The fastest way to check your Linux version
Open a terminal and type lsb_release -a, then press Enter. This command shows your Linux distribution name, release number, and codename in three lines. It works on most Linux systems — Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, and others — because they all include the lsb_release tool by default.
If that command does not work or returns nothing, try cat /etc/os-release instead. This reads a file that every modern Linux system maintains, and it shows the same information in a slightly different format. Both commands are read-only — they just display information and cannot change anything on your system.
You need to know your version number because some software only runs on specific releases, security updates target particular versions, and troubleshooting information online often depends on knowing exactly what you have installed.
Key Takeaways
- The lsb_release -a command shows your distribution name and version number in three clear lines and works on most Linux systems.
- If lsb_release does not work, cat /etc/os-release displays the same information by reading a system file that every modern Linux includes.
- Your version number matters because software compatibility, security patches, and online help all depend on knowing your exact release.
- You can also check the kernel version separately with uname -r if you need to know whether your system's core has been updated recently.
Understanding distribution version versus kernel version
Linux has two different version numbers that sometimes confuse people. The distribution version is what lsb_release and /etc/os-release show — it tells you which Linux system you have (Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 38, Debian 12) and when it was released. The kernel version is the core of the operating system itself, and it updates separately.
To check your kernel version, type uname -r in the terminal. You might see something like 5.15.0-86-generic, which means you have kernel version 5.15. Your distribution version and kernel version are independent — Ubuntu 22.04 might run kernel 5.15, 6.1, or 6.5 depending on which updates you have installed.
For most purposes, you only need the distribution version. But if you are troubleshooting a hardware problem or a driver issue, knowing the kernel version helps you find the right solution online.
Commands that work on any Linux system
Some Linux systems do not include lsb_release because they are minimal installations or specialized distributions. In those cases, use one of these alternatives that work everywhere.
cat /etc/os-release is the most reliable fallback. It shows NAME (the distribution), VERSION_ID (the release number), and PRETTY_NAME (a human-readable label). The output looks like plain text with labels, so it is straightforward to read even if you are not familiar with Linux.
hostnamectl is another option if your system uses systemd, which most modern Linux distributions do. It shows the operating system name and kernel version together in a short, clean format. Type it with no arguments and read the line that says "Operating System".
uname -a shows the kernel name, version, and hardware type, but not the distribution name. It is useful for understanding your system's core, but you still need one of the other commands to identify which Linux distribution you have.
Why your version number matters for updates and support
Linux distributions release new versions on a schedule — Ubuntu every six months, Fedora every six months, Debian every two to three years. Each version gets security updates for a set period, then support ends. Knowing your version tells you how long your system will receive patches.
Ubuntu 22.04, for example, is a long-term support release that receives updates until April 2027. Ubuntu 23.10 is a regular release that only gets updates for nine months. If you are running 23.10 and it is now past that date, your system is no longer receiving security fixes, and you need to upgrade to a newer version.
When you search for help online — whether for a software problem, a configuration question, or a bug report — including your exact version number in your search makes a huge difference. A solution that works on Ubuntu 20.04 might not work on Ubuntu 22.04 because the underlying tools changed.
Checking version information through the graphical interface
If you prefer not to use the terminal, most Linux desktop environments let you check your version through settings. In Ubuntu with GNOME, click the system menu in the top right, select Settings, then go to About. You will see the Ubuntu version and the GNOME version displayed clearly.
In Linux Mint, open the System Settings process, select System Information, and you will see the Mint version and the underlying Ubuntu version it is based on. In Fedora with GNOME, the process is the same — Settings, then About.
The graphical method shows less detail than the terminal commands, but it is faster if you just need a quick confirmation of your version number. The terminal approach is better if you need the exact kernel version or if you are writing down information to share with someone helping you troubleshoot.
What to do if your version is no longer supported
If you discover your Linux version is past its support date, you have two main options. The first is to upgrade to a newer version of the same distribution while keeping your files and settings. The second is to do a clean install of a current version.
In Ubuntu, you can upgrade from one version to the next by opening Software & Updates, going to the Updates tab, and selecting "Notify me of a new Ubuntu version". When a new version is available, the system will prompt you to upgrade. You can also use the terminal command do-release-upgrade to start the process manually.
A clean install means downloading the latest version, creating installation media on a USB drive, and installing from scratch. This takes longer but gives you a completely fresh system with no leftover files from old versions. Choose this route if your system feels slow or if you want to start completely fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if lsb_release -a returns "command not found"?
Your system does not have the lsb_release tool installed, which is common on minimal or specialized Linux distributions. Use cat /etc/os-release instead — this file exists on every modern Linux system. If that also does not work, try hostnamectl or uname -a to at least see your kernel version.
Is the kernel version the same as the distribution version?
No. The distribution version (like Ubuntu 22.04) is the Linux system you installed. The kernel version (like 5.15.0) is the core of the operating system, and it updates separately. You need the distribution version for most purposes, but the kernel version matters for hardware drivers and low-level troubleshooting.
How do I know if my version is still getting security updates?
Search online for "[your distribution] [your version] end of life" — for example, "Ubuntu 20.04 end of life". Each distribution publishes a support timeline showing when each version stops receiving updates. If your version is past that date, you should upgrade to a newer release.
Can I check the version without opening a terminal?
Yes. In most Linux desktop environments, open Settings or System Settings, then look for an About section. You will see your distribution name and version number displayed. This method is faster for a quick check, but the terminal commands show more detail if you need it.
What does "long-term support" mean for a Linux version?
Long-term support (LTS) versions receive security updates for several years instead of months. Ubuntu LTS releases get updates for five years. Regular releases get updates for only nine months. If you want stability and do not need the newest features, choose an LTS version.