Windows® Phone Operating System (OS) FAQs

Windows Phone is an operating system for mobile devices created by Microsoft. This OS is known for its vibrant Start screen with Live Tiles.

You can purchase Windows Phone devices, as well as all other Verizon Wireless products, online at VerizonWireless.com.

The steps to find the current OS version vary by device. Below are general instructions that work for most Windows Phone devices. For detailed instructions about a specific device, please check the User Guide.

If your device is running Windows Phone 8, you'll receive a notification on your device when the update is available for you to install. You can also regularly check the Advanced Devices - Software Updates page to see if the Windows 8.1 update is available for your device. If your device is running Windows Phone 7.5 or lower, you won't be able to update to Windows Phone 8. To find devices that are currently running Windows Phone 8, visit the Windows Phone page in Shop.

You aren't charged for the update to your Windows Phone OS. However, you'll be charged for data usage according to your data plan. We recommend connecting to a Wi-Fi network before updating to reduce data charges.

Windows Phone Store is the digital storefront where you can download apps, games, music, and videos for your Windows device.

Refer to our Operating System FAQs for answers to common questions about OS updates:

Windows Phone 8.1 is the latest mobile OS version created by Microsoft.

For information about the features available in Windows Phone 8.1, refer to our Windows Phone OS support page.

Windows Phone 8.1 is already installed on some new Windows Phone devices. If your device is running Windows Phone 8, you'll receive a notification on your device when the update is available for you to install. You can also regularly check the Advanced Devices - Software Updates page to see if the Windows 8.1 update is available for your device.

Refer to the Windows Phone website to learn more about the features and capabilities of Cortana.

Windows Phone 8 is the latest mobile OS version created by Microsoft®.

For information about the features available in Windows Phone 8, refer to our Windows Phone OS Support page.

If your device is running Windows Phone 7.5 or lower, you won't be able to update to Windows Phone 8. To find devices that are currently running Windows Phone 8, visit the Windows Phone page in Shop.

No, Windows Phone 8 is only available on Windows Phone devices sold with Windows Phone 8 already installed. Devices running on 7.5 or lower of the Windows Phone OS aren't capable of running newer OS versions. To find devices that are currently running Windows Phone 8 or higher, visit the Windows Phone page in Shop.

For more information about the icons on your Windows Phone 8 device, refer to the Windows Phone website.

Windows 10 Mobile is the latest mobile OS version created by Microsoft.

For information about the features available in Windows 10 Mobile, refer to our Windows Phone OS support page.

The Windows 10 Mobile OS update is available now for the Microsoft Lumia 735 and Nokia Lumia Icon.

The Windows 10 Mobile update is available for the Microsoft Lumia 735 and Nokia Lumia Icon.

© 2016 Nokia. All rights reserved.

© 2016 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.