Windows 10 21H2 (November 2021 Update) is the second semi-annual feature update available since November 16, 2021. While this is an incremental update, it’s not easy to determine whether the new version is already installed on your computer.
You won’t see the “November 2021 Update” name anywhere, but every release of Windows 10 receives a version number. In this case, the newest feature update is known as version 21H1, which reflects the year (21) and part of the year (H2 or half two) that indicates the release timeframe.
If you want to check what version of Windows 10 is installed on your computer, you can use the “winver” command and the “About” settings page.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to confirm if the Windows 10 21H2 (November 2021 Update) is already installed on your laptop or desktop.
- Check if Windows 10 21H2 is installed with winver
- Check if Windows 10 21H2 is installed with Settings
Check if Windows 10 21H2 is installed with winver
To check if you are running Windows 10 21H2, use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 10.
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Search for
winverand press Enter.Quick tip: You can also use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut, type thewinvercommand, and click the OK button. -
Check if the “About Windows” dialog reads “Version 21H2” and “OS Build 19044.xxxx”.
If the dialog shows “Version 21H2” along with “OS Build 19044.xxx” or a higher build number, then Windows 10 November 2021 Update is installed on your laptop or desktop computer.
Check if Windows 10 21H2 is installed with Settings
To confirm the device has the Windows 10 21H2 installed with the Settings app, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on System.
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Click on About.
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Check under the “Windows specifications” section and confirm the “Version” field reads “21H2, and the “OS build” number reads “19044.xxxx”.
If the “About” page shows the 21H2 number and the build number is equal to or higher than “19044.1348,” you are running the Windows 10 November 2021 Update.
It’s important to note that version 21H2 is available as an optional update, which means that it won’t install automatically. You must upgrade to the new release manually. However, if the release on your computer is nearing the end of service, then the update will eventually arrive automatically.
If the device doesn’t have the newest release of Windows, you can upgrade through Windows Update or perform a clean installation of version 21H2.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.