How to Check Your Ubuntu Version: A Comprehensive Guide for Web Creators

This guide provides three simple, straightforward methods to check your Ubuntu version. We will cover the command line for server administrators and the graphical interface for desktop users. More importantly, we will explore why this information is critical for your work and how it impacts the performance and security of the websites you build and manage, especially those built on platforms like WordPress.

Key Takeaways

• The Go-To Command: The fastest and most reliable way to check your Ubuntu version is by opening the terminal and running the command lsb_release -a. This works on nearly all Ubuntu systems.
• The Alternative File Check: If the first command fails, you can view the contents of a system file with cat /etc/os-release. This method provides similar information and works on many other Linux distributions as well.
• The Desktop Method: For those using Ubuntu with a graphical user interface (GUI), you can easily find the version information in the “About” section of your system “Settings”.
• LTS is Crucial for Servers: For any professional website, especially those built for clients, always use a Long-Term Support (LTS) version of Ubuntu. LTS releases provide five years of security updates, ensuring a stable and secure foundation for your projects.
• Version Affects Everything: Your Ubuntu version determines which versions of PHP, Nginx, and other critical software you can install. This directly affects the compatibility and performance of your CMS and plugins, including powerful tools like Elementor Pro.

Why Knowing Your Ubuntu Version is Critical for Your Website’s Success

At first glance, a version number might seem like a trivial detail. However, for a web creator, it is a cornerstone of responsible server management. An operating system is the foundation upon which your entire web stack—and your client’s business—is built. Understanding that foundation is non-negotiable for building professional, secure, and high-performing websites.

Ensuring Software Compatibility

Every piece of software, from your web server to your content management system, has specific system requirements. Running an incompatible version of your operating system can lead to instability, errors, or a complete failure to install.

For example, the WordPress ecosystem relies heavily on specific versions of PHP and MySQL. A newer version of a plugin might require PHP 8.0 or higher. However, an older Ubuntu release like 16.04 might only offer official support for PHP 7.0 in its default repositories. If you try to run a modern WordPress site on an outdated server, you will inevitably run into critical errors.

Knowing your Ubuntu version allows you to cross-reference compatibility charts and make informed decisions. Before you install a new tool or even WordPress itself, you can confirm that your server’s foundation is ready to support it. This prevents hours of frustrating debugging later.

Security and Patch Management

Security is not a feature. It is a prerequisite. The single most important reason to know your Ubuntu version is to understand its security status. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, provides two different types of releases: standard and Long-Term Support (LTS).

• Standard Releases come out every six months and are supported with security updates for only nine months. They are great for developers who want the latest features but are not suitable for a production server.
• LTS Releases come out every two years and are the gold standard for servers. They receive a full five years of free security patches and maintenance updates, known as “standard support”.

If your version is an end-of-life (EOL) release, it is no longer receiving security updates. This means any newly discovered vulnerabilities in the operating system will not be patched, leaving your server and any websites on it exposed to potential attacks. This is especially dangerous for eCommerce sites that handle sensitive customer data, such as those built with the Elementor WooCommerce Builder. Checking the version is the first step in any security audit.

Following Tutorials and Documentation

The web is filled with fantastic tutorials and documentation for setting up servers and software. However, many of these guides are written for a specific version of Ubuntu. Package names can change, configuration files can move, and commands can be updated between major releases.

If you are following a guide for Ubuntu 22.04 but your server is running 18.04, you are likely to run into commands that do not work or instructions that are no longer accurate. This can lead to a broken configuration or a failed installation. Confirming your version beforehand ensures you are looking at the correct documentation for your specific environment, saving you time and preventing configuration mistakes.

Planning Upgrades and Migrations

No server runs forever. Eventually, you will need to upgrade your operating system to a newer LTS version to continue receiving security updates and gain access to modern software. This process requires careful planning.

Knowing your current version is the first step in creating that plan. You can research the official upgrade path (for example, from 20.04 to 22.04), identify potential breaking changes, and schedule the migration during a period of low traffic. For a professional web creator managing multiple client sites, perhaps on a platform like Elementor Hosting, proactive upgrade planning is a mark of professionalism. It ensures client websites remain secure and performant over the long term.

Understanding Ubuntu Versioning: A Quick Primer

Before we dive into the methods for checking your version, it helps to understand how Ubuntu names its releases. The system is logical and gives you two key pieces of information at a glance: the release date and a memorable codename.

The Version Number Explained (e.g., 22.04)

The version number follows a simple YY.MM format, representing the year and month of the release.

• YY: The first part stands for the two-digit year.
• MM: The second part stands for the two-digit month, which is almost always April (04) for LTS releases or October (10) for some interim releases.

For example, Ubuntu 22.04 was released in April (04) of 2022. Ubuntu 20.04 was released in April (04) of 2020. This format makes it easy to immediately gauge the age of a system.

The Codename Explained (e.g., Jammy Jellyfish)

Each Ubuntu release also gets a fun codename that follows the format “Adjective Animal,” with both words starting with the same letter. These names proceed alphabetically. For example:

• Bionic Beaver (18.04 LTS)
• Focal Fossa (20.04 LTS)
• Jammy Jellyfish (22.04 LTS)

Codenames are easier for people to remember and discuss than version numbers. You will often see them used in articles and community forums.

LTS vs. Standard Releases

As mentioned, this is the most critical distinction for a production environment.

Version	Codename	Release Date	End of Standard Support
18.04 LTS	Bionic Beaver	April 2018	April 2023
20.04 LTS	Focal Fossa	April 2020	April 2025
22.04 LTS	Jammy Jellyfish	April 2022	April 2027
24.04 LTS	Noble Numbat	April 2024	April 2029

When you are setting up a new server for a website, you should always choose the latest available LTS version. It provides the best balance of modern features and long-term stability.

Method 1: The Universal Command (lsb_release)

This is the preferred, most common, and most direct method for finding your Ubuntu version on any system, server, or desktop. The lsb_release command is designed specifically for this purpose.

What is lsb_release?

The command stands for Linux Standard Base and is a utility that prints certain LSB and distribution-specific information. In simple terms, it is a standardized way to ask your operating system, “Who are you?”. It is pre-installed on virtually all Ubuntu systems.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Accessing this information takes just a few seconds.

1. Connect to your server. Use SSH to log into your server’s terminal. If you are using Ubuntu Desktop, simply open the Terminal application.
2. Run the command. Type the following command and press Enter. The -a flag means “all,” telling it to display all available information.

lsb_release -a

Breaking Down the Output

After running the command, you will see a clean, easy-to-read output similar to this:

No LSB modules are available.

Distributor ID: Ubuntu

Description:    Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS

Release:        22.04

Codename:       jammy

Let’s break down each line:

• Distributor ID: This confirms you are running Ubuntu.
• Description: This is the most helpful line for humans. It gives you the full marketing name, including the version number and the LTS designation if applicable.
• Release: This provides just the version number, which is useful for scripts or quick checks.
• Codename: This shows the release’s codename, in this case, “jammy”.

Useful Variations of the Command

Sometimes you do not need all the information. You can use different flags to get specific details, which is particularly useful for automation and scripting.

To get only the description string:
lsb_release -d

• Output: Description: Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS

To get only the release number:
lsb_release -r

• Output: Release: 22.04

To get only the codename:
lsb_release -c

• Output: Codename: jammy

For day-to-day use, lsb_release -a is all you need. It is the most reliable and readable way to identify your system.

Method 2: Peeking into the System Files (/etc/os-release)

While lsb_release is the best command for the job, there is another excellent method that works just as well. Most modern Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, contain a text file with identification data. You can simply display the contents of this file.

What is the /etc/os-release file?

This is a standard file located in the /etc directory that stores operating system identification data. It was introduced by the systemd system and service manager, which is now the default in Ubuntu. The file uses a simple key-value pair format, making it easy to read for both humans and scripts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This method uses the cat command, which is short for “concatenate” and is used to display the content of files.

1. Connect to your terminal via SSH or by opening the Terminal app.
2. Run the cat command on the os-release file.

cat /etc/os-release

Understanding the Key-Value Pairs

The output will be a block of text containing several lines of information.

PRETTY_NAME=”Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS”

NAME=”Ubuntu”

VERSION_ID=”22.04″

VERSION=”22.04.3 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)”

VERSION_CODENAME=jammy

ID=ubuntu

ID_LIKE=debian

HOME_URL=”[https://www.ubuntu.com/](https://www.ubuntu.com/)”

SUPPORT_URL=”[https://help.ubuntu.com/](https://help.ubuntu.com/)”

BUG_REPORT_URL=”[https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/](https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/)”

PRIVACY_POLICY_URL=”[https://www.ubuntu.com/legal/terms-and-policies/privacy-policy](https://www.ubuntu.com/legal/terms-and-policies/privacy-policy)”

UBUNTU_CODENAME=jammy

Here are the most important fields:

• PRETTY_NAME: This is the most descriptive field, designed to be shown to users. It gives the full version name.
• NAME: The distribution name without the version.
• VERSION_ID: Just the version number, perfect for scripts.
• VERSION_CODENAME: The codename for the release.
• HOME_URL / SUPPORT_URL: These provide helpful links to the official Ubuntu website and support pages.

When is This Method Better?

Under normal circumstances, lsb_release -a is simpler. However, this method is useful in a few scenarios:

• Minimal Installations: If you are working in a very stripped-down environment like a Docker container, the lsb-release package might not be installed. The /etc/os-release file, however, will almost always be present.
• Scripting: The key-value format can be easily parsed in scripts to grab specific pieces of information reliably.
• More Information: It provides extra details, like the support and home URLs, which are not available in the lsb_release output.

Method 3: The Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Desktop Users

If you are working directly on a machine running Ubuntu Desktop, you might prefer to use the graphical interface instead of the terminal. This method is intuitive and provides a nice overview of your system’s hardware as well.

Who is This Method For?

This approach is designed for:

• Users who have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected to their Ubuntu machine.
• Beginners who are not yet comfortable with the command line.
• Anyone who wants a quick, visual summary of their system specifications in one place.

This method will not work on a “headless” server, which is an environment without a graphical desktop that you manage remotely via SSH.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Finding the version information in the desktop settings is very simple.

1. Open the system menu. Click on the area in the top-right corner of your screen to open the main system menu.
2. Go to Settings. Click on the “Settings” icon, which often looks like a gear or a wrench and screwdriver.
3. Find the “About” section. In the Settings window, scroll down the panel on the left side. The last item is usually “About.” Click on it.

The “About” screen will display all the key information about your system. You will see the OS Name prominently displayed, which will clearly state “Ubuntu” followed by the version number and LTS status (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS).

What Other Information Can You Find Here?

The “About” panel is a great central dashboard for your system’s hardware. Alongside the OS version, you will also find:

• Hardware: Information about your computer’s Memory (RAM), Processor (CPU), and Graphics.
• System Details: Your OS Type (64-bit or 32-bit) and GNOME Version (the name of the desktop environment).
• Disk Capacity: The total size of your hard drive or SSD.

For desktop users, this is often the fastest way to get a complete picture of both the software and hardware you are running.

Advanced Techniques and Scripting

Beyond just checking the version, you can leverage this information in scripts to automate tasks and make intelligent decisions based on the environment. This is where knowing your system details becomes a true professional tool.

Checking the Ubuntu Version in a Shell Script

Imagine you are writing a script to automatically set up a new WordPress server. You need to ensure the script is running on a supported version of Ubuntu before it proceeds. You can use a simple script to perform this check.

Here is a sample Bash script:

#!/bin/bash

# Get the release version number

RELEASE_NUM=$(lsb_release -rs)

# Check if the version is 20.04 or higher

if (( $(echo “$RELEASE_NUM >= 22.04” | bc -l) )); then

    echo “Version is 22.04 or newer. Proceeding with installation.”

    # Add your installation commands here

else

    echo “Unsupported Ubuntu version: $RELEASE_NUM. This script requires Ubuntu 22.04 or newer.”

    exit 1

fi

This script grabs just the release number, compares it to a required version, and either continues or stops with an error message. This is a robust way to prevent installation errors on incompatible systems.

Finding the Kernel Version with uname

It is also important to distinguish between the operating system version (Ubuntu 22.04) and the Linux kernel version. The kernel is the core of the operating system. While they are related, they are not the same. You can check the kernel version with the uname command.

To see just the kernel release:
uname -r

• Output: 5.15.0-86-generic

To see all available kernel information:
uname -a

• Output: Linux your-server-name 5.15.0-86-generic #96-Ubuntu SMP Wed Sep 20 08:23:49 UTC 2023 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

You typically only need to know the kernel version when dealing with low-level issues like hardware drivers or specific system features.

Verifying the System Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit)

Finally, you need to know if your OS is 32-bit or 64-bit, as this determines which software packages you can install. Today, virtually all servers are 64-bit, but it is a good piece of information to be able to verify.

You can use the lscpu command and look for the “Architecture” line.

lscpu | grep Architecture

Output: Architecture: x86_64

The x86_64 signifies a 64-bit system. A 32-bit system would typically show i686 or i386.

As web development expert Itamar Haim often emphasizes, “Understanding your server’s complete environment, from the OS version down to the kernel and architecture, is fundamental for building stable and secure websites.” This holistic view prevents compatibility issues down the line and empowers you to make better architectural decisions.

Practical Scenarios for Web Creators

Let’s put this all together and see how checking the Ubuntu version fits into the daily workflow of a professional web creator.

Scenario 1: Setting Up a New Staging Server

You have just landed a new client and need to build them a website. You decide to use a fresh Ubuntu server for the staging environment.

1. Check Requirements: Your first step is to check the system requirements for the tools you plan to use. You visit the official WordPress requirements page and see it recommends PHP 7.4+ and MySQL 5.7+. You also know that your preferred builder, Elementor, works best with modern environments.
2. Provision Server: You spin up a new cloud server, selecting the latest Ubuntu LTS release, which is currently 24.04.
3. Verify: The very first thing you do after logging in via SSH is run lsb_release -a. The output confirms you have Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Now you can proceed with confidence, knowing that the default software packages for Nginx, PHP, and MySQL will be modern, secure, and fully compatible with your stack.

Scenario 2: Troubleshooting a Plugin Issue

A client contacts you in a panic. Their site is showing a critical error after they updated a popular plugin.

1. Investigate: You SSH into their server to start debugging. Before you even look at the WordPress files, you run lsb_release -a.
2. Identify the Problem: The output shows Ubuntu 16.04.7 LTS. You immediately check the support calendar and see that its standard support ended in April 2021.
3. Form a Hypothesis: You realize the server is running a very old version of PHP that is no longer supported by the new plugin. The outdated OS is the root cause of the incompatibility. Your solution is no longer just about fixing the plugin. You now have a clear action plan: advise the client that they need a server upgrade to resolve the immediate issue and prevent future security risks.

Scenario 3: Performing a Security Audit

You are conducting a quarterly security audit for a client’s eCommerce website.

1. Initial Scan: You start by checking the basics. You run lsb_release -a to get the OS version. It’s Ubuntu 20.04.5 LTS.
2. Check Support: You confirm that 20.04 is still under active standard support until April 2025. This is good news. It means the system is eligible for security patches.
3. Ensure Updates: Your next step is to run sudo apt update && sudo apt list –upgradable to see if any security patches are pending. Because you know the OS version is supported, you know that keeping it updated is the best way to protect the client’s store, which was built with the powerful and flexible WooCommerce Builder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions related to checking your Ubuntu version.

1. What is the quickest command to check my Ubuntu version? The fastest and most common command is lsb_release -a. It provides a clean, readable summary of everything you need.

2. What’s the difference between an Ubuntu version and a codename? The version (e.g., 22.04) indicates the release date (April 2022) and is technical. The codename (e.g., Jammy Jellyfish) is a memorable name used for marketing and community discussion. They both refer to the same release.

3. What does LTS mean for Ubuntu? LTS stands for Long-Term Support. An LTS release is guaranteed to receive five years of free security and maintenance updates (standard support). These versions are built for stability and are the only recommended choice for production servers.

4. Should I use an LTS or a standard release for my web server? Always use an LTS release. Standard releases are only supported for nine months and are intended for testing and development, not for hosting live websites where stability and security are essential.

5. How can I find my Ubuntu version if I can’t use the command line? If you are using Ubuntu Desktop with a monitor and keyboard, you can navigate to “Settings” and then click on the “About” tab in the sidebar. This will show you the OS version and hardware details.

6. The lsb_release command isn’t found. What do I do? This is rare, but if it happens, it means the lsb-release package is not installed. You can use the alternative method: cat /etc/os-release. This file should always be present on a modern Ubuntu system.

7. How do I check if my Ubuntu version is 32-bit or 64-bit? Run the command lscpu. The “Architecture” line will show x86_64 for a 64-bit system or i686 for a 32-bit system. The GUI “About” panel also shows this information.

8. How is the OS version different from the kernel version? The OS version (Ubuntu 22.04) is the entire package of software, utilities, and desktop environment provided by Canonical. The kernel is the core component of the OS that manages the hardware. You can check the kernel version with uname -r.

9. Why do tutorials for Ubuntu ask for a specific version? Because software repositories, package names, and configuration steps can change between major releases. Following a tutorial written for the wrong version can lead to errors. Always match the tutorial to your OS version.

10. My Ubuntu version is very old. What should I do? If your version is past its “End of Standard Support” date, you should plan to upgrade or migrate to a new server running a supported LTS release as soon as possible. An unsupported OS is a major security risk.

Conclusion

Checking your Ubuntu version is a simple task, but it provides information that is essential for professional website development and server management. Whether you prefer the directness of lsb_release -a, the detail of /etc/os-release, or the convenience of the graphical interface, you now have three reliable methods to identify your system.

For web creators, this version number is more than just a label. It is a vital sign for your website’s health, security, and compatibility. By regularly checking your version and understanding its lifecycle, you can make smarter decisions, troubleshoot problems faster, and provide a more stable and secure environment for your clients’ websites. It is a foundational skill that elevates your work from just building sites to engineering robust web solutions.