How to Check Git Version in Command Prompt?

Git is an essential tool for developers, enabling version control and collaboration in projects. Whether you’re troubleshooting, installing plugins, or just verifying your setup, knowing how to check the installed Git version is a crucial step.

This blog will guide you through checking the Git version using the Command Prompt (cmd) in Windows.

Why Check Your Git Version?

There are several reasons why checking the Git version is important:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that your Git version is compatible with specific tools or features.
2. Debugging: Verify the installation and confirm it’s working properly.
3. Updates: Determine whether you need to update to the latest version.

---

Steps to Check Git Version in Command Prompt

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cmd and hit Enter or click OK to launch the Command Prompt.

Alternatively, you can search for “Command Prompt” in the Windows Start menu and click on it.

---

Step 2: Run the Version Check Command

1. In the Command Prompt, type the following command:

   git --version

2. Press Enter.

---

Step 3: View the Output

If Git is installed, you will see output similar to the following:

git version 2.42.0.windows.1

The version number (e.g., 2.42.0) confirms the installed Git version.

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while checking the Git version, here are some steps to troubleshoot:

1. Command Not Found Error

Error Message:

'git' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Cause: Git is not installed, or it’s not added to the system’s PATH environment variable.

Solution:

• Ensure Git is installed. If not, download it from the official Git website.
• Add Git to the PATH variable during installation by selecting the option “Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software”.

To manually add Git to PATH:

1. Open System Properties (Press Win + Pause and click Advanced System Settings).
2. Go to Environment Variables.
3. Under System Variables, select Path and click Edit.
4. Add the directory where Git is installed (e.g., C:\Program Files\Git\bin).
5. Click OK to save.

2. Incorrect or Old Version

Solution:

• Update Git to the latest version by downloading the installer from Git’s official website.
• Alternatively, if you’ve installed Git via a package manager like Chocolatey, run the following command in an elevated Command Prompt:

  choco upgrade git

---

Alternative Ways to Check Git Version

1. Using Git Bash

Git Bash is a terminal that comes with Git for Windows. To check the Git version:

1. Open Git Bash.
2. Run the same command:

   git --version

2. Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell.
2. Run the command:

   git --version

3. Using Git GUI

If you installed Git with the GUI option, you can check the version by:

1. Opening the Git GUI application.
2. Navigating to Help > About Git GUI.

---

Why Keep Git Updated?

Updating Git ensures that you:

• Gain access to the latest features and improvements.
• Avoid compatibility issues with tools and services.
• Fix bugs and address security vulnerabilities.

To update Git, download the latest installer or use your package manager.

---

Conclusion

Checking your Git version in Command Prompt is a quick and simple process that ensures your development environment is properly set up. By running git --version, you can verify your Git installation, troubleshoot potential issues, and confirm compatibility with other tools.

Staying up to date with the latest Git version ensures a smoother development experience with better features and security enhancements.