How do Windows version numbers work?

Windows version numbers are an important part of the Windows operating system. Understanding how version numbers work can help IT administrators plan for software and hardware upgrades, troubleshoot compatibility issues, and more.

Windows version numbers follow a specific format, which is designed to provide a consistent way of understanding and managing versions. The format is broken up into four segments. The first segment is a major version number, followed by a two-digit minor version number, then a two-digit build number, and finally a four-digit service pack number.

The major version number, which is the first segment, is the most important part of the version number. It is used to indicate that the next version is a significant upgrade. For example, Windows 10 is a major upgrade from Windows 8.1, and is indicated by the change in the major version number.

The second segment is the minor version number. This is used to indicate minor updates and upgrades to the major version. For example, Windows 10 version 1803 indicates an update to Windows 10. This is often referred to as a feature update, and it adds new features and fixes bugs in the existing version.

The third segment is the build number. This is a two-digit number that is used to indicate a specific build of the software. It is often used to identify and distinguish between different versions of the same software. For example, Windows 10 version 1803 build 17134 indicates the 17134th build of Windows 10 version 1803.

The fourth segment is the service pack number. This is a four-digit number that is used to indicate a specific service pack for the software. Service packs are collections of updates and fixes that are released periodically to address issues with the software. For example, Windows 10 version 1803 build 17134 service pack 3 indicates that the 17134th build of Windows 10 version 1803 has been updated with service pack 3.

Understanding how version numbers work is essential for IT administrators. Knowing the major version number can help IT administrators plan for software and hardware upgrades, as it indicates a major update. Knowing the minor version number, build number, and service pack number can help to identify and troubleshoot compatibility issues, as well as determine which versions of the software are running on which machines.