How to Check Your Ubuntu Version: A Simple Guide
Ubuntu version checking is straightforward, often done using a simple command in the terminal.
Ubuntu is a popular, user-friendly Linux operating system. Knowing your exact Ubuntu version is key for software compatibility and accessing the latest features.
New Ubuntu versions are released roughly every six months. Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, which receive security updates for a longer time, come out every two years. For example, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, known as “Jammy Jellyfish,” gets support for five years, until 2027.
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
Checking your Ubuntu version from the command line involves a specific command. Open your terminal and enter the command to see your exact Ubuntu Linux version, including whether it’s an LTS release. This quick method works for any Ubuntu setup.
Below are steps you can use to find out the version of Ubuntu you are running.
The quickest way to find the Ubuntu Linux version is to use the lsb_release utility. 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, you may look in the /etc/os-release file to learn and find out 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 has many ways.
Find the Ubuntu Linux version via desktop system settings
Checking your Ubuntu version from the desktop is also straightforward using the system’s Settings app. Your Ubuntu Linux version is clearly shown in the ‘About’ section, along with other useful system details. Click the top bar, go to the System menu in the top right, and then select Settings.
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 should do it!
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, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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