Microsoft Weekly

Find any desktop program's version details

By Ed Bott

One of the most important details you need to know for any installed Windows program is its version information, usually expressed as a number with one or more decimal points. When you know the version number, you can decide whether an upgrade is really an upgrade or whether you're better off sticking with what's installed.

For most Windows programs, you can find version information from the Help > About menu. But you can also locate these details without opening the program at all, using information stored directly in the program file itself. (Note that these instructions work only for Windows desktop programs and not for apps from the Windows Store.)

Locate the executable (*.exe) file for the program. Right-click that file and choose Properties, then click the Details tab and look for the Product Name and Product Version fields.

Want to see product details for every program on a Windows PC? For any program that was registered with a Windows installer, you'll find an entry in Control Panel > Programs > Programs & Features. Switch to Details view if necessary, then select each program in the list and look in the details pane at the bottom of the window. For an even faster view, right-click the row of headings and click the Version field.

Eight ways Word's built-in styles can save you a ton of time

Word's built-in styles are integrated into many useful features, like footnotes, numbered lists, and header and footer text. Here's a quick look at how to use these styles to save time.

How data scientists can improve their LinkedIn profiles: 3 tips

Skype update improves business collaboration with cloud file sharing and new add-ins

BackBlaze report shows hard drive capacity and reliability increasing

IT cost/benefit analysis: Why it matters and how to do it right

Microsoft to add free premium features to Outlook.com for Office 365 consumer subscribers

With latest Surface device, Microsoft opts for a business-first approach

Microsoft's "CrystalNet" Azure-network emulator may be available to customers one day

Long-time Microsoft exec Julie Larson-Green leaves Microsoft

Video: How to change drive letters in Windows 10

This video tutorial offers a step-by-step look at how to assign drive letters in Windows 10.

Gallery: What's new in Microsoft's Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Tech Budgets 2018: A CXO's Guide

Our original research shows where organizations are spending their IT budgets in 2018 and what their top priorities are. We also offer practical advice on how to put your IT dollars to good use.