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Ever wondered what version of Windows your computer is running? For example, Windows 11, Windows 10 or Windows 7...

Knowing this basic information is essential for every computer user. What will it help you?

  • You will know what software you can install, choose the software for the right version of Windows
  • Install the driver for the computer
  • Get help faster on something

And to recognize it is extremely simple, you do not need to be too knowledgeable about computers. Here are the Windows versions (I will sort the versions from highest to lowest).

Windows 11:

This is the latest version of Windows officially released by Microsoft in October 2021. Currently, the number of Windows 11 users is still quite small. You will see it a lot in the next few years. This is the official look and feel of Windows 11:

Did you notice, for Windows 11, the location of the Start Menu is in the middle of the Taskbar. This is the most noticeable point (as it is the biggest change compared to Windows 10 and Windows 7).

In particular, the design of icons for folders and files on Windows 11 is different from previous versions.

 




Windows 10: 

Currently this is a very popular version in the world. And your computer is most likely also using Windows 10. More specifically, if you buy a new computer, I am 99.99% sure you are using Windows 10. And here is the main interface (GUI) of Windows 10:



You see, the Start menu on Windows 10 will be located in the bottom left corner of the screen, with the typical Windows icon. This point helps you differentiate between Windows 11 and Windows 10.

And just like Windows 11, if you right-click on the Windows icon, you will see the Power User Menu:


Power User Menu

Also, pay attention to the folder icon of Windows 10. You will see the difference with Windows 11 and Windows 8, 7 & Vista.


Windows 8 & 8.1 

This is a rather special version. Currently very few users use Windows 8 or 8.1. Why? Because it has too many bugs and is not stable. The typical interface of Windows 8 and 8.1 is the Metro interface. To do this, press Windows (hotkey), or click the Windows (Start) icon at the bottom left of the screen.



Windows 7 

If you are using Windows 7, it will look like this:



The Start button icon is typical of Windows 7 and Windows Vista. However, fits completely inside the taskbar, unlike the one for Windows Vista.

Windows Vista 

Windows Vista was the previous version of Windows 7. A version that marked Microsoft's true innovation. Completely different from Windows XP. And here is what it looks like:

As you read in the Windows 7 section above, both versions of Windows have similar Start buttons and menus. One way to tell them apart is to look at the button itself—the one in Windows Vista, unlike in Windows 7, extends above and below the taskbar.


Windows XP 

This is a nostalgic version of Windows for the 9x generations. There are still users who are using this old version of Windows today.

That identifying feature is the Start button at the bottom left corner of the screen. Not to be confused with any previous version.


Conclusion:

Above are 6 popular versions of Windows: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 or 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
I hope this article will help you easily distinguish the versions of Windows. As a casual user you should know these basics. It will help you a lot while using the computer.