The good news is that it simply takes a few seconds to check the version of Ubuntu on your computer. There are several easy ways to determine the version of Ubuntu you have installed on your computer, whether it’s Ubuntu Desktop or Server.
People typically look for phrases like show Ubuntu version, linux Ubuntu check version, how to see Ubuntu version, or how to know the version of Ubuntu? The goal is the same no matter what phrase you use: to find your Ubuntu release quickly and precisely.
This tutorial will show you the easiest ways to do things step by step. I’ll also show you which command is ideal for getting a quick answer and which one provides you with additional information about the system.
Why You May Need to Check Your Ubuntu Version
Before jumping into the methods, it helps to know why this matters.
You may need to see version Ubuntu is running when:
So, if you want to ubuntu get version details for maintenance or troubleshooting, the methods below will help.
Method 1: Check Ubuntu Version Using lsb_release
This is one of the most common and reliable ways to check Ubuntu version from the terminal.
Open Terminal and run:
You will see output similar to this:
Why this method is useful
- shows the full Ubuntu release name
- displays the version number clearly
- works well on both desktop and server systems
If you only want a shorter result, use:
This will simply show Ubuntu version in one clean line.
For many users, this is the best answer to “how to check Ubuntu OS version” because it is direct and easy to remember.
Method 2: Show Ubuntu Version with /etc/os-release
Another quick way to ubuntu show version details is by reading the OS release file.
Run this command:
You will get output like:
Why people use this method
- available on most modern Linux distributions
- provides version and system identity details
- useful in scripts and automation
This is especially helpful if you want a more technical way to linux Ubuntu check version without depending on extra utilities.
Method 3: Use hostnamectl to See Ubuntu Version
The hostnamectl command gives system information along with the OS version.
Run:
Example output:
Why this method stands out
- shows the operating system
- also displays kernel version and architecture
- useful for server admins who want more than just the Ubuntu release
If your goal is to see version Ubuntu and get a few extra machine details at the same time, this method works well.
Method 4: Check Ubuntu Version from Settings (GUI Method)
Not everyone wants to use terminal commands. If you are on Ubuntu Desktop, you can show Ubuntu version through the graphical interface.
Steps:
- open Settings
- scroll down and click About
- look for OS Name or version details
You will usually see the Ubuntu edition and release number there.
Best for:
- beginners
- desktop users
- anyone who prefers not to use terminal commands
So, if you are wondering how to see Ubuntu version without typing commands, this is the easiest option.
Method 5: Use /etc/issue for a Quick Version Check
This is a lightweight way to ubuntu see version information quickly.
Run:
You may see something like:
What to know about this method
- very fast
- shows a basic Ubuntu version string
- less detailed than lsb_release or /etc/os-release
It is handy when you just want to check Ubuntu version quickly and do not need extra system information.
Method 6: Check Ubuntu Version in a Script
If you manage multiple systems, you may want a script-friendly way to ubuntu get version details.
A simple option is:
Output:
This works well for:
- shell scripts
- deployment automation
- monitoring tools
- remote server checks
For admins, this is one of the most practical ways to check Ubuntu version across several machines.
Which Method Is Best?
If you only need one reliable command, use:
It is simple, readable, and gives the exact release in a clear format.
If lsb_release is not installed or you want a method that works well in automation, use:
If you want extra machine details, go with:
And if you are on desktop and do not want terminal access, use Settings > About.
Ubuntu Version vs Kernel Version: Know the Difference
Many users confuse the Ubuntu version with the Linux kernel version.
For example:
- Ubuntu version might be 24.04.1 LTS
- Kernel version might be 6.8.0
If you run:
you will only see the kernel version, not the actual Ubuntu release.
That is why uname -r is not the best answer if someone asks how to know the version of Ubuntu. It is useful for kernel checks, but not for identifying the Ubuntu release itself.
Quick Commands Summary
Here are the fastest ways to check Ubuntu version:
- open Settings
- go to About
- view the Ubuntu release details
FAQ
How to see Ubuntu version quickly?
The fastest way is to open Terminal and run:
This gives the Ubuntu release number, description, and codename.
How to check Ubuntu OS version without Terminal?
Open Settings, then go to About. This will show Ubuntu version on desktop systems.
How to know the version of Ubuntu on a server?
Use one of these commands:
These are ideal for server environments.
What is the easiest Ubuntu show version command?
The simplest command for most users is:
lsb_release -d
It prints the version in one line.
Can I use /etc/os-release to check Ubuntu version?
Yes. This file stores operating system details and is a reliable way to linux Ubuntu check version information.
Final Thoughts
If you want to cheThere are more than one good way to check the version of Ubuntu. The best way to do things depends on how you utilize your system.
To get a clean answer, use lsb_release -a.
For scripting and extensive OS info, see /etc/os-release.
For further information about the system, use hostnamectl.
If you want a more visual way, use Settings.
If you typed in “check Ubuntu version,” “ubuntu show version,” “ubuntu get version,” or “how to see Ubuntu version,” the instructions above will help you find the right version of Ubuntu in just a few seconds.
