An Operating System is the software that tells a computer how to operate. It controls hardware, executes programs, manages tasks and resources, and provides the user with an interface to the computer. What's the version of my OS? Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 - Go to Start, enter About your PC, and then select About your PC. Mac OS is the computer operating system for Apple Computer's MacIntosh line of personal computers and workstations. A popular feature of its latest version, Mac OS X, is a desktop interface with some 3-D appearance characteristics. OS X has a modular design intended to make it easier to add new features to the operating system in the future.
Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system (macOS or OS X)? Is it using the version required by some other product that you want to use with your Mac? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent)? To find out, learn which version is installed now.
If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.
Which macOS version is installed?
From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You should see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number. If you need to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.
This example shows macOS Catalina version 10.15 build 19A583.
Which macOS version is the latest?
These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Catalina. As updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article is updated to show the latest version of that macOS.
If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos.
| macOS | Latest version |
|---|---|
| macOS Catalina | 10.15.7 |
| macOS Mojave | 10.14.6 |
| macOS High Sierra | 10.13.6 |
| macOS Sierra | 10.12.6 |
| OS X El Capitan | 10.11.6 |
| OS X Yosemite | 10.10.5 |
| OS X Mavericks | 10.9.5 |
| OS X Mountain Lion | 10.8.5 |
| OS X Lion | 10.7.5 |
| Mac OS X Snow Leopard | 10.6.8 |
| Mac OS X Leopard | 10.5.8 |
| Mac OS X Tiger | 10.4.11 |
| Mac OS X Panther | 10.3.9 |
| Mac OS X Jaguar | 10.2.8 |
| Mac OS X Puma | 10.1.5 |
| Mac OS X Cheetah | 10.0.4 |
Learning Objectives
- Determine what operating system you have.
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. Put simply, this is the system that allows your computer to operate. Every computer has an operating system. The two most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Apple’s macOS.
It is important to know which operating system your computer has because the steps to accomplish various tasks varies between operating systems. Reading directions on how to change the desktop background in Windows 10 may not help you if you are running Windows XP, and those directions will be useless if you are using a Mac. However, nearly all versions of Windows and macOS are capable of doing the same things.
Although this class will be focusing on Windows 10 and 7, the things you will learn in this module can be done by any version of Windows or macOS. If you are not running Windows 10 or 7, you can find directions online by searching for the task you are trying to do and the name of your operating system. (For example, you might search for “create folder windows vista.”)
Windows vs. Mac
To identify your operating system, start by narrowing down which brand of OS you have. Often you can determine whether you are running Windows or macOS without even turning on your computer:
Free Operating System For Mac
- Is there an Apple logo somewhere on your computer?
- Does your computer have a Command key (⌘) on the keyboard?
- Was your computer purchased at an Apple store?
If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then you most likely have a computer that runs macOS.
Another good way to see whether you are running Windows or Mac is simply to turn the computer on. As the operating system boots up, it will display a logo. A Windows logo means you are running Windows, while an Apple logo means you are running macOS.
If you have determined that you are running Windows, there are many methods to determine your specific operating system, not all of which are listed here. It doesn’t matter which method you use; what’s important is figuring out which operating system you have. If one method doesn’t work, try another.
What Is My Operating System For Mac Operating System
Method 1
Press the Windows key (at the bottom of the keyboard, looks like four squares) and R key at the same time to open the Run dialog box. Type in “winver.”
Click OK. A window should open called About Windows that tells you which operating system you are using.
Method 2
Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. If you see a search text box, select it and then type “about” or “about your pc.” If you do not see a search text box, then just start typing “about” or “about your pc.” Select About your PC. If you do not see About your PC, try a different method.
This computer is running Windows 10 Home Version 1607 with a 64-bit operating system.
Method 3
Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. Right-click on Computer, then select Properties.
This computer is running Windows 7 Professional with a 64-bit operating system.
Method 4
Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen.If you see a search text box, select it and then type “System Information” in the search box. If you do not see a search text box, then just start typing “system” or “system information.” Select System Information under Programs. If you do not see System Information, try a different method.
This computer is running Windows 7 Professional with a 64-bit operating system.
Methods 2–4 also provide additional information on your computer that is useful for troubleshooting and determining what programs you will be able to run. For example, many software programs have a version for a x32-based processor and another for a x64-based processor. For the purposes of this course, you only need to know which edition of Windows you have.
Check Your Understanding
Answer the question(s) below to see how well you understand the topics covered in the previous section. This short quiz does not count toward your grade in the class, and you can retake it an unlimited number of times.
Use this quiz to check your understanding and decide whether to (1) study the previous section further or (2) move on to the next section.