How to Check Your Ubuntu Version

Ubuntu is one of the most widely-used and user-friendly Linux distributions, known for its user-friendly interface, active community support, and regular updates. When working with Ubuntu, knowing your system’s version is essential, whether you’re troubleshooting issues, preparing for an upgrade, or ensuring software compatibility is necessary. In this guide, we’ll cover How to Check Your Ubuntu Version.

1. Why You Should Know Your Ubuntu Version

Knowing the version of Ubuntu you’re running is crucial for many tasks. Whether installing new software, configuring a system, or troubleshooting issues, certain applications and commands may only be compatible with specific versions of Ubuntu. Moreover, checking your Ubuntu version helps when you need to:

• Install software: Some applications or libraries might require a minimum version of Ubuntu.
• Troubleshoot system problems: Knowing which version of Ubuntu you’re running is essential when diagnosing issues.
• Plan upgrades: If you’re considering upgrading your Ubuntu system, knowing your current version helps guide the upgrade path.

2. How to Check Your Ubuntu Version Using the Command Line

The command line is one of the most efficient ways to check your Ubuntu version. Here, we’ll cover three different commands you can use to check this information quickly and easily.

Using the lsb_release Command

The lsb_release command is one of the most commonly used methods for checking your Ubuntu version. It provides detailed information about your system’s release.

Open your terminal.

• Type the following command and press Enter:

lsb_release -a

This command shows system information. You’ll see output like:

• Distributor ID: Refers to the name of the Linux distro, like Ubuntu or Fedora, which identifies the overall OS.
• Description: This provides the full name of the release, including details like “Ubuntu 20.04 LTS“, which signifies the version and its support status.
• Release: The specific version number of the distribution, such as “20.04”, helps track updates and compatibility.
• Codename: The internal code the distribution uses for the release, like “focal” for Ubuntu 20.04, used in repositories.

Using the cat /etc/os-release Command

Another way to check your Ubuntu version is by using the cat command to view the contents of the /etc/os-release file. This file contains system information, including the Ubuntu version.

Step-by-step guide:

Open your terminal.

• Type the following command and press Enter:

cat /etc/os-release

This will display output like:

Here, you can see:

• VERSION: This refers to the specific version of the Ubuntu release, such as “20.04 LTS,” which indicates the release version and its Long-Term Support status.
• VERSION_ID: The numeric identifier for the Ubuntu release, such as “20.04,” uniquely specifies the version for updates and compatibility checks.
• VERSION_CODENAME: The codename associated with the Ubuntu release, like “focal” for Ubuntu 20.04, is used in official documentation and repositories to identify the release.

Using the hostnamectl Command

The hostnamectl command was initially designed to change or display the hostname but also shows system information, such as the version of Ubuntu.

Step-by-step guide:

Open your terminal.

• Type the following command and press Enter:

hostnamectl

You’ll see output like:

• Operating System: This line shows your Ubuntu version (e.g., Ubuntu 20.04 LTS).

3. How to Check Your Ubuntu Version Using the GUI

For a GUI-based approach, Ubuntu has simple methods for checking your version without using the terminal. Here are the two most common ways to check the version using the GUI.

Using System Settings

1. Click on the “Activities” menu (located at the top-left corner).

2. In the search bar, type “Settings” and open the System Settings application.

3. Scroll down and click on “About” in the sidebar.

4. Under the “OS” section, your Ubuntu version is listed as “Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.”

4. Why Checking Your Ubuntu Version is Important

To understand system updates, install and use appropriate software, and address some of the issues related to Ubuntu, you need to be well acquainted with your Ubuntu version. Some key reasons why it’s essential include:

• Security Patches: Different versions of Ubuntu receive different levels of support and security updates. For example, Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support) releases are supported for five years, while non-LTS versions have a shorter support cycle.
• Software Compatibility: Some software packages or hardware drivers may only be available or fully compatible with specific Ubuntu versions.
• System Upgrades: Knowing your version helps you plan for upgrades, whether for software installation or upgrading the entire system to a newer release.

5. Updating Ubuntu: What You Should Know

When you’ve checked your Ubuntu version and determined it’s time for an upgrade (or a new software installation), following the proper upgrade process is essential. Ubuntu offers several ways to update your system:

Upgrade via GUI

1. Open Software Updater from the Activities menu.
2. If there are updates available, the Software Updater will list them. You can click Install Now to begin the upgrade.

Upgrade via Command Line

To upgrade from the command line, use the following steps:

First, run the following command to confirm your package lists are up to date:

sudo apt update

To upgrade the system packages, use:

sudo apt upgrade

To upgrade to a new Ubuntu version, use the following:

sudo do-release-upgrade

1. This will guide you through the process of upgrading to a newer version.

6. Conclusion

It is always essential for any Linux user to know their Ubuntu version. You can always find out what version of Ubuntu you are using, whether you are using the command line or the graphical interface. Therefore, it is useful when installing new software, fixing problems, and even when planning to upgrade the software. The command to check the Ubuntu version is as follows. By verifying your Ubuntu version, you ensure you are ready for the following procedures for maintaining or upgrading your OS.

Using the methods outlined in this guide, you can quickly and accurately find your Ubuntu version, ensuring your system is up-to-date and optimized for the best performance.

About the writer

Vinayak Baranwal wrote this article. Use the provided link to connect with Vinayak on LinkedIn for more insightful content or collaboration opportunities.