How to Check Ubuntu Version [7 Methods]

Ubuntu is a popular open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It is known for its stability, security, and user-friendly interface. Ubuntu releases new versions every six months, with long-term support (LTS) versions released every two years. 

Checking the Ubuntu version can be useful for various reasons, such as troubleshooting, ensuring compatibility with software or hardware, or verifying if you are using the latest LTS release.

There are multiple ways to check the Ubuntu version. Here, we will cover seven methods, including graphical user interface (GUI) methods and command-line methods, to cater to different preferences and needs. Let’s get started!

Method 1: Checking Ubuntu Version Using the System Settings (GUI).

1. Click on the “Settings” icon on the Ubuntu desktop, which looks like a gear or a wrench, depending on the version of Ubuntu you are using.

2. In the “Settings” window, click on “About” in the left-hand menu.

3. In the “About” window, you will find the Ubuntu version listed under “OS Type” or “Details” or “Overview” depending on the version of Ubuntu you are using.

Method 2: Checking Ubuntu Version Using the System Monitor (GUI).

1. Right-click on the Ubuntu desktop and select “Open Terminal” from the context menu to open a terminal window.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: gnome-system-monitor

3. In the “System Monitor” window, go to the “System” tab.

4. Under “Operating System,” you will find the Ubuntu version listed.

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Method 3: Checking Ubuntu Version Using the System Information Utility (GUI).

1. Open the Ubuntu Dash by clicking on the “Show Applications” icon on the Ubuntu desktop, which looks like a grid of dots, and search for “System Info.”

2. Click on the “System Info” icon in the search results to open the “Details” utility.

3. In the “Details” window, you will find the Ubuntu version listed under “OS type” or “Operating System” or “Release” depending on the version of Ubuntu you are using.

Method 4: Checking Ubuntu Version Using the Command Line.

1. Open a terminal window by right-clicking on the Ubuntu desktop and selecting “Open Terminal” from the context menu.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: lsb_release -a

3. The output will display various information about your Ubuntu system, including the Ubuntu version under “Description” or “Release” or “Codename” depending on the version of Ubuntu you are using.

Method 5: Checking Ubuntu Version Using the “cat” Command.

1. Open a terminal window.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: cat /etc/lsb-release

3. The output will display the contents of the /etc/lsb-release file, which contains information about the Ubuntu version, including the release name, release number, and release code name.

Method 6: Checking Ubuntu Version Using the “uname” Command.

1. Open a terminal window.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: uname -a

3. The output will display detailed information about the Linux kernel, including the Ubuntu version in the form of the release number and release code name.

Method 7: Checking Ubuntu Version Using the “lsb_release” Command.

1. Open a terminal window.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: lsb_release -r

3. The output will display the Ubuntu release number, which indicates the version of Ubuntu you are using.

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Originally posted on April 8, 2023 @ 3:44 am