The fastest way to check your Ubuntu version

Open the terminal and type lsb_release -a, then press Enter. This command shows your Ubuntu version number, release name, and codename in three lines. It is the most reliable single command because it reads the system information file directly.

If you prefer a graphical method instead, click the power menu in the top-right corner of your screen, then select "About This Computer". The window that opens displays your Ubuntu version under "OS Name" and "OS Version". This route takes longer but requires no typing.

Both methods show the same information. The terminal is faster if you run it often; the graphical method is clearer if you check once and want to see everything at once.

Key Takeaways

  • The terminal command lsb_release -a is the quickest way to see your exact Ubuntu version, release name, and codename.
  • You can also find your version through Settings > About This Computer if you prefer not to use the terminal.
  • Your version number matters for security updates, because Ubuntu stops releasing patches for older versions after a set period.
  • Long-term support (LTS) versions receive updates for five years; regular versions receive updates for nine months.

Understanding Ubuntu version numbers and what they mean

Ubuntu version numbers follow a year-and-month format: 24.04, 22.04, 20.04. The first two digits are the year of release, and the last two are the month. Ubuntu 24.04 was released in April 2024. Ubuntu 22.04 was released in April 2022. This format makes it straightforward to see how old your system is at a glance.

Every other version is a long-term support (LTS) release. LTS versions are 22.04, 24.04, 26.04, and so on. These receive security updates for five years. Regular versions like 23.10 or 24.10 receive updates for only nine months. If you are running a regular version, you will need to upgrade sooner to stay protected.

The release name (like Jammy, Noble, or Focal) is a nickname Ubuntu assigns to each version. The codename is less important for everyday use, but it appears in some technical documentation and package repositories.

Why your Ubuntu version matters for security

Ubuntu stops releasing security patches once a version reaches end-of-life. If you are running Ubuntu 20.04, which reached end-of-life in April 2025, you will no longer receive patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. This does not mean your system breaks when ready, but it means known security holes will not be fixed.

Knowing your version lets you plan an upgrade before your system falls out of support. If you are on a regular version like 23.10, you have a shorter window to upgrade than if you are on an LTS version. Checking your version is the first step in understanding whether your security updates will continue.

Other terminal commands that show your version

If lsb_release -a does not work on your system, try cat /etc/os-release. This command reads the same system file and displays the information in a slightly different format. Both commands pull from the same source, so the version number will be identical.

You can also type hostnamectl to see your version alongside your hostname and other system details. This command is useful if you manage multiple machines and want to see the version quickly without extra output.

On older Ubuntu systems (before 18.04), lsb_release -a may not be installed by default. In that case, cat /etc/lsb-release or cat /etc/issue will show your version instead. Most modern systems have lsb_release built in.

Checking your version before upgrading

Before you upgrade Ubuntu, always check your current version first. Knowing whether you are on an LTS or regular version changes how you upgrade. If you are on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, you can upgrade to 24.04 LTS and stay on the long-term support track. If you are on a regular version, you must upgrade every nine months or fall out of support.

Write down your current version number before you start the upgrade process. This helps you troubleshoot if something goes wrong, because you can tell support staff exactly what version you upgraded from. It also lets you verify that the upgrade completed correctly by checking the version again afterward.

What to do if your version is no longer supported

If you discover your Ubuntu version is past end-of-life, you have two options: upgrade to a newer version, or perform a fresh install. Upgrading keeps your files and settings but takes longer. A fresh install is faster but requires you to reinstall your programs and restore your data from backup.

Ubuntu provides upgrade paths from any version to the next available version. You cannot jump from 20.04 directly to 24.04; you must go through 22.04 first. The upgrade process is built into Ubuntu's Settings process under "Software Updates", and it will guide you through each step.

If you are unsure whether to upgrade or reinstall, check how much of your system is custom. If you have many programs and settings configured, upgrading is usually faster. If your system is mostly default, a fresh install may be cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if lsb_release -a does not work?

Try cat /etc/os-release or hostnamectl instead. Both commands show your version on systems where lsb_release is not installed. If none of these work, your system is very old and may not have standard version reporting tools.

Can I check my version without opening the terminal?

Yes. Click the power menu in the top-right corner, select "About This Computer", and look for "OS Version". This method is slower but requires no command-line knowledge.

Does my version number tell me if I have all security updates?

Your version number tells you whether your system is still in the support window, but not whether you have installed all available updates. After you check your version, go to Settings > Software Updates to see if any patches are waiting to install.

What is the difference between an LTS and a regular version?

LTS versions receive security updates for five years; regular versions receive them for nine months. If you want to avoid frequent upgrades, use an LTS version. If you want the newest features, use a regular version and plan to upgrade every nine months.

Is it safe to stay on an old version if I do not connect to the internet?

An offline system does not receive new threats from the internet, but it is still vulnerable to physical attacks and to threats from USB drives or other connected devices. Staying on an unsupported version is riskier than upgrading, even offline.