How to Check the MS Office Version You Are Using?
Whether you are installing an add-in, troubleshooting a problem, activating your software, or following an online tutorial, knowing which Microsoft Office version you are using is very important. Many features are available only in specific releases, and the steps to fix issues often depend on whether you are using Microsoft 365, Office 2021, Office 2019, Office 2016, or an older edition.
Fortunately, Microsoft makes it easy to check your Office version. You can find the version information in just a few clicks without downloading any extra software. You can also determine whether you are using the 32-bit or 64-bit edition, which is helpful when installing plugins, macros, or third-party applications.
In this guide, you will learn several simple methods to check the version of Microsoft Office installed on your Windows computer.
How to Check the MS Office Version You Are Using?
There are several ways to find your Microsoft Office version. If one method does not work because of your Office edition, simply try another one.
Method 1: Check the Office Version from Any Office App
This is the easiest and most reliable method.
Step 1: Open an Office Application
Open any Microsoft Office application installed on your computer. You can use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, or another Office program.
If you are unsure whether Office is installed, press the Windows key, type Word, and open the application from the search results.
Step 2: Click the File Tab
Once the application opens, look at the upper left corner of the window.
Select File.
This opens the Office backstage menu where you can access account settings, options, printing, and other important information.
Step 3: Select Account
From the menu on the left side, click Account.
If you are using an older version of Office, you may instead see Help. Select it if the Account option is unavailable.
Step 4: View Your Office Information
On the Account page, locate the Product Information section.
Here you will see information such as:
- Microsoft 365
- Office 2021
- Office 2019
- Office 2016
- Office Home & Student
- Office Professional Plus
You will also see activation details that indicate whether your Office copy is activated.
Step 5: Click About Word or About Excel
Below the Product Information section, click About Word, About Excel, or the corresponding application.
A new window opens showing detailed information, including:
- Full Office version number
- Build number
- License information
Whether you are using the 32-bit or 64-bit edition
This is the most accurate place to identify your Microsoft Office version.
Method 2: Check Office Version from the File Menu in Older Office Editions
Some older Office releases organize settings differently.
Step 1: Open an Office Program
Launch Word, Excel, or another Office application.
Step 2: Select File
Click File in the upper left corner.
Step 3: Choose Help
Instead of Account, older versions such as Office 2010 display a Help section.
Click Help.
Step 4: Read the Version Details
The Help page displays important information, including:
- Office edition
- Version number
- Product ID
- Activation status
This method is commonly used on computers running older Microsoft Office releases.
Method 3: Check the Version Using the About Window
Almost every Office application includes an About window.
Step 1: Open Word or Another Office Program
Launch your preferred Office application.
Step 2: Open the Account Page
Select File, then choose Account.
Step 3: Open the About Window
Click About Word, About Excel, or whichever Office application you are using.
Step 4: Review the Information
The About window provides detailed information, including:
- Version number
- Build number
- Copyright information
- 32-bit or 64-bit edition
This information is often requested by Microsoft Support when diagnosing Office issues.
Method 4: Check the Version from Windows Settings
Windows can also display your installed Office edition.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Open Installed Apps
Select Apps.
Then choose Installed Apps or Apps & Features, depending on your Windows version.
Step 3: Locate Microsoft Office
Scroll through the list until you find your Microsoft Office installation.
It may appear as:
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Office Professional
- Microsoft Office Home and Student
- Microsoft Office LTSC
Step 4: Review the Version Information
Some Windows versions display the installed Office version directly below the application name.
Although this method usually does not show the complete build number, it is useful for identifying the installed edition.
Method 5: Check the Office Version Using Control Panel
The traditional Control Panel also lists installed Office programs.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Type Control Panel into the Windows Search box and open it.
Step 2: Open Programs and Features
Select Programs.
Next, click Programs and Features.
Step 3: Find Microsoft Office
Locate Microsoft Office in the list of installed software.
The name often includes the edition and release year.
Examples include:
- Microsoft Office 2021
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Microsoft 365 Apps
Although this method does not usually display the complete version number, it quickly identifies which Office edition is installed.
Understanding the Office Version Number
Many users confuse the Office edition with the Office version number.
For example, your Account page may display:
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- But the About window may show:
- Version 2508
- Build 19029.20136
The edition tells you which Office product you own.
The version number identifies the software update currently installed.
The build number identifies the exact release, which is useful when troubleshooting compatibility or software bugs.
How to Check Whether You Have the 32 Bit or 64 Bit Version
Some Office add-ins only support specific editions.
To check:
- Open any Office application.
- Go to File.
- Select Account.
- Choose About Word or another Office application.
Near the top of the About window, you’ll see either:
32-bit or 64-bit
Knowing this information helps you install compatible software and drivers.
Why Does Knowing Your Office Version Matter?
Checking your Office version may seem like a small task, but it can save time when solving problems.
You may need this information if you want to:
- Install Office add-ins.
- Update Microsoft Office.
- Contact Microsoft Support.
- Verify software compatibility.
- Install templates or macros.
- Follow online tutorials.
- Resolve activation issues.
- Upgrade to a newer Office edition.
Many troubleshooting guides begin by asking which Office version you are using because the available features and settings often differ between releases.
FAQs
How do I know if I have Microsoft 365 or Office 2021?
Open an Office application and select File, then Account. Under Product Information, you will see the exact product name, such as Microsoft 365 or Office 2021.
Can I check my Office version without opening Word?
Yes. You can open Settings, then Apps, and locate Microsoft Office in the installed applications list. You can also use Control Panel to identify the installed Office edition.
Where can I find the complete Office version number?
The most detailed information is available by opening File, selecting Account, and clicking About Word or another Office application. This window displays the version number, build number, and architecture.
What is the difference between the Office edition and the version number?
The edition refers to the product you own, such as Office 2019 or Microsoft 365. The version number identifies the specific software release installed on your computer.
Why do I need to know whether my Office installation is 32-bit or 64-bit?
This information is important when installing compatible add-ins, macros, and third-party software. Some applications only work with one Office architecture.
Summary
Checking your Microsoft Office version is quick and straightforward. The easiest method is to open any Office application, go to File, select Account, and then open the About window. There, you can view the Office edition, version number, build number, activation status, and whether you are using the 32-bit or 64-bit version.
If you cannot access an Office application, you can also identify your Office edition through Windows Settings or Control Panel.
Knowing your Office version helps ensure compatibility with updates, add-ins, templates, and troubleshooting steps, making it much easier to maintain and use Microsoft Office effectively.