How to Check Your Ubuntu Version

Have you ever found yourself staring at your Ubuntu desktop, wondering exactly which version you’re running? You’re not alone! Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, installing new software, or just satisfying your curiosity, knowing your Ubuntu version is crucial. It’s like knowing your car’s model year – essential information that can save you time, frustration, and compatibility headaches down the road.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through multiple foolproof methods to check your Ubuntu version. From simple command-line tricks to GUI shortcuts, you’ll have all the tools you need to identify your system quickly and accurately.

Why Knowing Your Ubuntu Version Matters

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Understanding your Ubuntu version isn’t just technical trivia – it’s practical knowledge that impacts your daily computing experience.

First, software compatibility is huge. Many applications have specific requirements, and knowing whether you’re running Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, or 22.04 determines what software you can install[1]. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – the wrong version means the software simply won’t work.

Security updates are another critical factor. Ubuntu releases follow a predictable schedule, with Long Term Support (LTS) versions receiving updates for five years[2]. If you’re running an outdated version, you might be missing crucial security patches that keep your system safe from vulnerabilities.

Troubleshooting becomes infinitely easier when you know your exact version. When you’re searching for solutions online or asking for help in forums, the first question people ask is: “What Ubuntu version are you running?” Having this information at your fingertips speeds up the problem-solving process dramatically.

Quick Overview: Methods to Check Ubuntu Version

There are several reliable ways to check your Ubuntu version, and I’ll cover them all. Here’s what we’ll explore:

Command-line methods (fastest and most detailed)
GUI methods (user-friendly for beginners)
System information commands (for additional details)

Each method has its advantages, so you can choose the one that fits your comfort level and specific needs.

Method 1: Using the Command Line (Terminal)

The terminal might seem intimidating if you’re new to Linux, but it’s actually the quickest and most reliable way to check your Ubuntu version. Don’t worry – these commands are simple, and I’ll explain everything step by step.

Using lsb_release Command

The lsb_release command is your best friend when it comes to checking Ubuntu version information. LSB stands for “Linux Standard Base,” and this command provides comprehensive details about your Linux distribution[1].

Basic lsb_release -a Command

Open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T (this keyboard shortcut works across all Ubuntu versions). Once the terminal window appears, type this command:

lsb_release -a

Press Enter, and you’ll see output similar to this:

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description: Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS
Release: 20.04
Codename: focal

Here’s what each line means:

Distributor ID: Confirms you’re running Ubuntu
Description: Shows the full version name (this is what you’re looking for!)
Release: The version number
Codename: Ubuntu’s fun codename for this release

Shortening the Output with Flags

Sometimes you just want the essential information without extra details. The lsb_release command offers several flags to customize the output[3]:

For just the description line:

lsb_release -d

For a short description without labels:

lsb_release -ds

For release number only:

lsb_release -rs

These shortened commands are perfect when you need quick information or when writing scripts.

Checking /etc/os-release File

The /etc/os-release file contains detailed information about your operating system. This method works on Ubuntu 16.04 and newer versions[2]. To view this file, use:

cat /etc/os-release

You’ll see comprehensive system information including:

Version ID
Ubuntu version name
Home URL
Support URL
Bug report URL

This method is particularly useful because it provides additional context about your Ubuntu installation that you might need for troubleshooting or support requests.

Using the /etc/lsb-release File

For older Ubuntu systems or when you prefer a simpler output, check the /etc/lsb-release file[3]:

cat /etc/lsb-release

This displays clean, straightforward information:

DISTRIB_ID=Ubuntu
DISTRIB_RELEASE=20.04
DISTRIB_CODENAME=focal
DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION="Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS"

Examining the /etc/issue File

The /etc/issue file provides basic system identification information[4]. View it with:

cat /etc/issue

This typically shows a simple line like “Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS” along with system architecture information. It’s the most minimalist approach if you just need the version number quickly.

Using hostnamectl Command

The hostnamectl command provides system hostname and related information, including your Ubuntu version[1]. Simply type:

hostnamectl

Look for the “Operating System” line in the output. This command also shows your system’s hostname, chassis type, and kernel version – useful additional information for system administration.

Method 2: Using the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Not everyone loves the command line, and that’s perfectly fine! Ubuntu provides user-friendly graphical methods to check your version that are just as effective.

Ubuntu Settings Method

This is probably the most intuitive method for beginners[5]. Here’s how to do it:

Click the Settings gear icon in your application launcher (usually in the dock or top-right corner)
In the Settings window, look for About or Details in the left sidebar
Click on it, and you’ll see your Ubuntu version displayed prominently

The About section also shows other useful information like your computer’s name, processor, memory, and graphics details. It’s like having a system information panel right at your fingertips.

System Information Tool

Some Ubuntu installations include additional system information tools[6]. You can access these through:

Open the application menu
Search for “System Information” or “Details”
Open the application to view comprehensive system details

These tools often provide more detailed hardware information alongside your Ubuntu version, making them perfect for comprehensive system analysis.

Method 3: Additional Commands for System Information

Beyond the basic version checking, there are commands that provide additional system context that might be useful.

Using uname Command

The uname command primarily shows kernel information, but it can provide context about your system[7]:

uname -a

This displays your kernel version, system architecture, and other low-level details. While it doesn’t directly show your Ubuntu version, it’s valuable information for troubleshooting hardware-related issues.

Using neofetch Command

If you want system information displayed in a visually appealing way, try neofetch[6]. You might need to install it first:

sudo apt install neofetch
neofetch

This command creates an attractive display showing your Ubuntu version alongside ASCII art of the Ubuntu logo, plus detailed system specifications. It’s both functional and fun – perfect for screenshots or impressing friends with your Linux knowledge.

Understanding Ubuntu Version Numbers

Ubuntu’s versioning system follows a logical pattern that’s helpful to understand. Version numbers use the format YY.MM, where YY represents the year and MM represents the month of release[2].

For example:

Ubuntu 20.04: Released in April 2020
Ubuntu 22.04: Released in April 2022
Ubuntu 23.10: Released in October 2023

LTS (Long Term Support) versions are released every two years in April and receive extended support. These are typically the most stable choices for production systems, servers, and users who prefer stability over cutting-edge features.

Regular releases come out every six months but only receive support for nine months. They’re perfect for users who want the latest features and don’t mind updating more frequently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes checking your Ubuntu version isn’t as straightforward as expected. Here are solutions to common problems:

Command not found errors: If lsb_release isn’t available, try installing it:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install lsb-release

Permission denied: Some files might require elevated permissions. Add sudo before commands if needed, though most version-checking commands don’t require administrator privileges.

Empty or missing files: In rare cases, system files might be corrupted. Try multiple methods to cross-verify your results.

Outdated information: After major updates, restart your terminal or log out and back in to ensure you’re seeing current information.

When to Check Your Ubuntu Version

Knowing when to check your Ubuntu version can save you time and prevent issues:

Before installing software: Always verify compatibility requirements match your Ubuntu version[8].

When seeking technical support: Forums and support channels always ask for version information first.

During system maintenance: Regular version checks help you stay aware of your system’s support status.

After system updates: Verify that major updates completed successfully by checking if your version number changed.

When following tutorials: Many Linux tutorials are version-specific, so knowing your exact version ensures compatibility.

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between Ubuntu LTS and regular releases?
A: Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support) versions are released every two years and receive updates for five years, making them more stable for production use[2]. Regular releases come out every six months but only receive support for nine months, offering newer features but requiring more frequent updates.

Q: Can I check my Ubuntu version remotely over SSH?
A: Absolutely! All the command-line methods work perfectly over SSH connections. Simply connect to your remote Ubuntu system and use commands like lsb_release -a or cat /etc/os-release just as you would locally.

Q: Why does lsb_release show “No LSB modules are available”?
A: This message is normal and doesn’t indicate a problem[1]. It simply means your system doesn’t have LSB (Linux Standard Base) modules installed, which is common and doesn’t affect the version information displayed.

Q: How do I check if my Ubuntu version is still supported?
A: Visit Ubuntu’s official release schedule page or use ubuntu-support-status command if available. Generally, LTS versions receive support for five years, while regular releases get nine months of support[8].

Q: What should I do if different commands show different version information?
A: This is unusual but can happen after incomplete updates. Try running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to ensure your system is fully updated, then restart and check again. If discrepancies persist, consider the lsb_release -a output as the most reliable.