The fastest way to check your Ubuntu version

Open the terminal on your Ubuntu machine and type lsb_release -a, then press Enter. The output will show your Ubuntu version number, release name, and codename in three lines. This is the most direct method and works on every Ubuntu installation.

If you prefer a graphical approach instead of the terminal, click the system menu in the top-right corner of your screen, select "About This Computer" or "System Details", and your version appears in the window that opens. Both methods take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • The terminal command lsb_release -a shows your exact Ubuntu version, release name, and codename in seconds.
  • The graphical method through system settings works if you prefer not to use the terminal, though it may show slightly less detail.
  • Your version number tells you how long your installation will receive security updates — older versions stop receiving patches after their support window closes.
  • Knowing your version matters before installing new software, since some programs require a minimum Ubuntu release to run.

Understanding what the version number means

Ubuntu version numbers follow a pattern: the year and month of release. Ubuntu 24.04 means April 2024. Ubuntu 22.04 means April 2022. The second number always ends in 04 for standard releases, or falls between 10 and 12 for interim releases that come out every six months.

The release name is a two-word phrase — like "Jammy Jellyfish" or "Noble Numbat" — that Ubuntu uses alongside the version number. The codename is the first letter of each word, so Jammy Jellyfish becomes "jammy". These names make it easier to talk about versions in conversation without mixing up the numbers.

Why your version number matters for security

Ubuntu releases on a two-year cycle, and each version receives security updates for five years from its release date. Once that window closes, your system no longer receives patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Knowing your version tells you when your support window ends and whether you need to plan an upgrade.

Long-term support versions (marked LTS) receive updates for five years. Interim versions, released every six months between LTS cycles, receive updates for only nine months. If you are running an interim version that has passed its support date, your system is no longer receiving security fixes, even if it still boots and runs.

Checking version before installing software

Some programs and packages require a specific Ubuntu version or newer. When you read software or follow installation instructions, the documentation often states "requires Ubuntu 22.04 or later" or "compatible with Ubuntu 20.04 and above". Knowing your version prevents you from trying to install something your system cannot run.

If you find that software requires a newer version than you have, you have two choices: upgrade your Ubuntu installation to a newer release, or look for an older version of that software that supports your current release. Your version number tells you which path is realistic for your situation.

Other terminal commands that show version details

If lsb_release -a does not work on your system, try cat /etc/os-release. This command reads the system file that stores version information and displays it in a different format. The information is the same, just organized differently.

You can also check uname -r to see your kernel version, which is different from your Ubuntu version. The kernel is the core of the operating system, and it updates separately from the Ubuntu release itself. Knowing both numbers is useful when troubleshooting hardware or driver problems.

Keeping track of your version over time

If you have multiple Ubuntu machines, write down the version of each one and when you checked it. This is especially important if some machines are older and approaching the end of their support window. A straightforward spreadsheet with machine name, version, and support end date helps you plan upgrades before security patches stop arriving.

When Ubuntu releases a new version, you will see a notification on your system asking whether you want to upgrade. You do not have to upgrade when ready — you can wait weeks or months if you prefer stability over new features. But knowing your current version and your support important date helps you make that choice deliberately rather than accidentally falling out of support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the version number and the kernel version?

The Ubuntu version (like 24.04) is the release of the entire operating system. The kernel version (shown by uname -r) is just the core component that manages hardware and processes. Ubuntu updates the kernel regularly within the same release, so your kernel version can change without your Ubuntu version changing.

Can I upgrade from one version to a much newer one, like from 20.04 to 24.04?

Yes, but Ubuntu upgrades one release at a time. You cannot jump directly from 20.04 to 24.04. You would upgrade to 22.04 first, then to 24.04. The upgrade process guides you through this sequence automatically, so you do not have to plan the intermediate steps yourself.

What happens if my support window has already ended?

Your system will continue to work, but it no longer receives security updates for newly discovered vulnerabilities. If you use it for sensitive tasks or on a network, upgrading to a supported version is important. If it is an isolated machine used for non-critical work, the risk is lower, but still present.

Does checking my version use any data or send information anywhere?

No. Both the terminal command and the graphical method read information stored on your own machine. Nothing is sent to Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) or any other server. The check is entirely local.