on a regular basis, some are obliged to work, some look for information on the Internet, and some simply spend time playing games. Everyone has their own needs, which means the computer must meet them. And if we are talking about “hardware” (the technical component of a computer), then everything is more or less clear: the newer, the better. But here is the “software” ( software) part, requires special attention.

Each computer runs a specific operating system, of which there are a great many, each of which is suitable for certain tasks, available equipment and so on. Therefore, an important factor is the choice of this operating system.

There is a fairly massive list of operating systems, but this article will focus on three pillars that have greatly influenced the industry and occupy the largest share among all operating systems: Windows, MacOS and Linux.

Proprietary operating systems

To begin with, it’s worth clarifying that there are proprietary operating systems, those that are distributed under a manufacturer’s license. These include Windows, the list of which is given below, and MacOS. Despite the fact that both systems can be downloaded on the Internet (stolen), the correct thing to do is to purchase a license from the distribution company and activate it.

The advantage of such systems is their development, great amount high-quality software and competent technical support that will help in case of problems.

“Free” operating systems

These include almost the entire Linux family, with the exception of some developments with accounting or other professional software. These OSes can be downloaded absolutely free and installed on any computer without a twinge of conscience.

Such systems are created by independent developers together with the community, so in most cases the quality of the programs leaves much to be desired, but such systems are much more secure and work more stable than their proprietary competitors.

Windows

Absolutely everyone who has ever dealt with a computer knows about this Microsoft product. In particular, this applies to the super-successful release of Windows 7. List of operating systems Microsoft systems goes back ten generations. They are extremely popular all over the world and occupy almost 90% of the market. Which speaks volumes of unprecedented leadership.

• Windows XP;
• Windows Vista;
• Windows 7;
• Windows 8;
• Windows 10;

The list deliberately starts with Windows XP, since it is the most old version, which remains in use to this day.

Chrome OS

An underdeveloped product from Google, which is limited only to web applications and the browser of the same name. This system is not competitive with Windows and Mac, but is made with an eye to the future when web interfaces can replace “real” software. Installed by default on all Chromebooks.

Installing multiple systems and using virtual machines

Since each platform has its own pros and cons, it often becomes necessary to work with several at once. Computer developers know this, so they offer users the opportunity to install two or three systems on a disk at once.

This is done simply. All you need is a system distribution kit (a disk or flash drive with installation material loaded on it) and free space on your hard drive. All modern operating systems offer to allocate space during installation and create a boot mechanism that will show a list of operating systems when the computer boots. Everything is done semi-automatically and can be done by any user.

On Apple computers available special utility- BootCamp, which is designed to be simple and seamless Windows installations next to MacOS.

There is another way - installation virtual system inside the real one. For this purpose, the following programs are used: VmWare and VirtualBox, which are capable of emulating the operation of a full-fledged computer and launching operating systems.

Instead of a conclusion

The list of operating systems for a computer is not limited to the above. There are a lot of products from different companies, but they are all quite specific and do not deserve the attention of the average user. The choice is worth making between Windows, MacOS and Linux, as they can cover most of the needs and are quite easy to learn.

Currently, the most popular operating systems are: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, Mac OS. Linux and Mac OS users usually know the name on their computer. But the large army of Windows users are often at a loss as to how to recognize the operating system on their computer.

This may be necessary before subscribing to a course or, moreover, purchasing an information product or installing new program or a game.

Unfortunately, the authors of paid (and free) courses do not always indicate which operating system they use to teach computer literacy and similar things. And if you have Windows computer XP, then a course on Windows 7 or Windows 8 is unlikely to help you. In addition, many programs and games are designed for a specific operating system.

To find out the computer system there are at least three ways:

1. win team,
2. right-click (right mouse button) on the “Start” button or on the “Computer” icon,
3. Microsoft to help us.

The second and third methods provide more complete information about the operating system on the computer, but let’s start with the first method.

1. How to find out the operating system of a computer using the Winver command

How to enter the winver command? Fast way(we will talk about another method):

1) press two keys simultaneously: with the Windows logo + R,

Rice. 1. Two keys are highlighted in red: the bottom one with the Windows logo and the top one with the letter R

2) the “Run” window will appear, in which you should enter the “winver” command without errors and without quotes:

Rice. 2. The “Run” window in Windows 10 (the window looks the same in Win 7, 8.1, XP), where in the “Open” line we enter “winver”

3) then select OK (Fig. 2).

Don't have a Windows logo key on your keyboard? You can do without it; we will consider this separately for four different versions.

1.1.Windows 10 and the winver command

If the above option in Figures 1 and 2 is not suitable, for example, due to the absence of a key with the Windows logo, we will use the search system, which is available in all Windows systems.

Rice. 3. Search for the winver command in Windows 10

• 1 in Fig. 3 – click the magnifying glass icon, which opens Search on your computer,
• 2 – type in the search line that appears: winver,
• 3 in Fig. 3 – click on “winver Execute command”.

As a result, a window will appear describing the operating system on your device:

Rice. 4. Result of the Winver command: information about the operating system

The information provided in Fig. 4 is sometimes not enough. To learn more about the 10-ke system, see

1.2. winver for Windows 8 (8.1)

To use this command, you can use the Windows logo button + R, more details.

Another option that doesn't require commands is to use Windows search 8 (8.1):

Rice. 5. Search for the winver command in Windows 8

• 1 in Fig. 5 – open Search,
• 2 – enter winver,
• 3 in Fig. 5 – click on winver.exe.

As a result, we get something like this:

Rice. 6. Winver execution summary - information about Windows 8

At one time, I updated Win 8 to 8.1 and everything was fine, until one unlucky day after the update, the tablet with 8.1 suddenly stopped working. Samsung was disappointing: only the native Win 8, which was originally installed by the manufacturer of the tablet computer, and no updates to 8.1. Therefore, in Fig. 6 the inscription is with 8, not 8.1.

How to find out more about your 8, read

1.3. Windows 7 and the winver command

1.4. Windows XP and the winver command

If the Start button looks like in Fig. 9, then you probably have an operating room Windows system XP.

Rice. 9. Where is the Run command for Windows XP?

• Click on .
• In the menu that appears after this, click on the Run command (Fig. 9).

The “Launch the program” window appears (Fig. 10).

Rice. 10. Entering the Winver command for Windows XP

Enter the winver command, as shown in Fig. 10, and click on the “OK” button.

The "About" window appears. Windows program"(Fig. 11), where you can find out information about the operating system on your computer, including its version:

Rice. 11. Result of running the Winver command for Windows XP

You can also talk about the Windows XP system in the following way.

There is an easier way to find out more about your operating system, without entering any commands.

2. How to find out the operating system of your computer using RMB (right mouse button)

Briefly, the essence of this method is that you need to right-click (Right Mouse Button) on the “Computer” or “My Computer” or “Start” icon.

If the RMB method is not suitable, then enter “system” or “computer” into the Search bar without quotes. All that remains is to click on the option that will be found as a result of the search. Then a window will open with complete information on your computer’s operating system.

2.1. About Windows 10

To get more information about your operating system (RAM size, processor, 64 or 32 bit, etc.), you can

• right-click (right mouse button) on the “Start” button,
• or click on the magnifying glass icon (next to the Start button) and enter “system” in the search bar without quotes.

Rice. 12. Right-click on the Start icon

• 1 in Fig. 12 – click “Start” with the right mouse button,
• 2 in Fig. 12 – in the menu that appears, click the “System” option.

As a result, the “About System” window will open:

Rice. 13. Windows 10 system information

2.2. About Windows 8

Rice. 14. Search for the Computer application using Search

• 1 in Fig. 14 – click Search,
• 2 – enter “computer” into the search bar without quotes,
• 3 in Fig. 14 – click on the “Computer” application,

In the window that appears after this, click with the left (or right) mouse button on the “Properties” option. As a result, the “View basic information about your computer” window will open (Fig. 15):

Rice. 15 (click on the picture to enlarge it). Windows 8 Basics

2.3. About the system in Windows 7

Rice. 16. RMB (right mouse button) for the Computer option in Windows 7

If the Start button looks like in Fig. 16 (number 1), which means you have Windows 7.

• 1 in Fig. 16 – Click on the Start button.
• 2 – Then right-click (right mouse button) on the “Computer” icon.
• 3 in Fig. 16 – A context menu appears, in which we click on the “Properties” link.

The “View basic information about your computer” window will appear (Fig. 17), in which you can find out the operating system installed on your computer, as well as information about the processor, RAM, etc.

Rice. 17. Computer Basics for Windows 7

2.4. About the system in Windows XP

If there is a “My Computer” icon, as in Fig. 18, which means you have Windows XP operating system. Click on this RMB icon (right mouse button), and in the drop-down menu click on the “Properties” link (Fig. 18).

Rice. 18. Properties for the My Computer icon in Windows XP

The “System Properties” window appears (Fig. 19):