How to Find the Version of Ubuntu You're Running

Knowing which version of Ubuntu is installed on your system isn't just trivia — it affects which software packages you can install, whether your system still receives security updates, and how you troubleshoot problems. The good news is that Ubuntu makes this information easy to retrieve, whether you prefer the terminal or a graphical interface.

Why Ubuntu Version Numbers Matter

Ubuntu follows a predictable YY.MM release format — for example, 22.04 was released in April 2022, and 24.04 in April 2024. Every even-numbered year's April release is designated an LTS (Long-Term Support) version, which receives security patches and updates for five years. Non-LTS releases are supported for only nine months.

This matters practically. If you're running an older non-LTS version that's past its end-of-life date, your package manager may no longer receive updates, and certain software repositories may refuse to install packages. Before you report a bug, ask for support, or follow an online tutorial, confirming your exact version is often the first step.

Method 1: Check Via the Terminal 🖥️

The terminal is the fastest and most reliable way to check your Ubuntu version, and it works on every Ubuntu installation — desktop, server, minimal, or headless.

Using lsb_release

Open a terminal and run:

lsb_release -a 

You'll see output similar to this:

No LSB modules are available. Distributor ID: Ubuntu Description: Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS Release: 22.04 Codename: jammy 

The key fields are:

• Description — the full version name including point release
• Release — the short version number
• Codename — the animal-themed nickname (e.g., Jammy Jellyfish, Noble Numbat)

Using /etc/os-release

This file is a standard across most Linux distributions:

cat /etc/os-release 

It returns structured key-value output including VERSION_ID, PRETTY_NAME, and VERSION_CODENAME. This file is commonly read by scripts and system tools when they need to detect the OS programmatically.

Using hostnamectl

hostnamectl 

This command shows operating system details alongside hostname and kernel information — useful when you want a broader system snapshot in a single command.

Method 2: Check Via the Graphical Interface

If you're on Ubuntu Desktop and prefer not to use the terminal, the version information is accessible through system settings.

On Ubuntu with GNOME (the default desktop):

1. Open the Settings application
2. Scroll to the bottom of the left sidebar and click About
3. Look for the OS Name or Ubuntu Version field

The display here typically shows the major version (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04 LTS) but may not show the full point release number. For more precise version details — especially the minor point release like 22.04.3 — the terminal methods are more reliable.

Understanding What the Version Number Actually Tells You

The point release (the third number) doesn't change what version you're on — it indicates how many rounds of cumulative updates have been bundled since launch. A fresh install of Ubuntu 22.04.3 and a system that started at 22.04.0 and ran apt upgrade are functionally equivalent.

Kernel Version vs. Ubuntu Version

These are two different things that often get confused. 🔍

Your Ubuntu version refers to the distribution release — the set of packages, desktop environment, and tooling bundled together by Canonical.

Your kernel version is the core of the Linux operating system itself. To check it:

uname -r 

A system running Ubuntu 22.04 might be on kernel 5.15, 6.2, or a later HWE (Hardware Enablement) kernel depending on updates applied. The kernel version matters for hardware compatibility and certain driver behavior, but it's a separate question from which Ubuntu release you're on.

Factors That Make This More Complicated

For most users on a standard desktop install, checking the version is straightforward. But a few variables can complicate the picture:

• Ubuntu flavors — Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, and others share Ubuntu's version numbering but have different default applications and desktop environments. The version-checking commands work the same way.
• Ubuntu-based distributions — Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, and elementary OS are built on Ubuntu but report their own version numbers. Running lsb_release -a on Linux Mint will return Mint's version, not Ubuntu's. The underlying Ubuntu base is stored separately in /etc/upstream-release/ on some of these systems.
• Containers and WSL — Ubuntu running inside Docker or Windows Subsystem for Linux reports its version the same way via the terminal, but the kernel version shown by uname -r will reflect the host system's kernel, not one specific to the Ubuntu instance.
• Minimal and server installs — These lack a graphical interface entirely, making the terminal the only option. All the commands above still work.

What Version You're On Shapes What's Possible

Whether you're installing software from a PPA, compiling something from source, configuring a server, or following a step-by-step tutorial, the Ubuntu version underneath determines which package versions are available, which dependencies resolve cleanly, and which instructions will actually apply to your environment. Someone on 20.04 LTS and someone on 24.04 LTS may follow the same tutorial and encounter meaningfully different results — different default Python versions, different systemd behaviors, different default display servers.

Your specific version, combined with how you've configured your system and what you're trying to accomplish, is what determines which path forward actually makes sense.