How can I configure my system so that the OS version displays on the desktop?

John Savill

January 7, 2001

1 Min Read
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A. In beta versions of Windows, the system displays the version in the bottom-right corner. To enable this display on final versions of Windows, perform the following steps:

  1. Start regedit.exe.

  2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop.

  3. Double-click PaintDesktopVersion (or create a new value of type DWORD if it doesn't exist).

  4. Set PaintDesktopVersion to 1. Click OK.

  5. Close regedit.

  6. Log off and then log on for the change to take effect.

If you are using Active Desktop, the system won't display the OS and build number. However if you aren't using Active Desktop, you will see text similar to the following:

Windows 2000 Professional
Build 2195

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