How to Determine Which Operating System Is Installed

An operating system is the main software that manages computers, servers, and mobile devices. It controls hardware, applications, and user interaction.

Knowing the installed operating system and version is important before installing software, updating drivers, or contacting technical support.

Checking Windows Version

Using Winver

Win + R → winver

This displays:

• Windows edition;
• version number;
• build number.

Using Settings

Start → Settings → System → About

Command Prompt

systeminfo

wmic os get Caption

Windows Server

systeminfo

Get-ComputerInfo

Checking Linux

cat /etc/os-release

hostnamectl

uname -r

Ubuntu

lsb_release -a

Debian

cat /etc/debian_version

Android

Open:

Settings → About Phone

You can find:

• Android version;
• build number;
• device model.

Using ADB:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

iPhone and iPad

Settings → General → About

macOS

sw_vers

FreeBSD

freebsd-version

Proxmox VE

pveversion

VMware ESXi

vmware -v

Checking System Architecture

uname -m

Conclusion

The easiest way to check Windows is the winver command. Linux users can use cat /etc/os-release or hostnamectl. Android information is available in About Phone settings. Server platforms have their own commands for checking installed versions.