To check your Windows 11 version and build, open Start > Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications. To see installed updates and their dates, open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Use the version, OS build, and update’s KB number together to identify it in Microsoft’s release notes.
Which version of Windows am I running?
Open Start > Settings > System > About. Scroll to Windows specifications and read the Version entry. This identifies the Windows 11 release installed on your PC.
For a quick alternative, type winver in the taskbar search box and press Enter. Microsoft documents this as another way to open Windows version information in its Windows 11, version 26H1 update history.
How to find your Windows 11 OS build
On the same Settings > System > About page, find OS build under Windows specifications. The build is a more detailed identifier than the version; Microsoft describes its format as xxxxx.xxxx. You can also inspect build information in the winver dialog. The OS build helps distinguish servicing updates within a Windows version.
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Where to see installed Windows updates and dates
Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history. This page lists updates that were installed and when. Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ also points to update removal from this history area.
Update history is different from the Windows Update overview’s current status. A message that your PC is up to date reports status; Update history is the record to consult when you need to know which updates were installed.
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How to identify a particular Windows update
- Open Settings > System > About and note the Windows Version and OS build.
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and find the relevant entry under Quality Updates. Note its KB identifier.
- Open Microsoft’s update history page for the same Windows 11 version and compare the KB identifier and OS build with the release notes. Microsoft’s guidance on security updates that get installed without a restart notes that organization IT policies can affect when updates arrive.
Check the version before choosing release notes: a KB entry by itself does not tell you which version-specific history page to use. Microsoft says the latest update for Windows 11 version 25H2 includes earlier updates and important security fixes; its 25H2 update history also describes feature-update rollout as phased and measured.
What if the PC is running an Insider preview?
Windows Insider builds are preview builds, not the same servicing track as a production release. Check Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program to review Insider settings and identify the preview channel. Microsoft describes preview builds as less stable in its guide to joining the Windows Insider Program and managing Insider settings; do not assume production-release update timing or expectations apply.
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Does Windows 11 version 26H1 apply to every PC?
No. Microsoft’s version 26H1 update history says 26H1 is available only on new devices with select new silicon coming to market starting early 2026. Existing devices running earlier Windows 11 versions are not offered 26H1 through Windows Update and cannot install it as an in-place update. Check your own About page rather than assuming that a new version mentioned in release notes is available for your device.
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