How to Check the Operating System: PC, Mac, Chrome, & Linux

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Identify your OS and find out which version you have

Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: July 7, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Windows
|
• Mac
|
• Chromebook
|
• Linux
|
• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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Are you trying to figure out what operating system (OS) your computer is running? This information can be helpful if you’re trying to run software or use an accessory that has specific system requirements. In this article, we’ll explain how to find your operating system’s name and version number on a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer.

Quick Steps to Check Your Windows OS Version

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click System.
4. Click About. In some earlier versions of Windows, you can skip this step.
5. Find your operating system info under the Windows specifications or Windows edition header.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Windows

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1. 
   1
   Click the Windows Start menu and select Settings. This is one of the options in the menu.
2. 
   2
   Select System. Your computer’s system settings will open.
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3. 
   3
   Click About. This option will show you basic information about your computer.

   • In some older versions of Windows, you can skip this step. Look for your Windows version in the main System menu, under the Windows edition header.
4. 
   4
   Locate your operating system info. This should be under the Windows specifications header. You’ll find your Windows edition and version here.

   • For example, your edition might be “Windows 11 Home,” and your version might be “25H2”.
   • Looking for other system specs? Check out our guide to finding your computer’s system information.
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Section 2 of 4:

Mac

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1. 
   1
   Click the

   

   Apple menu icon. It’s at the top left corner of your screen.
2. 
   2
   Select About This Mac. This is the first option in the menu. A new window will open with information about your Mac.
3. 
   3
   Find your operating system next to the “macOS” header. It’s near the bottom of the window. It should say something like “macOS Tahoe 26.4.1”.

   • Alternatively, you can see your operating system info by going to Apple menu > System Settings > General and selecting About at the top of the menu. You’ll see your operating system version under the macOS header.
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Section 3 of 4:

Chromebook

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1. 
   1
   Click the time at the bottom right corner of your screen. A menu will open.
2. 
   2
   Click the

   

   Settings icon. This is the gear-shaped icon at the top of the menu.
3. 
   3
   Select About ChromeOS. This option is at the bottom left side of the Settings menu.
4. 
   4
   Locate your ChromeOS version at the top of the menu. This is the first item on the menu. It might say something like “Version 16610.44.0 (Official Build) stable (64-bit).”
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Section 4 of 4:

Linux

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1. 
   1
   Using the terminal You can easily get your OS name and version number by running a command in the terminal application. There are several commands that can retrieve this information, so if one of these doesn’t work, try one of the others:

   • cat /etc/os-release
   • lsb_release -a
   • hostnamectl
2. 
   2
   Using a GUI If you have a Linux computer using a graphical interface (such as GNOME), you can look up your system information in your computer’s Settings. While the details might vary depending on your desktop environment, you can typically do the following to find your system info:

   • In the Activities overview screen, type system into the search bar at the top. Select Settings > System from the search results.
   • In the System panel, click About.
   • Select System Details.
   • Find your OS information next to the appropriate headers (“OS Name,” “OS Type, “GNOME Version”, etc.).
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I check my system software?

  

  Community Answer

  Go to file, right click computer, and click see properties. There will be the system info.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  Should I replace Windows Vista?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes, you should upgrade to a newer version of Windows as it may run faster and has many more features. Upgrading may also fix any problems you are having with your PC.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  How do I check my computer's OS?

  

  Community Answer

  Press the Windows key. On Windows, it should open the start menu. On Linux and MacOS, it should show a window list. To check if your computer is using MacOS or Linux, check to see if the Apple logo is there. Linux does not have an Apple logo.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• If you’re interested in updating your operating system, check out our guides to updating Windows, macOS, or Linux.
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