How do I know which operating system my computer is running?
Follow through the questions below to discover which operating system your computer is running.
As your computer starts up, it may display a logo stating which operating system it is running. If it does not, follow the instructions below.
Note: These instructions use the default settings. On all operating systems it is possible to edit the settings, and change where this information is displayed.
What to do
- Is there a 'Start' button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen?
- Yes - go to 2.
- No - go to 6.
- Click 'Start'. Is there text down the side of the Start Menu?
- If 'Windows Vista' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows Vista. If you want to know the version of Vista got to the Control Panel then System. On top it will tell you if you have; Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business or Enterprise.
- If 'Windows server 2003' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows server 2003.
- If 'Windows XP Professional' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows XP Professional.
- If 'Windows XP Home' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows XP Home.
- If 'Windows 2000 Professional' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows 2000 Professional.
- If 'Windows NT Workstation' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows NT Workstation.
- If 'Windows Me' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows Me.
- If 'Windows 98' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows 98.
- If 'Windows 95' is written down the side of your Start Menu, your operating system is Windows 95.
- If anything else is listed, that is probably your operating system.
- If no operating system information is listed, go to 3.
- Is 'Help' or 'Help and Support' listed?
- If 'Help and Support' is listed, go to 4.
- If 'Help' is listed, or neither is listed, go to 5.
- Look at the top right hand corner of the 'Help and Support Center' dialog. Is Windows XP Professional or Home mentioned?
- If Windows XP Professional is mentioned, your operating system is Windows XP Professional.
- If Windows XP Home is mentioned, your operating system is Windows XP Home.
- Close the Start menu. On the Windows desktop, right-click 'My Computer'. Select 'Properties'.
- At the top, under 'System', is a version of Windows mentioned? If so, that is your version of Windows.
- Is there an apple logo in the top left-hand corner of the screen?
- Yes - go to 7.
- No - go to 8.
- Is there a tool bar in the middle of the bottom of the screen whose icons expand when you move the cursor over them?
- Yes - your operating system is Mac OS X.
- No - your operating system is an earlier version of the Macintosh, e.g. OS 8 or OS 9.
- Your computer is running some other operating system, or is using a non-default configuration. Check your computer manual, or ask a computer engineer.
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact us at 516-484-5151 or toll free at 877-484-5151.
