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

1. Is there a 'Start' button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen?
   • Yes - go to 2.
   • No - go to 6.
2. Click 'Start'. Is there text down the side of the Start Menu?
   • 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.
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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Is there an apple logo in the top left-hand corner of the screen?
   • Yes - go to 7.
   • No - go to 8.
7. 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.
8. Your computer is running some other operating system, or is using a non-default configuration. Check your computer manual, or ask a computer engineer.