Build Number and Windows Version: Understanding the Basics in Windows 11
Every version and build of the Windows operating system has a unique identifier called a build number. This numbering system helps developers and users identify the specific version and edition of the OS. In this article, we will focus on how to find and understand the build number and Windows version in the latest version of Microsoft's desktop operating system - Windows 11.
Finding the Build Number and Windows Version in Windows 11
To find the build number and Windows version in Windows 11, follow the steps below:
- Press
Win + Rto open the 'Run' dialog. - Type
winverand press 'Enter' (figure 1).
As shown in figure 1, the 'About Windows' window will appear, displaying the build number and version of the installed Windows OS.
Figure 1. Displaying the build number in Windows 11 with 'winver'
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.22000.1]
In the example provided in figure 1, the build number is 10.0.22000.1, which identifies the specific build within the Windows 11 OS. The version is '10.0', as Windows 11 is built on top of, and is considered an evolution of, Windows 10.
Understanding the Build Number Structure
The build number consists of several segments separated by periods. We can break down the build number from our example as follows:
10: The major version number; signifying the primary platform and major updates.0: The minor version number; signifying the incremental update and product enhancement within a major version.22000: The build number; a continually incremented value since the OS build's inception.1: The revision; typically utilized for hotfixes and extremely critical updates within a build.
Relevance of Build Number in Windows 11
The build number and version of your Windows 11 OS are important for various reasons:
- Compatibility: Software developers test their applications on specific Windows builds to ensure compatibility.
- Troubleshooting: IT professionals often rely on build numbers to identify problems and apply targeted solutions.
- Knowledge base: Microsoft and community-driven resources often provide information based on specific builds.
Understanding the build number and Windows version in Windows 11 is essential for locating relevant information, ensuring application compatibility, and troubleshooting issues. The build number can be easily accessed through the winver command and is a crucial piece of information that helps organizations and individuals make the most of their Windows 11 experience.