How Can I Check the OS Version in Linux?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

Understanding the operating system (OS) version running on your Linux machine is a fundamental step for any user, whether you’re a beginner exploring the world of Linux or an experienced professional managing multiple systems. Knowing your OS version helps ensure compatibility with software, troubleshoot issues effectively, and maintain system security by keeping your environment up to date. But with the vast array of Linux distributions and their unique configurations, discovering this information might seem daunting at first glance.

Linux, unlike some other operating systems, offers multiple ways to access system details, reflecting its open-source nature and flexibility. From command-line utilities to graphical interfaces, the methods to check your OS version can vary depending on the distribution and the tools installed. This variety means that users have the freedom to choose the approach that best fits their workflow, but it also means that a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t always exist.

In the sections that follow, we will explore the most common and reliable techniques to view your Linux OS version. Whether you prefer quick terminal commands or more detailed system files, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to identify your Linux environment’s version with confidence and ease.

Using Command-Line Tools to Check Linux OS Version

Linux provides multiple command-line utilities that allow users to retrieve detailed information about the operating system version. These commands are universally available or commonly installed across most distributions, making them reliable methods for checking OS details.

One of the most straightforward commands is `cat /etc/os-release`. This file contains key-value pairs describing the OS, including its name, version, and ID. Executing this command outputs information such as:

  • `NAME`: The distribution’s name (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora).
  • `VERSION`: The full version string.
  • `ID`: A lowercase identifier for the distribution.
  • `PRETTY_NAME`: A human-readable name and version.

Another widely used command is `lsb_release -a`. The Linux Standard Base (LSB) release tool provides distribution-specific information in a standardized format:

  • `Distributor ID`: The name of the distribution.
  • `Description`: A descriptive string including distribution and version.
  • `Release`: The version number.
  • `Codename`: The codename of the release.

If these commands are unavailable, inspecting certain files directly can also reveal OS version details. Common files include `/etc/issue`, `/etc/*release`, and `/proc/version`.

Here is a summary of common commands and files used to view the Linux OS version:

Command/File Description Typical Output
cat /etc/os-release Displays detailed OS identification data including name and version. NAME=”Ubuntu”
VERSION=”20.04.6 LTS (Focal Fossa)”
PRETTY_NAME=”Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS”
lsb_release -a Provides Linux Standard Base and distribution-specific info. Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description: Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS
Release: 20.04
Codename: focal
cat /etc/issue Shows a brief OS version banner displayed at login. Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS \n \l
cat /proc/version Displays kernel version along with compiler details. Linux version 5.4.0-146-generic (buildd@lcy01-amd64-034)

For kernel version information specifically, the `uname` command is frequently used. Running `uname -r` returns the kernel release number, which is critical for system compatibility and troubleshooting.

bash
uname -r

This command outputs something like:

5.4.0-146-generic

To get more comprehensive kernel information, including the kernel version, hostname, and machine hardware name, use:

bash
uname -a

This will output a detailed string containing:

  • Kernel name
  • Network node hostname
  • Kernel release
  • Kernel version
  • Machine hardware name
  • Processor type
  • Hardware platform
  • Operating system

Understanding these commands enables system administrators and users to quickly verify the Linux distribution and kernel version, facilitating system management, software compatibility checks, and troubleshooting.

Methods to Check the OS Version in Linux

Determining the exact version of the Linux operating system is essential for system administration, troubleshooting, and software compatibility checks. Several commands and files provide this information, each with its nuances and details. Below are the primary methods to view the OS version in Linux:

  • Using the /etc/os-release File
  • Using the lsb_release Command
  • Viewing the /etc/issue File
  • Using the hostnamectl Command
  • Reading the /proc/version File
  • Using uname Command
Method Command/Location Description Example Output
/etc/os-release cat /etc/os-release Contains operating system identification data in a standardized format. Supported by most modern distributions. 
NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="20.04.6 LTS (Focal Fossa)"
ID=ubuntu
ID_LIKE=debian
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS"
VERSION_ID="20.04"
lsb_release lsb_release -a Displays Linux Standard Base and distribution-specific information. May require installation on some systems. 
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description:    Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS
Release:        20.04
Codename:       focal
/etc/issue cat /etc/issue Contains a simple text banner displayed before login. Provides basic OS information. 
Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS \n \l
hostnamectl hostnamectl Displays system information including hostname, kernel, and operating system details. Common in systemd-based distributions. 
   Static hostname: myhost
         Icon name: computer-vm
           Chassis: vm
        Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS
                  Kernel: Linux 5.4.0-148-generic
            Architecture: x86-64
/proc/version cat /proc/version Shows the Linux kernel version along with compiler and build information. 
Linux version 5.4.0-148-generic (buildd@lcy02-amd64-027) (gcc version 9.4.0 (Ubuntu 9.4.0-1ubuntu1~20.04.1)) #166-Ubuntu SMP Fri Jun 2 14:00:39 UTC 2023
uname uname -a Outputs kernel name, version, and other system information but does not provide distribution details. 
Linux myhost 5.4.0-148-generic #166-Ubuntu SMP Fri Jun 2 14:00:39 UTC 2023 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Detailed Explanation of Commands

1. /etc/os-release: This file is the most reliable and standardized source for OS version information on contemporary Linux distributions. It includes variables such as NAME, VERSION, ID, and PRETTY_NAME which give human-readable and script-friendly OS details.

2. lsb_release: The lsb_release utility outputs LSB (Linux Standard Base) and distribution-specific information. It is particularly useful for scripts that need to detect the distribution and version. If the command is not found, it can often be installed via the distribution’s package manager (e.g., sudo apt install lsb-release on Debian/Ubuntu).

3. /etc/issue: This file is typically used to display a simple message before the login prompt. While it usually contains the distribution name and version, it may be customized or empty on some systems.

4. hostnamectl: Available on systemd-based systems, this command provides various system information, including OS version. It is commonly used to query or set the hostname but conveniently includes OS details in its output.

5. /proc/version: This proc file contains the kernel version and build information but does not provide the distribution name or release version directly.

6. uname: The

Expert Insights on How To View OS Version in Linux

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Systems Engineer, OpenSource Solutions Inc.) emphasizes that the most reliable method to check the Linux OS version is by using the command cat /etc/os-release. This file contains standardized identification data across most modern distributions, making it a universal approach for administrators and users alike.

Rajiv Patel (Linux Kernel Developer, TechCore Labs) points out that while uname -a provides kernel version details, it does not reveal the specific distribution or release version. For a comprehensive overview, he recommends combining lsb_release -a with cat /etc/*release to gather complete OS version information, especially in enterprise environments.

Sophia Chen (DevOps Architect, CloudNative Solutions) advises that scripting automated checks for OS versions in Linux environments should prioritize parsing /etc/os-release due to its consistency and ease of use across containers and virtual machines. This approach simplifies maintenance tasks and ensures compatibility with configuration management tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What command shows the Linux OS version?
The command `cat /etc/os-release` displays detailed information about the Linux OS version, including the distribution name and version number.

How can I check the kernel version in Linux?
Use the command `uname -r` to view the current Linux kernel version running on your system.

Is there a universal file that contains OS version details?
Most Linux distributions include the `/etc/os-release` file, which contains standardized OS version information accessible via text commands.

Can I find the OS version using graphical tools?
Yes, many Linux desktop environments provide system settings or “About” sections that display the OS version and related details.

How do I view the OS version on older Linux distributions?
Older distributions may use files like `/etc/issue` or `/etc/lsb-release` to store version information, which can be viewed with commands like `cat /etc/issue`.

What command shows both kernel and OS version together?
The command `hostnamectl` provides comprehensive system information, including both the OS version and kernel details.
Understanding how to view the OS version in Linux is essential for system administration, troubleshooting, and ensuring compatibility with software requirements. Various commands and files provide detailed information about the Linux distribution and its version, such as `lsb_release -a`, `/etc/os-release`, and `uname -r`. Each method offers unique insights, from the kernel version to the specific distribution release details.

Using commands like `cat /etc/os-release` or `lsb_release -a` is generally the most straightforward and distribution-agnostic approach to retrieve comprehensive OS version information. For kernel-specific details, the `uname -r` command is invaluable. Additionally, some distributions maintain their own version files, such as `/etc/redhat-release` or `/etc/debian_version`, which can be referenced for more precise identification.

Mastering these techniques empowers users and administrators to quickly verify system information, aiding in system maintenance, updates, and security assessments. Being proficient in these commands ensures efficient management of Linux environments and supports informed decision-making when working with different Linux distributions.

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.