Navigating through the evolving landscape of Windows 11 can sometimes feel like a journey of constant discovery. Microsoft, in its commitment to refining user experience and addressing bugs, periodically releases updates to the Windows 11 operating system. Each of these updates is marked with a unique build number, signifying the specific version you’re running. For instance, Windows 11 had its debut in Nov 2021, and since then, a plethora of build versions have been rolled out to users, each bringing its own set of features and fixes. Often, power users and IT professionals find it beneficial to have this build number displayed prominently on their desktops, allowing for easy reference. While it’s not visible by default, there’s a nifty trick tucked away in the Windows 11 Registry that enables you to showcase your OS’s build number right on your desktop. If you’re keen to have this piece of information at your fingertips and enhance your Windows 11 experience, this risewindows guide will illuminate the path forward. Dive in to learn how to make your Windows 11 desktop even more informative!
How do I show the Windows 11 build number on the Desktop?
On the bottom right corner of Windows Desktop, it is also possible to show the build number. It is not a new concept. Similarly, you can display the build number on the bottom right screen for Windows 10/8/7. Since to achieve the task, you need to modify the Windows Registry; we recommended taking the Registry file’s full backup and creating a system restore point. If something goes wrong, you can revert your PC to its previous working state.
Step 1. First, open Registry Editor.
To open Registry Editor, click on the Search icon on the taskbar and type regedit in the search box. From the available results, click on the Registry Editor to open it.
Alternatively, press the Windows + R keys simultaneously from the keyboard to launch the Run command box. In the Run box, type regedit and press Enter from the keyboard to open the Registry Editor window.
Step 2. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following registry key from the left side pane:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Step 3. Then, on the right side of the Desktop key, look for the entry PaintDesktopVersion and double-click on it to edit. Replace the Value data from 0 to 1 to show the build version on the Windows 11 Desktop.
Step 4. After that, click OK.
Step 5. Generally, the changes are immediate, but a reboot is sufficient if the build number does not display on your Windows 11 Desktop.
Also Read: 5 Ways to Check PC’s Full Specifications on Windows 10.
Conclusion
The process to display the build number on your Windows 11 Desktop requires you to delve a bit into the Windows Registry. By modifying the Value data of the “PaintDesktopVersion” entry, you can prominently showcase the build version. While this process is quite straightforward, remember to backup the Registry and create a system restore point before making any changes. This ensures that you can revert any unintentional alterations or errors.
