Operating Systems - Determining Operating System and Application Version Numbers

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Objective

Following these steps will find the Operating System (OS) and OS build/version number, as well as the version numbers of most applications.

Environment

Windows
macOS

Before You Begin

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Steps

Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows

  1. Go to your Start Menu.
  2. With the Start Menu open, type winver and press ENTER.
  3. A splash screen will come up displaying your version of Windows. If applicable, also take note of the Build number, as well as any Service Pack numbers displayed.
    Screenshot

Operating Systems: Macintosh OS

  1. Click on the apple icon in the upper left hand corner of your screen
  2. Select About this Mac.
  3. A splash screen is displayed showing the version of Macintosh OS in use (Example: Mac OS X). Below that you will find the version (build) number, e.g., 10.4.7.

Applications: Microsoft Windows

  1. Open the application
  2. Click Help on the menu bar at the top.
    Screenshot
  3. Most Windows programs will have an option at the bottom of this menu named "About (Program Name)". Clicking on this option will usually display a small splash screen noting the application name and build Number.

Applications: Macintosh OS X

  1. Open the application
  2. Click on the name of the program on the top task bar.
    Screenshot
  3. In this menu, there should be an option that reads "About [application name)]. Clicking on this option will usually display a small splash screen noting the application name and version number.

Additional Info

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