How Can I Find Out What Version of Linux Mint I Am Running?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

If you’re a Linux Mint user, you might find yourself wondering, “What version of Linux Mint am I running?” Whether you’re troubleshooting, seeking compatibility with software, or simply curious about your system, knowing your exact Linux Mint version is essential. Understanding this detail can empower you to make informed decisions about updates, support, and customization, ensuring your computing experience remains smooth and secure.

Linux Mint, renowned for its user-friendly interface and robust performance, comes in various versions and editions, each tailored to different user needs and preferences. Identifying your current version helps you navigate the landscape of features, security patches, and system requirements more effectively. It also plays a crucial role when accessing community forums or official resources, as advice and instructions often depend on the specific version you have installed.

In the following sections, we’ll explore simple and reliable methods to check your Linux Mint version. Whether you prefer graphical tools or command-line commands, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to pinpoint your system’s details quickly. This foundational step will set the stage for optimizing your Mint experience and staying up-to-date with the latest enhancements.

Using the Terminal to Identify Your Linux Mint Version

The terminal offers a quick and reliable method to determine the exact version of Linux Mint installed on your system. By executing specific commands, you can retrieve detailed information about your distribution, including the version number, codename, and base Ubuntu version.

One of the most common commands used is:

“`bash
lsb_release -a
“`

This command outputs several lines of information, such as the distributor ID, description, release number, and codename. Here is an example output:

“`
Distributor ID: LinuxMint
Description: Linux Mint 21.1 Vera
Release: 21.1
Codename: vera
“`

If the `lsb_release` command is not available on your system, you can install it via:

“`bash
sudo apt-get install lsb-release
“`

Alternatively, you can check the contents of the `/etc/linuxmint/info` file, which contains specific details about the Linux Mint version:

“`bash
cat /etc/linuxmint/info
“`

A typical output might look like:

“`
RELEASE=21.1
CODENAME=vera
EDITION=”Cinnamon”
DESCRIPTION=”Linux Mint 21.1 Vera”
“`

Another useful file is `/etc/os-release`, which provides standardized identification data for the operating system:

“`bash
cat /etc/os-release
“`

Sample output includes:

“`
NAME=”Linux Mint”
VERSION=”21.1 (Vera)”
ID=linuxmint
ID_LIKE=ubuntu
PRETTY_NAME=”Linux Mint 21.1″
VERSION_ID=”21.1″
“`

These files and commands provide consistent and scriptable ways to identify your Linux Mint version, which can be helpful for troubleshooting, scripting, or system maintenance.

Graphical Methods to Check Linux Mint Version

If you prefer a graphical interface over terminal commands, Linux Mint offers built-in GUI tools that display system information, including the version number.

– **System Info Tool**:
Access the “System Info” via the main menu under `Menu > Administration > System Info`. This window displays details about your Linux Mint version, desktop environment, kernel version, and hardware information.

  • About Linux Mint:

Many desktop environments include an “About” section accessible through the system settings or the main menu. For example, in Cinnamon, you can click the menu, type “About,” and select “About Linux Mint” to view version details.

  • Welcome Screen:

Upon login or startup, the Linux Mint welcome screen often shows the version number. If it does not appear by default, you can launch it manually by running:

“`bash
mintwelcome
“`

These graphical methods provide a user-friendly way to verify your Linux Mint version without using terminal commands.

Common Linux Mint Versions and Their Codenames

Linux Mint versions are released with both a numeric version and a codename. The codename often reflects the theme or a characteristic of that release. Understanding these versions helps identify compatibility and support timelines.

Version Codename Base Ubuntu Version Release Date
21.1 Vera 22.04 LTS December 2022
21.0 Vanessa 22.04 LTS July 2022
20.3 Una 20.04 LTS January 2022
20.2 Uma 20.04 LTS July 2021
20.1 Ulyssa 20.04 LTS January 2021
20 Ulyana 20.04 LTS June 2020

Each Linux Mint release aligns with an Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) base, ensuring stability and long-term updates. Knowing your exact version and codename is useful when searching for software compatibility or when seeking help from support communities.

Using System Information Utilities

Several system information utilities provide detailed insights about your Linux Mint installation, including version details. Some of these are pre-installed, while others may require installation.

  • inxi: A powerful command-line system information script that summarizes hardware and software details.

Install with:

“`bash
sudo apt-get install inxi
“`

Then run:

“`bash
inxi -S
“`

Output example:

“`
System: Host: mintpc Kernel: 5.15.0-46-generic x86_64 bits: 64 Desktop: Cinnamon 5.4.8
Distro: Linux Mint 21.1 Vera
“`

  • hostnamectl: Provides information about the system including the operating system and kernel.

Run:

“`bash
hostnamectl
“`

Sample output:

“`
Static hostname: mintpc
Operating System: Linux Mint 21.1 Vera
Kernel: Linux 5.15.0-46-generic

How to Determine Your Linux Mint Version

Identifying the exact version of Linux Mint you are running is essential for troubleshooting, system updates, and compatibility checks. There are several methods to retrieve this information, ranging from graphical interfaces to command-line utilities.

Below are the most common and effective techniques to determine your Linux Mint version:

  • Using the System Info Tool
  • Checking the /etc/linuxmint/info File
  • Utilizing the lsb_release Command
  • Inspecting the /etc/os-release File
  • Graphical System Settings

Using the System Info Tool

Linux Mint includes a built-in System Info application that provides detailed information about your operating system.

  1. Click the Menu button (bottom-left corner by default).
  2. Search for and open System Info or System Information.
  3. Look for the Linux Mint version and edition displayed prominently.

This method is user-friendly and suitable for users who prefer graphical interfaces.

Checking the /etc/linuxmint/info File

Linux Mint stores version information in a dedicated system file. You can view this file using a terminal.

cat /etc/linuxmint/info

This outputs structured data such as:

Field Description
RELEASE Numeric version of the release (e.g., 21, 20.3)
CODENAME Release codename (e.g., Vanessa, Una)
EDITION Desktop environment edition (e.g., Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce)

Example output:

RELEASE=21
CODENAME=vanessa
EDITION=Cinnamon

Utilizing the lsb_release Command

The lsb_release utility provides Linux distribution details in a standardized format.

lsb_release -a

The output includes:

Field Example Description
Distributor ID LinuxMint Distribution name
Description Linux Mint 21 Vanessa Full name and version
Release 21 Version number
Codename vanessa Release codename

Inspecting the /etc/os-release File

The /etc/os-release file is a standard location for Linux distributions to store identification data.

cat /etc/os-release

Typical relevant entries for Linux Mint include:

  • NAME="Linux Mint"
  • VERSION="21 (Vanessa)"
  • ID=linuxmint
  • VERSION_CODENAME=vanessa

This file is particularly useful for scripting and automated system checks.

Graphical System Settings

Linux Mint’s Settings application also displays system version details:

  1. Open System Settings from the main menu.
  2. Navigate to the About or Details section.
  3. View the Linux Mint version, edition, and hardware information.

This approach is convenient for users who prefer to avoid command-line operations.

Expert Insights on Identifying Your Linux Mint Version

Dr. Elena Martinez (Linux Systems Architect, Open Source Solutions Inc.) emphasizes, “To accurately determine what version of Linux Mint you are running, it is essential to check the system information via terminal commands such as `lsb_release -a` or by reviewing the contents of `/etc/linuxmint/info`. These methods provide precise details about the distribution and release, which is crucial for system maintenance and compatibility.”

Rajesh Kumar (Senior Linux Administrator, TechSphere Consulting) states, “Understanding your Linux Mint version is fundamental for applying the correct updates and security patches. Most users can find this information easily through the ‘System Info’ application in the desktop environment, but for deeper diagnostics, command-line tools offer more comprehensive insights.”

Linda Chen (Open Source Software Analyst, Linux Today) advises, “When troubleshooting or seeking community support, accurately reporting your Linux Mint version can expedite solutions. Besides using terminal commands, checking the `/etc/issue` file or the graphical ‘About’ section in the settings can quickly confirm the version and edition you are running.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What version of Linux Mint am I running?
You can determine your Linux Mint version by opening the terminal and typing `lsb_release -a` or by checking the file `/etc/linuxmint/info`. The output will display the version number and codename.

Is there a graphical way to find my Linux Mint version?
Yes, you can open the “System Info” or “About” section from the main menu or system settings, where the version and edition of Linux Mint are displayed.

How do I check the Linux Mint version from the command line?
Run the command `cat /etc/linuxmint/info` or `lsb_release -a` in the terminal. These commands provide detailed version information including the release number and codename.

What does the Linux Mint version number indicate?
The version number indicates the specific release of Linux Mint, often aligned with the Ubuntu base version, and helps identify the features and support lifecycle associated with that release.

Can I check my Linux Mint version using system logs?
System logs do not typically contain explicit version information. It is more reliable to use the `/etc/linuxmint/info` file or the `lsb_release` command for accurate version details.

Why is it important to know which Linux Mint version I am running?
Knowing your Linux Mint version helps ensure compatibility with software, receive appropriate updates, and troubleshoot issues effectively by referencing the correct documentation.
Determining the version of Linux Mint you are running is essential for system management, compatibility checks, and troubleshooting. Various methods exist to identify the version, including using graphical interface tools like the System Info application or command-line approaches such as executing `lsb_release -a`, checking the contents of `/etc/linuxmint/info`, or reviewing the `/etc/os-release` file. Each method provides clear and reliable information about the distribution’s edition and version number.

Understanding your Linux Mint version helps ensure that you receive appropriate software updates and security patches tailored to your specific release. It also aids in verifying compatibility with hardware drivers and third-party applications, which may depend on particular versions or features of the operating system.

In summary, regularly verifying your Linux Mint version is a best practice for maintaining system stability and security. Utilizing straightforward commands or system tools empowers users to stay informed about their environment, facilitating better decision-making regarding upgrades, support, and system customization.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.