How to check your Ubuntu version: a guide

The free Ubuntu operating system serves as a good alternative to Windows and macOS. The open-source system is highly flexible and comes with a variety of pre-installed software. Programmers can further develop its programs or use it for implementing their own software projects. But of course there will be times when you want to install additional programs. So how do you find out if your preferred software is compatible with your Ubuntu operating system? The Ubuntu version you’re using will be crucial information.

You’ll also need to know which Ubuntu version you’re running when troubleshooting. If you include the version number in your searches on forums and blogs, you’ll get a more specific answer to your questions. Keep reading to find out how to check your Ubuntu version.

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Checking the Ubuntu version in the terminal

There are two ways to check your Ubuntu version in the terminal. Both of them use a simple command entered into the command line.

Option 1: Command lsb_release -a

  1. Open the terminal using ‘Show Applications’ or use the keyboard shortcut [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [T].
  2. Type the command ‘lsb_release -a’ into the command line and press enter.
  3. The terminal shows the Ubuntu version you’re running under ‘Description’ and ‘Release’.
View your version of Ubuntu in the terminal
The command lsb_release -a shows you the Ubuntu version you’re using.

Option 2: Read the contents of /etc/lsb-release

  1. Open the terminal using ‘Show Applications’ or with the keyboard shortcut [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [T].
  2. Type the command ‘cat /etc/lsb-release’ into the command line and press enter.
  3. The terminal shows the Ubuntu version you’re running under ‘DISTRIB_RELEASE’ and ‘DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION’.
The terminal can read the contents of the file cat /etc/lsb-release including your version of Ubuntu
You can use the terminal to read the contents of the file cat /etc/lsb-release and view your Ubuntu version.

Checking the Ubuntu version in Settings

Another way to check your Ubuntu version is in the Settings. This can be done in just three clicks.

  1. Go to ‘Show Applications’
  2. Open ‘Settings’
  3. When the program is open, you’ll see ‘Details’ at the bottom of the left menu bar. When you click on this, you’ll see information about your system on the right. The Ubuntu version is written in large text right below the Ubuntu logo.
View your Ubuntu version in the settings
Click on ‘Details’ in the settings to view your Ubuntu version.
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