The fastest way to check your Ubuntu version

Open a terminal and run lsb_release -a. This command prints your Ubuntu release name, version number, and codename in three lines. It works on every Ubuntu installation and gives you the complete picture in one command.

If you want only the version number without the extra details, run lsb_release -rs instead. This returns just the number — for example, 22.04 or 24.04 — which is useful if you need to paste it into a support ticket or documentation.

Both commands work the same way whether you are on a desktop, server, or virtual machine. You do not need administrator privileges to run them.

Key Takeaways

  • Run lsb_release -a in a terminal to see your Ubuntu version, release name, and codename all at once.
  • Use lsb_release -rs if you need only the version number without additional information.
  • The /etc/os-release file contains the same version information in a text format you can read with cat /etc/os-release.
  • Ubuntu version numbers follow a pattern: the first two digits are the year, the last two are the month of release (20.04 means April 2020).

Other commands that show your Ubuntu version

If lsb_release is not available on your system — which is rare but possible on minimal installations — you can read the version directly from a system file. Run cat /etc/os-release to print the contents of the operating system information file. Look for the line that starts with VERSION_ID to find your version number.

Another option is hostnamectl, which shows your operating system and version alongside your hostname. This command is useful if you are already checking other system details and want everything in one place.

The uname -a command shows your kernel version, not your Ubuntu version — these are different things. The kernel is the core of the operating system, while the Ubuntu version refers to the release (like 22.04 or 24.04). You need lsb_release or /etc/os-release to find the Ubuntu version itself.

Understanding Ubuntu version numbers

Ubuntu releases follow a predictable naming scheme. The version number is always a year and month: 22.04 means April 2022, 24.04 means April 2024. The .04 or .10 at the end tells you whether it was released in April (04) or October (10) of that year.

Every two years, Ubuntu releases a Long Term Support (LTS) version, which receives security updates for five years instead of the usual nine months. LTS versions always land in April of even-numbered years — 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 — so you can identify them by the year alone.

The release name is a two-word phrase that is alphabetically ordered by year. Ubuntu 24.04 is "Noble Numbat", 22.04 is "Jammy Jellyfish", 20.04 is "Focal Fossa". These names are purely for reference and do not affect how the system works.

Checking your version in the graphical interface

If you prefer not to use the terminal, you can find your Ubuntu version through the Settings application. Click the system menu in the top-right corner, then select Settings. Navigate to About, and your version number appears under "OS Name" or "Ubuntu Version" depending on your desktop environment.

On Ubuntu with GNOME (the default desktop), the About section also shows your kernel version, hardware details, and whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit system. This graphical method takes longer than a terminal command but shows the same information in a more visual format.

Why you might need to know your Ubuntu version

Software packages sometimes require a specific Ubuntu version or newer. When you install a program from a repository or download a .deb file, the installation instructions often specify which versions it supports. Knowing your version lets you check compatibility before you attempt installation.

Security updates and bug fixes are released for specific versions. If you are troubleshooting a problem, support forums and documentation often ask which version you are running so they can point you to the right solution. Version information is also essential if you are managing multiple Ubuntu machines and need to track which ones need updates.

Checking if your version is still supported

Ubuntu versions receive updates for different lengths of time depending on whether they are LTS releases. Non-LTS versions (like 23.10) receive updates for nine months after release. LTS versions receive updates for five years, with an optional extended support period that brings the total to ten years.

You can check the official Ubuntu release schedule on the Ubuntu website to see when your version stops receiving updates. If your version is approaching end-of-life, you should plan an upgrade to a newer release before support ends. Running an unsupported version leaves your system vulnerable to security issues that are no longer being patched.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Ubuntu version and kernel version?

Ubuntu version (like 22.04) is the release number of the operating system. Kernel version (shown by uname -a) is the version of the core component that manages hardware and processes. You need lsb_release -a for Ubuntu version and uname -a for kernel version — they are not the same thing.

Can I check the version on a remote server without logging in?

No, you must log into the server first. Once connected via SSH, run lsb_release -a just as you would on a local machine. The command works identically on remote systems.

What if lsb_release command is not found?

Run cat /etc/os-release instead. This file exists on all Ubuntu systems and contains the same version information. Look for the line starting with VERSION_ID to find your version number.

Does my Ubuntu version number change when I install updates?

No. Security patches and bug fixes do not change your version number. Ubuntu 22.04 stays 22.04 throughout its entire support period. You would only get a new version number by upgrading to a different release, like moving from 22.04 to 24.04.