The fastest way to check your Ubuntu version

Open the terminal and type lsb_release -a, then press Enter. This command shows your Ubuntu release number, codename, and description in three lines. It is the most straightforward method and works on every Ubuntu installation.

If you prefer a graphical approach instead of the terminal, click the system menu in the top-right corner of your screen, select "About This Computer", and your version appears in the window that opens. Both methods take seconds and require no special permissions.

Key Takeaways

  • The terminal command lsb_release -a displays your exact Ubuntu version, release codename, and whether you are on a long-term support (LTS) version.
  • The graphical method through "About This Computer" shows your version without opening a terminal, though it provides less detail than the command-line output.
  • The cat /etc/os-release command works on all Linux systems and shows version information in a different format if you prefer that layout.
  • Knowing your version matters because LTS releases receive five years of support, while standard releases receive nine months.

Using the terminal to see your version

The terminal is where you get the most complete information. Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open it, type lsb_release -a, and press Enter. The output shows three pieces of information: the Distributor ID (always Ubuntu), the Release number (like 22.04 or 24.04), and the Codename (like Jammy or Noble).

The Release number tells you the year and month your version was released. Ubuntu uses a year.month format, so 22.04 means April 2022 and 24.04 means April 2024. If the number ends in .04 or .10, you are on a standard release. If it ends in .04 and the year is even (20, 22, 24), you are on an LTS version that receives longer support.

If lsb_release -a does not work on your system, try cat /etc/os-release instead. This command reads the same information from a system file and displays it in a different format. Both commands show the same version; they just present it differently.

Checking your version through the graphical interface

Click the system menu button in the top-right corner of your screen (usually showing the time and network status). A dropdown menu appears. Select "About This Computer" or "Settings" depending on your Ubuntu version.

A window opens showing your system information. Look for the line labeled "OS Name" or "Version" — this shows your Ubuntu release number and codename. This method works the same way on all Ubuntu desktop versions and does not require typing commands.

The graphical method shows less detail than the terminal command, but it is faster if you only need to confirm which version you are running. You will not see the full Distributor ID or Codename breakdown, just the version number.

Understanding what your version number means

Ubuntu releases a new version every six months, in April and October. The version number reflects the release date: 24.04 was released in April 2024, 23.10 was released in October 2023. Every two years, the April release becomes an LTS (Long-Term Support) version.

LTS versions receive five years of security updates and bug fixes. Standard releases receive nine months of support. If you are running 22.04, 20.04, or 18.04, you have an LTS version. If you are running 23.10 or 24.10, you have a standard release that will stop receiving updates nine months after its release date.

The codename is a secondary identifier that Ubuntu assigns to each release. Codenames follow alphabetical order: Jammy (22.04), Kinetic (22.10), Lunar (23.04), Mantic (23.10), Noble (24.04). The codename does not affect how your system works; it is mainly used in documentation and when discussing Ubuntu versions with other users.

Why you might need to know your version

Some software only runs on specific Ubuntu versions. When you download a program or follow installation instructions, the guide often specifies which Ubuntu versions it supports. Knowing your version lets you confirm compatibility before you download.

Security updates and bug fixes are version-specific. If you are running an older version that is no longer supported, you will not receive updates even if newer versions are available. Checking your version tells you how much longer your system will receive support.

If you contact Ubuntu support or ask for help in forums, stating your exact version helps others give you accurate answers. Version-specific problems are common, and knowing your release number and codename speeds up troubleshooting.

Other ways to check your version

The hostnamectl command shows your version alongside other system information like hostname and chassis type. Type hostnamectl in the terminal and press Enter. The output includes your Operating System line, which displays your Ubuntu version.

You can also check /etc/lsb-release directly by typing cat /etc/lsb-release in the terminal. This file contains the same information as lsb_release -a but in a format that shows variable names alongside the values. This method is useful if you are writing a script that needs to read your version automatically.

The uname -a command shows kernel information rather than your Ubuntu version, but it is often used alongside version checks. It displays the kernel release number, which is different from your Ubuntu version number. For example, Ubuntu 24.04 might run kernel 6.8, but these are separate pieces of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Ubuntu version and kernel version?

Your Ubuntu version (like 24.04) is the release of the operating system. Your kernel version (shown by uname -a) is the core of the system that manages hardware. Ubuntu 24.04 might run kernel 6.8 or 6.10 depending on when you installed it and whether you have updated. They are separate numbers.

How do I know if my version is still supported?

LTS versions (ending in .04 on even years) receive five years of support. Standard versions receive nine months. Check your release date using lsb_release -a, then add nine months for standard releases or five years for LTS releases. You can also visit the Ubuntu website to see the support timeline for each version.

Can I check my version without opening a terminal?

Yes. Click the system menu in the top-right corner, select "About This Computer" or "Settings", and your version appears in the window. This method works on all Ubuntu desktop versions and shows your version number without typing commands.

What if lsb_release command does not work?

Try cat /etc/os-release or hostnamectl instead. These commands read the same information from different system files. If you are on a minimal or server installation without the lsb-release package, one of these alternatives will work.

Does my version number change when I update?

No. Your version number stays the same (like 24.04) even after you install security updates and bug fixes. The version number only changes when you upgrade to a new Ubuntu release, which is a separate process from regular updates.