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Finding Your Operating System Version and MAC Address

This article will cover how to find the Operating System Version and MAC Address on commonly used devices.

What is an Operating System Version?

An Operating System (OS) is the software that provides basic functionality for the device. Examples include Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, etc. The Operating System version refers to the specific stage of the OS. Each version includes security updates and bug fixes and may have differences in the interface and features. Some examples of OS versions are Windows 10, iOS 15.2.1, Android Cupcake, etc.

Select your device to view instructions on how to find what OS version it's running.

Windows PC Computer

1. Open the System Information app.

Windows search with System Information app

A. Click the magnifying glass icon to open Search.
B. Search for System Information.
C. Click on System Information.

2. View the Windows OS version.

System Information window with OS information

The OS name and version will be listed in the System Information window.

Mac Computer

A. Open the Apple menu by clicking the Apple icon.
B. Click About This Mac from the menu, which will open a new window.

2. View the macOS version.

The device information will appear in the window, with the OS version at the top.

iOS Device (iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch)

1. Tap the Settings icon.

Tap on the gear icon to open the settings app.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap About.

4. View the iOS version, labeled as Software Version.

The Software Version is the OS version running on the device.

Android Phone/Tablet

These instructions were made using a Galaxy S10e on Android 11 and may vary slightly from what is seen on other models.

1. Tap the Settings icon.

A. Tap on the gear icon to open settings.

2. Scroll down and then tap About Phone.

3. Tap Software Information.

4. View the Android version.

The Android Version is the OS version running on the device.

Android OS versions are often given dessert-themed nicknames like Cupcake, Red Velvet Cake, or KitKat, but you should always provide the OS number to tech support.

What is a MAC address?

MAC stands for Media Access Control. A MAC address is a permanent, unique identifier assigned to a device's network adapter/s. It consists of 12 alphanumeric characters separated into pairs by colons or hyphens. The MAC address may be referred to by other names such as physical address, Wi-Fi address, etc.

Select your device to view instructions on how to find its MAC address.

Windows 10 PC Computer

1. Open a Command Prompt.

A. Click the magnifying glass icon to open Search.
B. Type cmd into the search bar.
C. Click on Command Prompt.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /all and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /all into the window and hit the Enter key.

3. Scroll to find the MAC address, which will be labeled Physical Address.

If you need your wireless MAC address, look for the section labeled as Wi-Fi. If you need your wired MAC address, look for the section labeled as Ethernet.

If you're working with tech support and you're not sure which MAC address you need to provide, give them both and identify which is the Wi-Fi MAC address and which is the Ethernet MAC address.

Mac OS X Computer