What is your Operating System and Version?
There are many beneficial instances to knowing what operating system (OS), and which version, is running on your device. If you are having technical issues, you can search google with your OS and OS version for more precise search results. Do you know yours?
Pick your device type below to learn how to check.
[tabs slidertype="top tabs"][tabcontainer][tabtext]Apple[/tabtext][tabtext]PC / Windows[/tabtext][tabtext]iPhone / iPad[/tabtext][tabtext]Android (Phones that aren't iPhones)[/tabtext][/tabcontainer][tabcontent][tab]AppleClick the Apple Icon in the top left of your screenClick About This MacThe large text is OS X ______ (Like OS X Sierra)This is your Operating System.Underneath in a smaller font is your OS version (Like Version 10.12.6)OS X Sierra <- Operating System10.12.6 <- OS VersionApple is labeling their recent Operating Systems with different natural landscapes in California (Sierra, Yosemite, El Capitan). Prior to that, they were labeling their OS versions with different names of big cats (Mountain Lion, Leopard, Cheetah).[/tab][tab]Windows / PC Here's a case where Apple's answer is simpler than Windows. There is a different answer for each possible operating system.Hint: If your Windows logo in the bottom-left corner is round and shiny, you are using Windows 7. Proceed with those steps.Windows 7Click Windows Logo in bottom-left of screen.Click Control Panel > System & Security > SystemHere you can see your Windows Edition. It will be something like Window 7 Home Edition, Service Pack 1.Windows 8, 8.1 or Windows 10Use Windows Key + X to bring up Quick Access Menu > Select SystemHere you will see if you are running Windows 8, 8.1, or Windows 10.[/tab][tab]iPhone / iPadFrom home screen, tap Settings.Tap on General > AboutHere you will see Version with numbers listed. This is your iOS version.It will be something like Version 10.3.2[/tab][tab]AndroidTap Settings > About Phone or About DeviceTap Android VersionThis is your Android Version. It will be something like Android Nougat 7.1.2Android has been using different candy references to name their OS versions.[/tab][/tabcontent][/tabs]
What is an operating system?
Your operating system is the software that manages all your programs and acts as the bridge between your computer components and your apps and programs. Microsoft, Apple, and Linux all create different operating systems. They interpret different ways for you to manage your hardware and software.