How to Check Your Ubuntu Version: A Simple Guide
Ubuntu version checks let you see exactly which release of the Linux operating system runs on your computer. Knowing your build number helps you confirm app compatibility and track software support lifecycles, such as the 5-year update window provided for Long-Term Support editions like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
You can find this information in a few seconds using either the terminal command line or the desktop Settings app . Keeping track of whether you run a regular release or an LTS build ensures you get the right security patches and software updates.
Open the terminal and run the command `lsb_release -a`. This will display your Ubuntu distribution ID, description, release number, and codename. You can also find the version in the Settings app under “About” if you are using the desktop environment.
How to find the Ubuntu Linux version on a computer
You can check your Ubuntu version by opening the terminal and typing a single command. This quick method shows your exact release number and whether you are using a long-term support version, which helps you know when your software updates are set to expire.
Below are steps you can use to find out the version of Ubuntu you are running.
The quickest way to find your Ubuntu version is to use the lsb_release command. LSB stands for Linux Standard Base, and it’s a tool that offers information about Linux distributions.
To use the utility, open your terminal by typing Ctrl — Alt — T on your keyboard.
Then type the command below:
lsb_release -a
That should output an info sheet similar to this:
No LSB modules are available. Distributor ID: Ubuntu Description: Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS Release: 22.04 Codename: jammy
This shows you the version of Ubuntu and the release number.
You can check your Ubuntu version's description by using the lsb_release -d command. This command displays only the description of your Ubuntu version, unlike the lsb_release -a command, which shows all details.
Description: Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS
Another avenue for discovering your Ubuntu Linux version is through the /etc/issue or /etc/os-release files.
Run the commands below to display the content of the /etc/issue file. This file contains the operating system identification text.
cat /etc/issue
That should output a line similar to this:
Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS n l
Alternatively, examine the /etc/os-release file to find the Ubuntu Linux version.
This file contains more detailed information for identifying the operating system. For example, run the commands below to display the /etc/os-release data for Ubuntu Linux.
cat /etc/os-release
That should output the lines below:
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS" NAME="Ubuntu" VERSION_ID="22.04" VERSION="22.04.1 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)" VERSION_CODENAME=jammy ID=ubuntu ID_LIKE=debian HOME_URL="https://www.ubuntu.com/" SUPPORT_URL="https://help.ubuntu.com/" BUG_REPORT_URL="https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/" PRIVACY_POLICY_URL="https://www.ubuntu.com/legal/terms-and-policies/privacy-policy" UBUNTU_CODENAME=jammy
The hostnamectl command also shows you info about Ubuntu Linux. Run the commands below to view the Ubuntu Linux version.
hostnamectl
That should output an info sheet similar to this:
Static hostname: Ubuntu2204
Icon name: computer-vm
Chassis: vm
Machine ID: 103bd8b830824b90bca97c6ac84ad445
Boot ID: 8f430b32cc1b4831959fbdcae616810f
Virtualization: oracle
Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS
Kernel: Linux 5.15.0-47-generic
Architecture: x86-64
Hardware Vendor: innotek GmbH
Hardware Model: VirtualBoxDiscovering the Ubuntu version number from the command line offers many paths.
Find the Ubuntu Linux version via desktop system settings
You can find your Ubuntu version using the desktop Settings app without touching the command line. Open the system settings menu and look in the About section to see your current operating system details clearly displayed on the screen.
To do that, click on the top bar and select the System menu at the top right corner.
Then select Settings.
In the Settings app, select About. You should see details about your computer, including the Ubuntu Linux version.
That completes the process.
Conclusion:
- The post demonstrated multiple methods for discovering the version of Ubuntu Linux running on a computer, including command-line utilities such as
lsb_release,cat /etc/issue,cat /etc/os-release, andhostnamectl. - It also outlined how to find the Ubuntu Linux version via desktop system settings, providing a user-friendly alternative to command-line approaches.
- The comprehensive guide allows users to easily determine the Ubuntu version, catering to novice and experienced users.
- Feel free to engage through the comment section if there are any errors or additional insights.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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