How to check Ubuntu version

Knowing which version of Ubuntu you’re running is essential for system maintenance and a key part of being able to manage your VPS. It ensures software compatibility, simplifies troubleshooting, and helps you stay protected against security vulnerabilities.

• Security: Newer releases include critical updates and patches.
• Compatibility: Some applications support only specific versions.
• Troubleshooting: Accurate version info helps with diagnostics and support.
• Feature Access: New versions often introduce improved tools and performance enhancements.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your Ubuntu version using both the graphical interface and the command line. Similar to the initial server setup for Debian, identifying your operating system version is one of the first steps in server administration.

Check Ubuntu version using the GUI

Using the GUI or Graphical User Interface is ideal for those who prefer a visual method and are using Ubuntu as a personal OS. In a work environment being able to use (and be confident with) the command line is essential, almost all hosts will be operating without any GUI at all – so it might be worth skipping this step!

Via the Settings App

1. Click the Activities or Applications menu in the bottom left corner.
2. Search for and open Settings.
3. Scroll down the left sidebar and click About.
4. Your Ubuntu version will appear under the OS Name section.

Via System Information

1. Follow on using steps 1-2 from the Settings method above.
2. Search for System Information and open it.
3. Find the Operating System section to view your Ubuntu version.

Check Ubuntu Version Using the Terminal (Command Line)

For local systems, open a terminal window. If you’re connecting remotely, open your SSH client. The following commands will provide different outputs – if you need to run these with elevated permissions, you may need to switch users in Linux.

lsb_release -a

Look at the Description or Release line for your version and codename.

cat /etc/os-release

Find the line beginning with VERSION= or VERSION_ID= to identify your release.

cat /etc/issue

The first line typically displays the Ubuntu version and codename.