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How to Check Ubuntu Version (GUI & Terminal)

Dylan

If you’re using Ubuntu—one of the world’s most popular Debian-based Linux distributions for desktops, servers, cloud infrastructure, and IoT—knowing your exact Ubuntu version is non-negotiable. Whether you’re installing third-party software, troubleshooting system issues, applying critical security updates, or managing a VPS/server, incompatible versions can cause errors, broken packages, and security vulnerabilities.

Checking your Ubuntu version is quick and easy, with options for beginners (GUI point-and-click) and power users/admins (terminal commands). In this guide, we’ll cover all reliable methods to find your Ubuntu OS version, plus a bonus section on checking your kernel version (a common point of confusion) and pro tips for managing your Ubuntu installation.

We’ve tested every method on the latest Ubuntu LTS versions (24.04 Noble Numbat, 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish, 20.04 Focal Fossa) and they work for all modern Ubuntu releases—no advanced technical skills required!

Prerequisites to Check Ubuntu Version

Before you start, you only need two things (if using the terminal, the second is optional):

  1. A running Ubuntu desktop, server, or core system (physical or virtual).
  2. Basic terminal familiarity (not required for GUI methods—we’ll walk you through every click).

Sudo privileges are only needed if you want to install the Neofetch tool (a visual CLI utility); all core version-check commands work without root access.

Part 1. How to Check Ubuntu Version via GUI

The GUI method is perfect for new Ubuntu desktop users who prefer point-and-click over the terminal. It’s universal across all modern Ubuntu releases (18.04+) and takes 10 seconds or less to complete.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Click the Show Applications icon (the nine dots) in the bottom-left corner of your Ubuntu desktop.

2. Type “Settings” in the search bar and click the Settings app to launch it.

3. Scroll to the very bottom of the left-hand sidebar in the Settings window and select “About“.

4. Your Ubuntu version will be listed under the OS Name label (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS).

Part 2. How to Check Ubuntu Version via Terminal (6 Command-Line Methods)

For Ubuntu server users (headless systems, no GUI), developers, and power users, the terminal is the fastest way to check your Ubuntu version. All terminal methods start with the same simple step: open the terminal using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T (desktop) or connect via SSH (server).

Below are 6 reliable terminal commands—including the most straightforward, the most detailed, and a visual option (Neofetch)—plus a bonus to check your kernel version.

Method 1: lsb_release Command (Most Straightforward)

The lsb_release utility is the de facto standard for checking Linux distribution details, and it’s preinstalled on almost all Ubuntu versions. Use these variations to get the exact info you need (no extra clutter):

Troubleshoot: If lsb_release is missing (rare), install it with:

sudo apt install lsb-release -y

Method 2: cat /etc/os-release (Detailed System Info)

The /etc/os-release file is a system file that stores comprehensive OS metadata and is compatible with Ubuntu 16.04 and all newer releases. It’s the best choice if you want full version details (including codename and official Ubuntu support links) without extra tools.

Run this command to view the file:

cat /etc/os-release

Method 3: cat /etc/issue (Quick, Minimal Output)

If you need a super fast check with no extra info, the /etc/issue file is perfect. It only displays your Ubuntu version (no codename, no links, no clutter) and is preinstalled on all Ubuntu systems.

Run this command:

cat /etc/issue

Output example: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS \n \l

Method 4: hostnamectl Command (OS + System Details)

The hostnamectl command is typically used to set or change your Ubuntu system’s hostname, but it also displays a compact summary of system info—including your Ubuntu version, kernel version, architecture, and virtualization type. No installation needed, and it’s ideal for server admins.

Run this command:

Hostnamectl

Your Ubuntu version will be listed under the Operating System label (e.g., Operating System: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS).

Method 5: Neofetch (Visual System Info)

Neofetch is a popular Bash-based CLI tool that displays colorful, visual system information (including your Ubuntu version, kernel, RAM, CPU, terminal, and even your distro’s logo). It’s perfect for users who want a more engaging output, and it’s easy to install on Ubuntu.

Here’s how to install and use Neofetch:

1. Update your Ubuntu package index:

sudo apt update

2. Install Neofetch:

sudo apt install neofetch -y

3. Launch Neofetch to see your Ubuntu version (prominently displayed at the top):

neofetch

Bonus: Check Ubuntu Kernel Version (uname -r)

A common mistake is confusing the Ubuntu OS version with the Linux kernel version—they’re two different things! The kernel is the core of the OS that manages hardware, memory, and processes, while the OS version refers to Ubuntu’s official release (maintained by Canonical).

To check your Ubuntu kernel version (critical for hardware compatibility), run this simple command:

uname -r

Output example: 6.8.0-65-generic

Key Difference: Ubuntu OS Version vs. Kernel Version

It’s easy to mix up these two, so here’s a simple analogy to keep them straight:

Your Ubuntu OS version is like your smartphone’s operating system (e.g., Android 14), and your kernel version is like the phone’s engine (it powers everything in the background).

Pro Tips for Managing Your Ubuntu Version

Now that you know how to check your Ubuntu version, these pro tips will help you keep your system secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly:

1. Create a terminal alias for quick version checks: Add alias ubuversion=’lsb_release -a’ to your ~/.bashrc file, then run source ~/.bashrc—you can now type ubuversion to see your Ubuntu version anytime.

2. Upgrade to the latest LTS version: If you’re on an older non-LTS version, upgrade with sudo do-release-upgrade (always back up your data first!).

3. Stay on top of security updates: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y regularly to apply critical security and bug fixes.

4. Server management shortcut: For cloud/VPS Ubuntu servers, use tools to check your Ubuntu version (and manage your server) via a simple web dashboard—no terminal required.

5. Remember LTS vs. Non-LTS: Stick to LTS versions (e.g., 24.04, 22.04) for desktops and servers—they offer long-term support, while non-LTS versions are only supported for 9 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I check if my Ubuntu is 32-bit or 64-bit?

2. Is lsb_release installed by default on all Ubuntu versions?

Yes, it’s preinstalled on almost all Ubuntu versions (desktop/server). If it’s missing, install it with sudo apt install lsb-release -y.

3. Can I check the Ubuntu version on a headless server (no GUI)?

Absolutely! All terminal methods (1-5) work for headless Ubuntu servers—simply connect to the server via SSH and run the commands.

4. How long is Ubuntu LTS version supported?

Canonical offers 10 years of security and maintenance updates for all Ubuntu LTS versions (desktop, server, cloud). Non-LTS versions are only supported for 9 months.

Conclusion

Checking your Ubuntu version is a basic but essential skill for every Ubuntu user—whether you’re a new desktop user or a seasoned server admin. In this guide, we covered all reliable methods:

No matter which method you choose, the key takeaway is this: knowing your Ubuntu version ensures software compatibility, keeps your system secure, and makes troubleshooting infinitely easier. For most users, lsb_release -a (terminal) or the Settings > About (GUI) are the go-to choices—simple, fast, and reliable.

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