The fastest way to find your Ubuntu version

Open the terminal — the black window where you type commands — and run this single line:

lsb_release -a

Press Enter. The terminal will show you your Ubuntu version number, your release name (like Jammy or Focal), and the exact build. This is the quickest method and works on every Ubuntu machine.

If you prefer not to use the terminal, you can also find this information through the graphical menu: click the grid icon in the bottom left corner, search for "Settings," open it, scroll down to "About," and look for "Ubuntu version" on the right side of the window.

Key Takeaways

  • The terminal command lsb_release -a shows your exact Ubuntu version, release name, and build number in seconds.
  • The Settings menu under About also displays your version if you prefer clicking over typing commands.
  • Ubuntu version numbers follow a pattern: the year and month of release, so 22.04 means April 2022.
  • Knowing your version matters because some software only runs on certain Ubuntu releases, and security updates depend on which version you have.

Understanding what the version number means

Ubuntu version numbers are built from the release date. The first two digits are the year, and the last two are the month. So version 22.04 was released in April 2022, and 24.10 was released in October 2024.

Some versions are marked LTS, which stands for Long Term Support. These versions receive security updates for five years instead of nine months. If you see 22.04 LTS, that version will be supported until April 2027. Regular versions (non-LTS) are only supported for nine months, so knowing which type you have tells you how long you can safely use that machine without upgrading.

Why you need to know your Ubuntu version

Different software packages only work on certain Ubuntu versions. If you are trying to install a program and it fails, the error message often tells you that your version is too old or too new. Knowing your exact version number lets you search for solutions specific to your situation instead of following instructions meant for a different release.

Your version also determines which security updates you receive and when they stop coming. If you are running an old non-LTS version, you may have already reached the end of support, which means no more patches for newly discovered security problems. Checking your version is the first step to deciding whether you need to upgrade.

Other terminal commands that show version information

If lsb_release -a does not work (rare, but possible on very old systems), you have alternatives. The command cat /etc/os-release shows the same information in a slightly different format. The command hostnamectl also displays your Ubuntu version along with your computer's hostname.

You can also check /etc/lsb-release directly by typing cat /etc/lsb-release. All of these commands pull from the same system files, so they all give you the correct answer — just in different layouts. Use whichever one you find easiest to read.

Checking version on older Ubuntu machines

If you are running Ubuntu 16.04 or older, the terminal commands above still work, but the graphical Settings menu may look different. The version information is usually still under Settings or System Settings, but the exact location varies by release.

For very old systems, the terminal method is most reliable. Open the terminal and type lsb_release -a — this command has been part of Ubuntu for many years and works across nearly every version you might encounter.

What to do after you know your version

Once you have your version number, you can search for software that matches it. If you are trying to install something and it failed, include your version in your search — for example, "install Docker on Ubuntu 22.04" instead of just "install Docker on Ubuntu." This narrows results to instructions that actually explore to your system.

If your version is no longer supported (check the Ubuntu release schedule online to confirm), you have two paths: upgrade to a newer LTS version, or stay on your current version knowing that security updates have stopped. Neither choice is automatic — it depends on what you use the machine for and whether the software you need runs on newer versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LTS and regular Ubuntu versions?

LTS versions receive security updates for five years. Regular versions only get updates for nine months. If you want a stable system that does not require frequent upgrades, choose an LTS version. If you want the newest features, regular versions update more often but require you to upgrade sooner.

Can I upgrade from one Ubuntu version to another?

Yes. You can upgrade from any version to a newer one, though the process is smoother when upgrading to the next LTS version. Ubuntu provides an upgrade tool that handles most of the work, but you should back up your files first in case something goes wrong.

Does my version number change when I install security updates?

No. Security updates do not change your version number. Ubuntu 22.04 stays 22.04 even after dozens of updates. The build number (the third set of digits) may change, but your main version stays the same until you upgrade to a new release.

What if lsb_release -a does not work on my system?

Try cat /etc/os-release or hostnamectl instead. If none of these work, your system may be very old or heavily customized. You can also check the file /etc/lsb-release directly, or look in your system settings under About or System Information.

Is there a graphical way to check version without using the terminal?

Yes. Click the grid icon in the bottom left, search for Settings, open it, and scroll down to About. Your Ubuntu version appears on the right side under "Ubuntu version." This method works on all modern Ubuntu desktop versions.