How to Check What Version of Linux You're Running

The fastest way to find your Linux version

The quickest command works on almost every Linux system: open a terminal and type lsb_release -a, then press Enter. This shows your distribution name, release number, and codename in three lines. If that command does not work on your system, try cat /etc/os-release instead — it displays the same information in a slightly different format and works on newer systems that have moved away from the older lsb_release tool.

Both commands are read-only — they only show information and cannot change anything on your computer. You do not need administrator permission to run them. The output tells you exactly what you need to know: whether you are running Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 39, Debian 12, or another distribution and version entirely.

Key Takeaways

Run lsb_release -a or cat /etc/os-release in a terminal to see your exact Linux distribution and version number.
The version number matters because security updates and software support are tied to specific releases, and older versions stop receiving patches.
Different Linux distributions use different version numbering schemes, so comparing versions across Ubuntu and Fedora requires looking at the release date, not just the number.
If you cannot remember how to open a terminal, right-click on your desktop or look for an process called Terminal in your applications menu.

Understanding what the output actually means

When you run lsb_release -a, you get four pieces of information. The Distributor ID is the name of your Linux flavor — Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Linux Mint, and others are all different distributions built on the same underlying Linux kernel. The Release is the version number, usually written as a year and month (like 22.04 for Ubuntu) or a sequential number (like 39 for Fedora). The Codename is a nickname that Canonical (for Ubuntu) or the distribution maintainers use internally.

The Description line combines all of this into one sentence. If you see "Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS", the "LTS" means Long Term Support — Canonical will patch security holes in that version for five years instead of nine months. Non-LTS versions like 23.10 receive updates for only nine months, so knowing whether you have LTS or not affects how long your system will be supported.

If cat /etc/os-release is what works on your system, the information is the same but formatted as lines like NAME="Ubuntu" and VERSION_ID="22.04". Read through until you find the VERSION_ID or VERSION line — that is your release number.

Why your Linux version matters for security

Linux distributions release security patches on a schedule tied to your specific version. Ubuntu 20.04 receives patches until April 2025, but Ubuntu 18.04 stopped receiving standard patches in April 2023. If you are running 18.04 now, your system is no longer getting security updates, which means newly discovered vulnerabilities are not being fixed.

Fedora moves faster: Fedora 38 stops receiving updates roughly 13 months after its release, and Fedora 39 will stop around the same time. Debian releases less frequently but supports each version for much longer — Debian 11 will receive updates until 2026. Knowing your version tells you when your distribution stops supporting it, which is when you need to plan an upgrade.

This is why checking your version is the first step in understanding your security posture. You cannot know whether you need to upgrade until you know what you are running.

Checking the kernel version separately from the distribution

Your Linux version and your kernel version are not the same thing. The distribution is the collection of software and tools built on top of the kernel — Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian are distributions. The kernel is the core that manages hardware and processes. You can update the kernel without changing your distribution version, and distributions sometimes backport newer kernels to older releases.

To see your kernel version, type uname -r in a terminal. This shows something like 5.15.0-84-generic or 6.1.0-13-generic. The first number (5 or 6) is the major version, and the numbers after are minor versions and patch levels. A newer kernel number does not automatically mean your distribution is newer — Ubuntu 20.04 can run kernel 6.x, and Ubuntu 22.04 can run kernel 5.x depending on which updates you have installed.

For most users, knowing your distribution version is what matters. The kernel version is useful mainly if you are troubleshooting hardware problems or checking whether a specific security patch has been applied.

Using the graphical interface if you prefer not to use terminal

If opening a terminal feels unfamiliar, you can find your version through the settings menu. On Ubuntu, click the power button in the top right corner, select Settings, then go to About. The version number appears under "OS Name" or "Version". On Fedora, open Settings, go to Details, and look for "OS Version". On Linux Mint, open System Settings and click About in the left sidebar.

The graphical method shows less detail than the terminal commands — you usually see only the distribution name and version number, not the codename or support timeline. But it is reliable and requires no typing. If you plan to check your version only once, the graphical method is fine. If you need to check it regularly or want the full information, learning the terminal command takes 30 seconds and saves time later.

What to do if you find an unsupported version

If your version has reached end-of-life, you have two paths. The first is to upgrade to the next supported release within your distribution — Ubuntu users on 20.04 can upgrade to 22.04 or 24.04, Fedora users can upgrade to the latest release. The upgrade process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes and keeps your files and settings intact, though backing up first is always wise.

The second path is to switch distributions entirely. If you are on an older version of one distribution and want to stay on a long-support cycle, you might move to Debian (which supports releases for five years) or Ubuntu LTS (which supports for five years). This requires a fresh install and is more disruptive, but some users prefer it because they know they will not need to upgrade as often.

Neither path is urgent unless your system is exposed to the internet or handles sensitive data. A home computer running an unsupported version that is not networked is at lower risk than a server. But checking your version is the first step to understanding your actual situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my Linux version without opening a terminal?

Yes. On most desktop Linux systems, open Settings or System Settings, then look for an "About" section. You will see your distribution name and version number. The graphical method shows less detail than terminal commands, but it works if you prefer not to type.

What does "LTS" mean and why does it matter?

LTS stands for Long Term Support. Ubuntu LTS versions receive security updates for five years, while non-LTS versions receive them for nine months. If you want to avoid upgrading frequently, choose an LTS release. Fedora and Debian do not use the LTS label but have their own support timelines — check the distribution's website for specifics.

Is my version number the same as my kernel version?

No. Your version number is your distribution release (like Ubuntu 22.04 or Fedora 39). Your kernel version is the core operating system component underneath it (like 5.15 or 6.1). You can check your kernel with uname -r. Most users only need to know the distribution version.

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

Try cat /etc/os-release instead. This command works on newer systems and shows the same information in a different format. If neither works, try hostnamectl, which also displays your distribution and version on systemd-based systems.

How often should I check my Linux version?

Check it once when you first set up your system, then again every six months or whenever you wonder whether you need to upgrade. You do not need to check it regularly unless you manage multiple systems. Most users check it only when they are troubleshooting or planning an upgrade.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.