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Checking Your Operating System Versions (Cross-Platform Guide)

Quick guide on how to find your operating systems version

Vincent Priestley avatar
Written by Vincent Priestley
Updated over 2 weeks ago

This guide provides the quick steps for the most common desktop and mobile operating systems.

πŸ’» macOS (Mac Computers)

The easiest way to find your macOS version and build number is through the Apple menu.

  1. Click the Apple menu (ο£Ώ) in the upper-left corner of your screen.

  2. Select About This Mac.

  3. The window that appears will display the macOS Name (e.g., macOS Sonoma) and the main Version Number (e.g., 14.8.2).

πŸ’‘ To view the Build Number: If you need the more specific build number, click on the version number displayed in the About This Mac window.

πŸ“± Android (Phones and Tablets)

The exact steps can vary slightly between manufacturers (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) but the general location is the same.

  1. Open the Settings app on your device (usually represented by a gear icon βš™οΈ).

  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the main settings list.

  3. Tap About Phone, About Device, or About Tablet.

  4. Look for a section titled Android Version or tap Software Information (if available) to see the version number.

🍏 iOS / iPadOS (iPhone and iPad)

This information is consistently located within the General settings of the device.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

  2. Tap on General.

  3. Tap on About.

  4. The current version number will be displayed next to "iOS Version" or "Software Version".

🐧 Linux (Desktop Distributions)

The Command Line Interface (CLI) method is the most reliable way to find the version across different distributions.

Command Line Method (Universal)

  1. Open your Terminal application.

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    Bash

    cat /etc/os-release

    • This command displays details like the distribution NAME, VERSION, and VERSION_ID.

Graphical Method (Varies)

  1. Open Settings or System Settings.

  2. Navigate to About, Details, or System Information (location depends on your desktop environment like GNOME or KDE).

  3. The distribution name and version number will be listed there.

πŸ’» Windows (Desktop and Laptop)

There are multiple ways to retrieve the OS build number, all providing the necessary details.

Settings Menu

  1. Go to Settings > System > About.

  2. The OS build number is listed under Windows specifications.

Run Dialog Command

  1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.

  2. Type winver and press Enter.

  3. A small window will appear, displaying the Version and OS Build number.

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