One of the questions I’m asked quite frequently is: “Am I running Windows 10 or Windows 11?” If you’re unsure which version of Windows you’re using, I’ll show you several simple tips to help you double-check if you’ve got Windows 10 vs Windows 11.
Why This Matters
Before we dive in, I should mention that if you’re already certain which version of Windows you’re running, this guide might not be useful for you. However, if you’re among the many people who aren’t quite sure, these tips will help you identify your Windows version quickly and easily.
Tip 1: Check the Colour Scheme
The first tip assumes you haven’t customised your Windows settings and are using the default appearance. This might be the easiest method because it’s all about colour.
On my screen, you’ll notice I have a very light interface. My taskbar is cream, white, or light grey – whatever you prefer to call it. This bright appearance immediately tells me I’m using Windows 11. In contrast, Windows 10 standardised on darker colours, with a black or dark taskbar by default.
Tip 2: Taskbar Placement
Again, assuming you haven’t changed the default settings, the placement of the taskbar and its options provides another clue.
For those unfamiliar, the taskbar is the bar at the bottom of your screen containing the Start button, search function, and icons for running or pinned applications. In Windows 11, these elements are centred by default, whilst in Windows 10 and all previous versions, the Start button was always in the bottom-left corner.
Tip 2.5: Rounded Corners
When you hover over items or click into menus in Windows 11, you’ll notice they have rounded corners. Whilst this isn’t immediately obvious, it’s a distinctive design feature of Windows 11. I’d consider this more of a supplementary tip – let’s call it “Tip 2.5”.
Tip 3: Clock and Notifications Behaviour
A subtle but useful difference lies in the calendar options in the bottom-right corner. In Windows 10, when you hover over the clock and date, only that area is highlighted. Clicking it expands to show a calendar. The notifications area is separate – hovering over the notification icon highlights it independently, and clicking reveals specific notifications.
In Windows 11, however, the clock, calendar, and notifications are integrated. When you hover over this area, it’s treated as one element, and clicking anywhere opens a combined panel showing all these features together.
Tip 4: Window Layout Options
The final difference is particularly useful. We’ve always had the standard window controls in the top-right corner: the X to close, maximise/restore, and minimise buttons. In Windows 11, if you hover over the maximise button, you’ll see various layout options appear. Windows 10 doesn’t offer this feature – it simply provides maximise or restore window options.
Review
These simple visual cues can help you quickly identify whether you’re running Windows 10 or Windows 11 on your computer. No technical knowledge required – just a few quick checks and you’ll know exactly which version you have installed.
Remember, whilst these tips assume you’re using default settings, they should work for most users who haven’t really customised their Windows appearance.
Written with the help of Claude AI from an original transcription.
YouTube Videos
Windows 10 or 11? 4 Easy Ways to Check Which Version You Have
Easy Fix: Bring Back Classic Windows Taskbar Layout on Windows 11
Quick Tip: Accessing All Right-Click Menu Options in Windows 11
Windows 11 Layouts vs Snap: The Guide to Managing Your Windows | Productivity Tip (May 20)
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