How to Check Ubuntu Version?

Knowing the exact version of Ubuntu running on your machine is essential for installing compatible software, troubleshooting system errors, and ensuring you receive the correct security updates. This article provides a quick guide on how to verify your Ubuntu version using both the command-line terminal and the graphical user interface (GUI), ensuring you can find this information regardless of your technical comfort level.

Checking Ubuntu Version via the Terminal

The terminal is the quickest way to find your system details. You can open it by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard. Once open, you can use any of the following commands:

• The lsb_release Command This is the most recommended method because it works across all Ubuntu versions and derivatives. Enter the following command and press Enter:

lsb_release -a

This will output detailed information, including your distributor ID, description, release number, and codename (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04 LTS noble). If you only want a brief description line, you can use lsb_release -d instead. * The /etc/os-release File Ubuntu stores its operating system identification data in a specific file. You can view the contents of this file by running:

cat /etc/os-release

This will display a list of variables, including the precise version number, version name, and helpful support URLs. * The hostnamectl Command Mainly used to query and change the system hostname, this command also provides a clean overview of your operating system and kernel version. Simply type:

hostnamectl

Look for the “Operating System” line in the output to find your Ubuntu version.

Checking Ubuntu Version via the GUI

If you prefer a visual interface over text commands, you can easily find your version information through the system settings.

1. Click on the System Menu in the top-right corner of your desktop screen (the status icons area).
2. Select Settings (represented by a gear icon).
3. Scroll down the left sidebar and click on System or About.
4. In the main window, look for the OS Name or Ubuntu Version field, which will display your exact release version and architecture type.