Do you want to know which version of Ubuntu is installed on your computer?
Whether you’re troubleshooting a problem, installing software, following a Linux tutorial, or checking system compatibility, knowing your Ubuntu version can be very useful.
In this guide, I’ll show you three simple ways to check your Ubuntu version. You can use the Terminal or check it directly from the Ubuntu desktop Settings.
Let’s get started.
Method 1: Check Ubuntu Version Using the Terminal
The easiest and fastest way to check your Ubuntu version is by using the Terminal.
Step 1: Open the Terminal
You can open the Terminal using the keyboard shortcut:
Ctrl + Alt + T
The Terminal window will open.
Step 2: Run the lsb_release Command
Type the following command and press Enter:
lsb_release -a
You’ll see information about your Ubuntu installation.
Look for lines such as:
Description: Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS
Release: 26.04
Codename: noble
The Description line shows the full Ubuntu version, while the Release line shows the version number.
For example, if you see:
Release: 26.04
you’re running Ubuntu 26.04.
This is usually the quickest method when you’re working with the command line.
Method 2: Check Ubuntu Version Using /etc/os-release
Another useful Terminal command is:
cat /etc/os-release
Press Enter, and Ubuntu will display detailed information about your operating system.
You’ll see information similar to:
NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="26.04.1 LTS"
ID=ubuntu
VERSION_ID="26.04"
VERSION_CODENAME=noble
The important values are:
- NAME — The operating system name
- VERSION — The full Ubuntu version
- VERSION_ID — The Ubuntu version number
- VERSION_CODENAME — The Ubuntu release codename
This command is especially useful when you want more detailed operating-system information.
Method 3: Check Ubuntu Version Using Settings
If you don’t want to use the Terminal, you can also check your Ubuntu version from the graphical interface.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Ubuntu application menu and search for Settings.
Click Settings to open it.
Step 2: Open the About Section
In the Settings window, look for System.
Then select:
About
Depending on your Ubuntu version, the exact location or wording may be slightly different.
Step 3: Find Your Ubuntu Version
Look for the operating-system information.
You’ll see the Ubuntu version listed under information such as OS Name.
For example:
Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS
This tells you exactly which Ubuntu release you’re currently using.
Bonus: Check Ubuntu Version with hostnamectl
There’s another handy command you can use:
hostnamectl
Press Enter, and you’ll see information about your system, including the operating system.
For example:
Operating System: Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS
Kernel: Linux 6.x.x
Architecture: x86-64
Besides showing the Ubuntu version, hostnamectl can also provide information about your Linux kernel and system architecture.
Which Method Should You Use?
All of these methods work, so you can choose whichever is most convenient.
Use lsb_release -a
Best when you want a quick and simple answer from the Terminal.
lsb_release -a
Use cat /etc/os-release
Best when you need detailed operating-system information.
cat /etc/os-release
Use Settings → About
Best if you’re a beginner who prefers a graphical interface instead of the command line.
Use hostnamectl
Best when you want Ubuntu version information along with other system details.
Final Thoughts
Checking your Ubuntu version is very easy, and you don’t need any advanced Linux knowledge to do it.
The quickest method is to open the Terminal with:
Ctrl + Alt + T
Then run:
lsb_release -a
You can also use:
cat /etc/os-release
or:
hostnamectl
If you prefer a graphical interface, simply open Settings → System → About and look for your Ubuntu version.
Knowing your Ubuntu version is particularly useful when following Linux tutorials because some commands, packages, and features can vary between Ubuntu releases.
