Check your Ubuntu version in three clicks

Open the Activities menu in the top left corner of your screen, type "Settings" and press Enter. Click "About" in the left sidebar. Your Ubuntu version appears as a single number — 22.04, 24.04, or 20.04 — next to "Version". That number tells you which release you have and when it was built.

If you are using Ubuntu on a server with no graphical interface, or if the Settings app does not open, use the terminal instead. Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal window, type lsb_release -a and press Enter. The output shows your version number on the line labeled "Release".

A third method works on any Ubuntu system: open a terminal and type cat /etc/os-release. This shows the version number next to "VERSION_ID" and also displays the full release name, which can help you understand whether you have a long-term support version or a standard release.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Ubuntu version number appears in Settings > About, or by typing lsb_release -a in a terminal.
  • Version numbers like 22.04 and 24.04 refer to the year and month the release was published, not a ranking of how new it is.
  • Long-term support versions (marked LTS) receive security updates for five years; standard releases receive them for nine months.
  • Knowing your version matters because security patches, software compatibility, and support timelines all depend on which release you are running.

What the version number actually means

Ubuntu version numbers follow a date-based system. The first two digits are the year, and the last two are the month. Version 24.04 means April 2024. Version 22.04 means April 2022. This system makes it straightforward to see at a glance how old your system is and whether you are running a recent release or an older one.

The letters "LTS" after the version number mean Long-Term Support. LTS releases come out every two years and receive security updates for five years. Standard releases come out every six months and receive updates for nine months. If you see 24.04 LTS, you have a release that will be supported until April 2029. If you see 24.10, you have a standard release that will be supported until July 2025.

Most people should run an LTS version because the longer support window means fewer forced upgrades and more time to plan when you move to the next release. Servers almost always run LTS versions for this reason. Desktop users who want the newest features sometimes choose standard releases, but they accept shorter support periods in exchange.

Why your version number matters for security

Security patches are released for your specific version, not for Ubuntu in general. When a vulnerability is found, Canonical (the company that maintains Ubuntu) publishes a patch for each version that is still in support. If you are running version 20.04, you receive patches for 20.04. If you are running 24.04, you receive patches for 24.04. Patches for one version do not automatically work on another.

Once a version reaches end of support, it stops receiving security patches entirely. This does not mean your system stops working — it means no one is actively fixing newly discovered vulnerabilities. If you are running a version that is no longer supported, upgrading to a newer release is the only way to get security updates again.

Knowing your version also helps you understand what software will run on your system. Some programs require a minimum Ubuntu version because they depend on libraries or features that only exist in newer releases. Your version number tells you whether a piece of software will work before you try to install it.

Upgrading to a newer version when support ends

Ubuntu notifies you when your version is approaching end of support. A message appears on your desktop asking whether you want to upgrade. You can also check the Ubuntu website for the support timeline of your specific version.

Upgrading is usually straightforward. Open Settings, go to "About", and click "Check for Updates". If a newer version is available, Ubuntu walks you through the upgrade process. The upgrade keeps your files, settings, and installed programs intact. It typically takes 30 minutes to an hour and requires a restart.

If you prefer to wait, you can stay on your current version until support ends. However, once support ends, you should upgrade within a few weeks rather than waiting months. The longer you delay, the more unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate on your system.

Finding your version on a server or headless system

If you are using Ubuntu on a server without a desktop interface, the terminal is your only option. The command lsb_release -a is the fastest way to see your version. It displays the release number, codename (like "Noble" or "Jammy"), and description in a readable format.

The command cat /etc/os-release shows more detailed information, including the version ID, pretty name, and home URL. This is useful if you need to script version detection or if you are troubleshooting compatibility issues and need to know the exact release details.

A third option is hostnamectl, which shows your operating system and version alongside your hostname. This command is particularly useful on systems running systemd, which is standard on modern Ubuntu versions.

Understanding codenames and release cycles

Each Ubuntu version also has a codename — a two-word phrase that starts with the same letter. Version 24.04 is called "Noble Numbat". Version 22.04 is called "Jammy Jellyfish". These names are just labels and do not affect how the system works, but they appear in some documentation and can help you identify which release you are discussing with others.

Ubuntu releases a new version every six months. In April and October of each year, a new release comes out. Every two years, the April release is an LTS version. This means LTS versions arrive in April of even-numbered years: 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, and so on. If you are running an LTS version, the next LTS release will arrive in two years.

Understanding this cycle helps you plan upgrades. If you are on version 22.04 LTS, you know that support continues until April 2027, and the next LTS version (24.04) is already available. You can upgrade whenever you are ready, rather than feeling rushed by an approaching important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Settings does not show my version number?

Open a terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T and type lsb_release -a. This command works on every Ubuntu system and always displays the version. If the terminal does not open, your system may have a non-standard configuration, but the version information is still stored in the file /etc/os-release.

Is a higher version number always better?

Not necessarily. A higher number means a newer release, but newer does not always mean better for your situation. LTS versions are often more stable than standard releases because they receive more testing and fewer rapid changes. If you need stability, an older LTS version may be the right choice over a newer standard release.

Can I stay on my current version forever?

Only until support ends. After that, you will not receive security patches. You can continue using the system, but you are exposed to known vulnerabilities. Most people upgrade within a few months of their version reaching end of support to maintain security.

Do I need to back up my files before checking my version?

No. Checking your version does not change anything on your system. It only reads information that is already stored. Backing up is only necessary if you plan to upgrade to a newer version.

Why does my version number have a decimal point?

The decimal separates the year from the month. Version 24.04 is year 24 (2024), month 04 (April). Version 22.10 is year 22 (2022), month 10 (October). The decimal is just formatting; it does not indicate a minor update or patch level.