Quick Answer
There are a few easy ways to determine which operating system (OS) you have on your computer or device:
- Look at the desktop – The icons, taskbar layout, and overall look of the desktop can indicate which OS you’re running. Windows, Mac, and Linux have distinct designs.
- Check System Settings – On Windows, go to Settings > System > About. On Mac, go to Apple Menu > About this Mac. On ChromeOS, go to Settings > About ChromeOS. On Linux, check the contents of /etc/os-release.
- Ask your device manufacturer – Check the website or contact customer support to find out which OS came preinstalled.
The most definitive way is to go to your system settings and check the name and version listed for the operating system. The desktop environment and appearance can provide clues, but settings will give you the authoritative answer.
How to check your OS in Windows
If you’re unsure whether you’re running Windows, there are a couple easy ways to check:
Check the Start Menu
The Windows Start menu in the bottom left corner is a dead giveaway. macOS and Linux distros have different application launchers in the corner instead. If you see the Windows icon and Start menu layout, you’re definitely on a Windows PC.
Go to System Settings
For confirmation, open the Settings app and go to System > About. Here you’ll see the edition of Windows you’re running, like Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro. You’ll also see the version number, like 21H2 for Windows 11. This removes all doubt about your Windows version.
Look for Desktop Shortcuts
On a stock Windows installation, you’ll see Recycle Bin and This PC shortcuts on the desktop. macOS and Linux don’t have these. Spotting these shortcuts is an indicator you’re in Windows.
Check File Explorer
Open up File Explorer (formerly called Windows Explorer). The icon, layout, and contents are distinctly Windows. macOS has Finder and Linux has various file manager apps like Nautilus or Dolphin. Seeing the File Explorer confirms a Windows environment.
So in summary, the Start menu, Settings app, desktop shortcuts, and File Explorer can help identify your Windows OS. But Settings will give you the definitive version number.
How to check your OS on macOS
Here are some ways to determine if you’re running macOS:
Look for the Apple Menu
Across the top of the screen in macOS is the Menu Bar. On the far left is the Apple Menu. Click this and select About this Mac to see the macOS name and version. If you see the Apple Menu up there, you’re on a Mac.
Notice the Dock
macOS has a Dock running along the bottom or side of the screen that launches apps. The Dock is a core part of the macOS experience. If you have a Dock, that’s a clear confirmation you’re using macOS.
Spotlight Search
Hit Command+Space to bring up Spotlight Search. This system-wide search feature is a Mac exclusive. If you can trigger Spotlight, that’s a giveaway you’re on macOS.
The Layout
macOS has some distinct interface elements like the Traffic Light window controls in the top left. If you recognize the general look and feel of macOS, then you’re definitely on a Mac. Checking the Apple Menu will confirm which version.
Finder
Open the Finder file manager via the Dock or Applications folder. Finder is a dead ringer for macOS. If you see its familiar dual-paned interface, that’s a sign you’re in macOS.
So in short, look for the Apple Menu, Dock, Spotlight, layout, and Finder to be sure you’re on a Mac. The Apple Menu > About screen gives you the exact name and version.
Checking your OS on Linux
There are a few ways to determine if you’re running a Linux distribution:
Look for a Terminal
Most Linux distros come with a Terminal app to access the command line. Search the app list for Terminal, Konsole, GNOME Terminal, or another terminal emulator. Being able to open a command line is a strong indicator of Linux.
Check the desktop environment
Popular Linux desktops include GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, and others. Knowing which one you picked during installation can help identify the distro. Ubuntu for instance defaults to GNOME.
Look for distribution name
Many Linux distros brand their OS name and version number visibly on the desktop. Ubuntu shows “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS”, Fedora displays “Fedora 36 Workstation”, etc. If you spot this info, that’s confirmation of Linux.
Read /etc/os-release
This file contains definitive info on your distro. Open a terminal and run:
cat /etc/os-release
It will output details like name, version, ID, and other identifiers for the system. This file provides authoritative confirmation of your Linux distribution.
Package managers
Linux distros come with package managers like apt, dnf, or pacman for installing software. Running the package manager command in Terminal can provide clues about your distro.
So in summary, look for a terminal, branded desktop details, contents of /etc/os-release, and package managers to determine your Linux flavor. The os-release file has the definitive details.
How to check Chrome OS version
If you’re using a Chromebook, here are a couple ways to check the Chrome OS version:
Go to Settings
Click the clock in the lower right corner, then click the gear icon for Settings. Click About ChromeOS on the left side. It will show the version number and codename, like “ChromeOS 102.0.0.0 (Boreal)”
Check Crosh
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Crosh, the ChromeOS developer shell. Run the chromeos-release info command. This will print detailed info like:
NAME=”Chrome OS”
VERSION_ID=102.0.0.0
VERSION=”102.0.0.0 (Official Build) boreal (64-bit)”
So Settings or Crosh will definitively tell you which Chrome OS release you have. The desktop environment and apps are also a giveaway that you’re using Chrome OS.
Using your manufacturer support site
If you’re still unsure what OS came with your computer or device, you can check with the manufacturer:
- Search for your device model on the manufacturer’s website
- Look for specs, details, manuals, or support resources
- This should state which OS version comes with that model
- Confirm if your OS looks like the one described
You can also contact the manufacturer’s tech support via phone, email, or chat. Provide your model details and ask them to identify which OS it runs.
This is the best way to confirm the intended OS if it’s not apparent on the device itself.
Conclusion
Determining your operating system is straightforward once you know where to check. Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux distros provide ways to see the name and version right on the desktop.
Peeking at the interface design and bundled apps can provide clues as well. But for definitive confirmation, look in the System settings on Windows, Apple Menu on macOS, About section on ChromeOS, or /etc/os-release file on Linux.
With the various methods outlined here, you should be able to identify for certain which operating system you’re running. Knowing the OS version is crucial for determining software compatibility, updates status, and product lifespans. Hopefully now you’re well equipped to find out this important info on any computer system you encounter.