How To Check Ubuntu Version

Identifying your specific Ubuntu version is a fundamental task for managing system software and ensuring compatibility with specific drivers or applications. You might find yourself in a scenario where you need to verify if you are running a Long Term Support (LTS) release before performing a major system upgrade, as sequential paths must be followed.

Whether you are using a virtual machine via Multipass or a bare-metal server, Linux provides built-in terminal commands to reveal accurate version information instantly. This guide explains the most effective methods to identify your Ubuntu release and hardware architecture.

Key Takeaways: Identifying Ubuntu Releases

lsb_release -> The primary command used to display a full summary of your Ubuntu distribution details.
Codename -> Every major Ubuntu version is assigned a unique name like Noble, Jammy, or Focal to identify its release series.
LTS Support -> Checking your version helps determine if your system has standard 5-year support or expanded 10-year security maintenance via Ubuntu Pro.
Kernel Version -> Use the uname command if you specifically need to see the underlying Linux kernel and system architecture.
System Files -> Essential version metadata is also stored in text files like /etc/issue or /etc/os-release for quick reference.

Method 1: Using the lsb_release Command

The lsb_release utility is the standard way to retrieve Linux Standard Base information about your distribution. It provides a clean, descriptive output that includes the Release number and the Codename.

Command: lsb_release -a

Expected Output:

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description:    Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS
Release:        24.04
Codename:       noble

This output confirms you are running the Noble Numbat series, which is a Long Term Support release.

Method 2: Checking System Information with uname

If you need to know the specific Linux kernel version or the hardware architecture (such as x86_64 or s390x) your system is running on, the uname command is the best tool. This is vital for determining driver compatibility and system performance.

Command: uname -a

Expected Output:

Linux ubuntu-server 6.8.0-42-generic #42-Ubuntu SMP Wed Aug 05 16:57:22 UTC 2026 x86_64 GNU/Linux

You should understand the Linux sudo command if you intend to perform upgrades based on this information.

Method 3: Viewing the /etc/issue File

The /etc/issue file contains a identification string that is often displayed at the system login prompt. It is a quick way to see the major release version without running a complex utility.

Command: cat /etc/issue

Expected Result: The terminal will print a single line such as Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS \n \l. This method is particularly useful when you are accessing a system via a remote serial console.

Step-by-Step Process: Verifying Your System Readiness

Before you manage APT repositories in Ubuntu or install new software, follow these steps to verify your system version and status:

Open your terminal emulator or connect to your server via SSH.
Run the version check: Execute lsb_release -a to identify your current series.
Check for required reboots: Look for the existence of the file /run/reboot-required to ensure your current kernel is active.
Verify Ubuntu Pro status: Run sudo pro status to see if your version is covered by Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM).
Audit kernel details: Use uname -r to see the exact kernel release currently in use.
Refresh package metadata: Run sudo apt update to ensure your system recognizes the latest updates available for your specific version.

Summary Tables

Command	Primary Information	Recommended Use
`lsb_release -a`	OS Version & Codename	General identification.
`uname -a`	Kernel & Architecture	Driver and hardware audits.
`pro status`	Subscription & Security Support	Compliance and ESM checks.
`cat /etc/os-release`	Detailed Distribution ID	Scripting and automation.

Release Type	Standard Support	ESM (with Ubuntu Pro)	Best For…
LTS	5 Years	10 Years	Production & Servers.
Interim	9 Months	N/A	Testing new features.

FAQ

What is the difference between an Ubuntu “Release” and a “Series”? A Series refers to the overall codename (e.g., Noble), while a Release refers to specific versions within that series, including initial launches (24.04) and point releases (24.04.1).

How can I check if my Ubuntu version is still supported? You can view your support status by running pro status, which will detail how many years of security maintenance remain for your specific release.

Does checking the version require root privileges? Most version checking commands like lsb_release and uname can be run by any user, but managing the underlying package configurations often requires administrative access via sudo.