Knowing which version of Ubuntu you’re running is one of those small details that can make a big difference. Whether you’re troubleshooting a stubborn error, verifying software compatibility, or planning your next system upgrade, having that version number on hand saves time and eliminates guesswork.
Ubuntu releases a new version every six months, each with its own codename and version number. Long-term support (LTS) releases—like Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble Numbat,” which was released on April 25, 2024—receive five years of standard security maintenance from Canonical. Interim releases, on the other hand, come with nine months of updates before they reach end-of-life. That distinction matters. Running an unsupported version means missing out on critical security patches, which can leave your system exposed.
The good news? Checking your Ubuntu version takes less than a minute. This guide walks you through five reliable methods—from a simple point-and-click in the GUI to a handful of terminal commands—so you can find the one that works best for you.
Why it matters: When you’ll need your ubuntu version
Before diving into the how, it’s worth being clear about the why. Here are the situations where knowing your Ubuntu version makes a real difference:
- Software compatibility: Many applications specify which Ubuntu versions they support. Installing software on an incompatible release can result in errors, missing dependencies, or broken functionality.
- Security updates: Ubuntu regularly patches vulnerabilities. Knowing your version helps you confirm you’re still within the supported window—and prompts action if you’re not.
- Troubleshooting: When you reach out for technical support, version information is almost always the first thing asked for. Having it ready speeds up every support interaction.
- Upgrade planning: Not all hardware handles the jump to a new Ubuntu release equally well. Checking your current version is the natural first step before planning any upgrade.
- System administration: Managing multiple Ubuntu machines? Version numbers are essential for keeping software, configurations, and security policies consistent across environments.
Understanding ubuntu’s version numbering system
Each Ubuntu release follows a YY.MM format, where YY is the two-digit year and MM is the release month. Ubuntu ships new versions in April and October, which is why you’ll always see version numbers ending in .04 or .10. Ubuntu 24.04, for example, was released in April 2024.
Alongside the version number, every release carries an alliterative codename—an adjective paired with an animal, both starting with the same letter. The list progresses through the alphabet with each new release. Ubuntu 24.04 is “Noble Numbat.” Ubuntu 22.04 is “Jammy Jellyfish.” These codenames are more than just memorable nicknames; they appear in system files, package repositories, and terminal output, so you’ll encounter them regularly.
Now, let’s get to it.
Method 1: Check your ubuntu version via the GUI
If you prefer working without the terminal, the graphical interface has you covered. This method works well on Ubuntu’s default GNOME desktop.
- Open Settings by clicking the gear icon in your app launcher or system menu.
- Scroll to the bottom of the left-hand panel and click About.
- Your Ubuntu version is displayed prominently on the right—alongside your device name, memory, and other system details.
That’s it. No commands, no configuration. For casual users or anyone who just needs a quick glance, this is the most straightforward route.
Method 2: Use the lsb_release -a command
The lsb_release command is purpose-built for this task. According to the Ubuntu man page, it “provides certain LSB (Linux Standard Base) and distribution-specific information”—which is exactly what you need.
Open your terminal with Ctrl + Alt + T, then run:
lsb_release -a
You’ll see output similar to this:
No LSB modules are available. Distributor ID: Ubuntu Description: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Release: 24.04 Codename: noble
The -a flag stands for “all” and displays the distributor ID, description, release number, and codename in one shot. If you only want the version number, use lsb_release -r. For just the codename, lsb_release -c does the job.
This is arguably the most user-friendly terminal method—clean output, easy to read, and widely supported across Ubuntu versions.
Method 3: Read the /etc/os-release file
Every Ubuntu installation includes a file called /etc/os-release that stores operating system identification data. According to the freedesktop.org specification, this file contains “a newline-separated list of environment-like shell-compatible variable assignments” describing your OS in detail.
To read it, open your terminal and run:
cat /etc/os-release
The output will look something like this:
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 24.04 LTS" NAME="Ubuntu" VERSION_ID="24.04" VERSION="24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)" VERSION_CODENAME=noble ID=ubuntu ID_LIKE=debian
A few fields worth knowing:
-
PRETTY_NAME— a human-readable name, suitable for displaying to users -
VERSION_ID— the version number in a clean, script-friendly format -
VERSION_CODENAME— the release codename in lowercase -
ID— identifies the OS asubuntu, useful for scripts that need to detect the distribution
This method is particularly valuable for developers and system administrators who want to parse version data programmatically. The VERSION_ID field, for instance, returns a clean numeric value with no surrounding text—ideal for use in shell scripts or automation workflows.
Method 4: Check the /etc/issue file
The /etc/issue file is one of the simplest places Ubuntu stores version information. It’s a plain text file, typically containing just one or two lines.
Run the following command in your terminal:
cat /etc/issue
You’ll get a concise response like:
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS \n \l
The \n and \l are escape sequences used when displaying the file at a login prompt—they represent the hostname and terminal line. For your purposes, the Ubuntu version is right there in plain sight.
This method is fast and works even on minimal or headless Ubuntu installations where other tools might not be available. It’s not the most detailed output, but when you just need the version number quickly, it delivers.
Method 5: Use the hostnamectl command
hostnamectl is a systemd utility designed to query and manage your system’s hostname. But it surfaces something extra: a snapshot of key system information, including your Ubuntu version.
Run it with:
hostnamectl
The output will include several fields:
Static hostname: your-hostname
Icon name: computer-vm
Chassis: vm
Machine ID: [machine id]
Boot ID: [boot id]
Virtualization: [type]
Operating System: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Kernel: Linux 6.8.0-xx-generic
Architecture: x86-64
The Operating System line tells you the Ubuntu version at a glance. The Kernel line is a bonus—it shows the Linux kernel version your system is running, which is separate from the Ubuntu version but equally useful when troubleshooting hardware or driver issues.
This method is especially handy in server environments, where it gives you a quick system overview without digging through multiple files.
Quick comparison: Which method should you use ?
|
Method |
Interface |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
GUI Settings |
Graphical |
Non-technical users, quick visual check |
|
|
Terminal |
Clean, readable output for most users |
|
|
Terminal |
Scripting, automation, and parsing |
|
|
Terminal |
Minimal installs, fast single-line output |
|
|
Terminal |
Server environments, kernel info included |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my ubuntu version?
There’s no set schedule. Check it when you’re installing new software, seeking technical support, planning a system upgrade, or verifying that your system is still within its support window. LTS releases are supported for five years; interim releases receive just nine months of updates.
What’s the difference between LTS and non-LTS versions?
LTS (Long-Term Support) releases come out every two years—in April of even-numbered years—and receive five years of standard security maintenance from Canonical. Non-LTS, or interim, releases ship every six months and are supported for nine months. For most users and organizations that need a stable, reliable environment, LTS is the recommended choice. Interim releases are better suited for those who want early access to the latest features and toolchains.
Do I need admin (sudo) privileges to check my Ubuntu version?
No. All five methods covered in this guide work without elevated privileges. You don’t need sudo to run lsb_release, read /etc/os-release, or open your GUI settings.
What if lsb_release isn’t available on my system?
On minimal or server installations, the lsb-release package may not be installed by default. In that case, use cat /etc/os-release or cat /etc/issue as reliable alternatives—these files are present on virtually all Ubuntu installations.
How do I check the Linux kernel version separately from the Ubuntu version?
The hostnamectl command displays your kernel version alongside your Ubuntu version. Alternatively, run uname -r in your terminal to get just the kernel version number.
How do I upgrade to a newer Ubuntu version?
You can upgrade using the Software Updater application, or via the terminal with do-release-upgrade. It’s good practice to back up your data before any major upgrade and to review the release notes for the target version beforehand.
The version number is just the beginning
Finding your Ubuntu version is a small task—but it’s the foundation for making informed decisions about your system. Security, compatibility, performance optimization: they all start with knowing exactly what you’re working with.
To recap, here are the five methods covered in this guide:
- GUI Settings — navigate to About in your system settings
-
lsb_release -a— the go-to terminal command for distribution info -
cat /etc/os-release— detailed file-based output, ideal for scripting -
cat /etc/issue— a fast, minimal single-line check -
hostnamectl— system overview including kernel version
Bookmark this page, and you’ll always have a reliable reference when you need it.
