How to Check the Version of Ubuntu on Your System

Knowing which version of Ubuntu you're running matters more than you might expect. Software compatibility, security patch eligibility, support timelines, and package availability all hinge on your specific release. Whether you're troubleshooting an issue, following a tutorial, or deciding whether to upgrade, checking your Ubuntu version is the logical first step — and there are several ways to do it.

Why Your Ubuntu Version Number Matters

Ubuntu follows a predictable release cycle: standard releases every six months (April and October), and Long Term Support (LTS) releases every two years. LTS versions receive security updates and official support for five years; standard releases are supported for only nine months.

This distinction has real consequences. If you're running Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, you're on a supported, stable track. If you're running Ubuntu 23.10, that release reached end-of-life in July 2024. Running an unsupported version means no more security patches from Canonical — a meaningful risk for any system connected to the internet.

Version numbers follow the format YY.MM — so 22.04 was released in April 2022, and 24.04 in April 2024.

Method 1: Check Ubuntu Version Using the Terminal 💻

The terminal is the fastest and most reliable way to check your Ubuntu version, regardless of which desktop environment you're using — or whether you're working on a headless server with no GUI at all.

Using lsb_release

Open a terminal and run: