Display Windows Current Version and Build on the Desktop
Posted on April 23, 2010 at 5:52 am
Although you may know the version of Windows you are running on your computer such as XP, Vista, or 7, each version of Windows is further broken down into builds. These builds are kind of like mini-versions of the operating system.
Knowing which build of Windows you are running can help you troubleshoot errors, download the correct drivers for a device, and ensure that you have the latest and most secure version of Windows available.
Although not an option available through a menu, you can force Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7 to display the current version and build of Windows on the desktop. Residing right about the Task Tray on the Taskbar, knowing your operating system’s current build is convenient if you often find yourself troubleshooting your or someone else’s computer.
Administrators of many computer workstations often place the version and build number of the operating system on the desktop to reduce time spent troubleshooting Windows errors over the phone with clients or employees.
By simply asking the user to look right above the Task Tray and report the current version and build number, computer technicians spend less time trying to figure out what build of the operating system the user is running and more time on fixing the error.
Display Windows Version and Build Number on the Desktop
This trick works on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7. However, be careful because it involves editing the Windows Registry. Incorrect changes to the registry can cause a computer to become unstable making it impossible to boot up properly.
Consider making a backup of your registry before you make any changes and follow the directions below exactly. In addition, you must complete the steps below using an account with administrative privileges.
To display the current version and build of Windows on the desktop, begin by clicking on Start and then on Run. If you don’t have the Run command on your Start menu, you can alternatively hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the R key.
Using either method, you should now be looking at the Run dialog box. Type regedit in the Run dialog box and click the OK button. If you are running Windows 7 or Vista, the operating system may ask you to confirm that you want to take that action.
You should now be looking at the Windows Registry Editor. Navigate to the following location in the editor:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Double click on PaintDesktopVersion and replace the value of zero with a value of one. Click the OK button and close the Registry Editor.
If you did everything correctly, you should now see the current version and build numbers of Windows above the Task Tray on your desktop. If not, you may need to restart your computer for this change to take effect.
Now you have a convenient and accessible way to know exactly what version and build of Windows 2000, XP, Vista, or 7 you are currently running. If you later decide not to display these numbers on your desktop, simply follow the directions above again except this time change the PaintDesktopVersion value from one to zero.
» Filed Under Computer Tips
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