Check your Windows edition and version
Finding the edition, version, build and system type, and how Windows is activated
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Last Update 10 days ago
Settings > System > About has the details. Under Device specifications, System type shows whether Windows and the processor are 64-bit. Under Windows specifications, Edition shows Home or Pro, Version shows the release, such as 26H2, and OS build shows the exact build.
For a quick check, press Windows key + R, type winver and select OK.
Check the activation status
Open Settings > System > Activation. The status line says whether Windows is activated and, if it is, whether that's with a product key or with a digital licence linked to your Microsoft account.
Check the licence channel
Open Command Prompt and run this command.
A window shows the edition, the last five characters of the installed key and the licence channel, such as Retail or OEM. VOLUME_KMSCLIENT means Windows is set up to activate against an organisation's KMS server, which explains a group of activation errors described in Windows activation error codes.
Check whether your version is current
Windows 11 version 26H2 is the current release, out since 29 September 2026. Each yearly version of Windows 11 Home and Pro receives updates for 24 months, which is why version 24H2 reached the end of servicing for Home and Pro on 13 October 2026.
A PC still on 24H2 should move to the current version. Open Settings > Windows Update, turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they're available, and select Check for updates.