How Can I Check Which Linux Mint Version Am I Running?

If you’re a Linux Mint user, knowing exactly which version of the operating system you’re running is essential for staying up to date, troubleshooting issues, and exploring new features. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux enthusiast or a newcomer navigating the world of open-source software, identifying your Linux Mint version can help you make informed decisions about upgrades, compatibility, and system support.

Linux Mint, with its user-friendly interface and robust performance, has seen numerous releases over the years, each bringing unique enhancements and improvements. Understanding your current version not only provides clarity about the software environment you’re working with but also connects you to the broader Linux community and resources tailored to your specific setup. This knowledge empowers you to optimize your system and enjoy a smoother computing experience.

In the following sections, we’ll explore simple and effective ways to determine your Linux Mint version, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips. Whether through graphical tools or command-line methods, you’ll discover how easy it is to get a clear snapshot of your system’s identity and make the most of your Linux Mint journey.

Using the Terminal to Check Linux Mint Version

The terminal provides a straightforward and reliable way to determine the exact version of Linux Mint installed on your system. By executing specific commands, you can retrieve detailed version information without relying on graphical tools.

One of the most common commands is:

“`bash
lsb_release -a
“`

This command outputs a set of details about your Linux distribution, including the distributor ID, description, release number, and codename. For Linux Mint, the output typically looks like this:

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

Another useful file to check is `/etc/linuxmint/info`, which contains version-related data specifically for Linux Mint. You can view its contents with:

“`bash
cat /etc/linuxmint/info
“`

This file will display parameters such as `RELEASE`, `CODENAME`, and `EDITION`, offering granular details about your installation.

Additional commands that can complement the above include:

`hostnamectl` — shows system information, including the operating system and kernel.
`cat /etc/os-release` — displays OS identification data, useful for scripts or automated checks.

Command	Description	Sample Output
lsb_release -a	Displays Linux distribution information	Distributor ID: Linuxmint Description: Linux Mint 21.1 Vera Release: 21.1 Codename: vera
cat /etc/linuxmint/info	Shows Linux Mint-specific version details	RELEASE=21.1 CODENAME=vera EDITION= Cinnamon
hostnamectl	Displays system and OS information	Operating System: Linux Mint 21.1 Vera Kernel: Linux 5.15.0-46-generic

Using the terminal is especially useful for remote systems or when working without a graphical environment. It also allows for easy scripting and automation of version checks.

Checking Linux Mint Version via System Settings

For users who prefer graphical interfaces, Linux Mint offers an accessible way to find version information through the system settings.

To locate your Linux Mint version:

Open the Menu by clicking the Linux Mint icon in the bottom-left corner.
Navigate to System Settings.
Scroll down and select About or System Info, depending on your desktop environment.
The window will display details such as the Linux Mint edition (Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce), version number, and system specifications.

This method is intuitive for users less familiar with the command line and provides a quick overview of the system’s core details. The exact naming and location of this option might vary slightly between different Linux Mint desktop editions, but it generally remains under the system or administration settings.

Identifying Linux Mint Version Through /etc/os-release File

The `/etc/os-release` file is a standardized file present in most modern Linux distributions, including Linux Mint. It contains identification data about the operating system.

To view its contents, run:

“`bash
cat /etc/os-release
“`

Typical Linux Mint output includes variables such as:

`NAME` — The name of the distribution.
`VERSION` — The human-readable version string.
`ID` — A lowercase identifier for the distribution.
`VERSION_ID` — The version number.
`PRETTY_NAME` — A pretty display name combining name and version.
`CPE_NAME` — A standardized OS identifier.

Example excerpt:

“`
NAME=”Linux Mint”
VERSION=”21.1 (Vera)”
ID=linuxmint
VERSION_ID=21.1
PRETTY_NAME=”Linux Mint 21.1″
CPE_NAME=”cpe:/o:linuxmint:linux_mint:21.1″
“`

This file is particularly useful for automated scripts that need to detect the operating system and its version in a consistent manner.

Using Graphical Tools Like System Info Apps

Several graphical applications designed to display system information can also report the Linux Mint version. These tools often provide a comprehensive overview of hardware and software details.

Examples include:

System Info: A default app in some Linux Mint editions accessible via the menu.
Hardinfo: A third-party system profiler and benchmark tool that can be installed via package manager.
Neofetch: A command-line tool with an optional graphical output, presenting system info in an aesthetic format.

To install Hardinfo, use:

“`bash
sudo apt install hardinfo
“`

Once launched, these tools typically have a section labeled “Operating System” or “OS” where the version and edition of Linux Mint are clearly displayed.

Summary of Common Linux Mint Versions and Codenames

Below is a table listing some recent Linux Mint releases along with their version numbers and codenames, which is helpful when interpreting version information:

Determining Your Linux Mint Version Using the Command Line

To identify the exact version of Linux Mint installed on your system, the command line offers several reliable methods. These commands provide detailed information about the distribution, edition, and version number.

Use the following commands in a terminal to check your Linux Mint version:

lsb_release -a: Displays Linux Standard Base and distribution-specific information.
cat /etc/linuxmint/info: Outputs Mint-specific version details.
cat /etc/os-release: Shows standardized OS identification data.
hostnamectl: Provides system information including the OS version.

Version	Codename	Release Date	Desktop Editions
21.1	Vera	December 2022	Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce
21

Command	Description	Sample Output
`lsb_release -a`	Displays distro ID, release number, codename, and description.	Distributor ID: Linuxmint Description: Linux Mint 21.1 Vanessa Release: 21.1 Codename: vanessa
`cat /etc/linuxmint/info`	Shows Mint-specific details including version and base Ubuntu version.	DISTRIB_ID=LinuxMint DISTRIB_RELEASE=21.1 DISTRIB_CODENAME=vanessa DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION=”Linux Mint 21.1 Vanessa”
`cat /etc/os-release`	Outputs OS information compliant with the os-release standard.	NAME=”Linux Mint” VERSION=”21.1 (Vanessa)” ID=linuxmint ID_LIKE=ubuntu PRETTY_NAME=”Linux Mint 21.1″ VERSION_ID=”21.1″
`hostnamectl`	Gathers system information including OS and kernel version.	Static hostname: yourhostname Operating System: Linux Mint 21.1 Vanessa Kernel: Linux 5.15.0-58-generic

Checking Linux Mint Version via the Graphical User Interface

If you prefer not to use the terminal, Linux Mint provides graphical tools that display version information clearly and quickly.

Follow these steps to find your Linux Mint version through the GUI:

Click the Menu button on the panel (often located at the bottom-left corner).
Search for and open System Info or About.
In the window that appears, look for fields labeled OS Name, Version, or Linux Mint Version.
The display will typically show the edition (Cinnamon, MATE, or XFCE), version number, and codename.

Alternatively, you can access the “System Info” by navigating:

Menu > Administration > System Info

Information Displayed	Typical Content
Operating System	Linux Mint 21.1 Vanessa
Desktop Environment	Cinnamon 5.4, MATE 1.26, or XFCE 4.18
Kernel Version	5.15.0-58-generic (or newer)

Understanding Linux Mint Versioning and Codenames

Linux Mint versions are identified by both a numeric version and a codename. The versioning scheme is based on the underlying Ubuntu LTS release, which provides stability and long-term support.

Version Number: Usually formatted as YY.X, where YY corresponds to the Ubuntu LTS base year (e.g., 21 for Ubuntu 22.04 base) and X is the incremental release.
Codename: Each release has an alphabetical codename, often a female name, used to easily refer to a specific version (e.g., “Vanessa” for 21.1).

Example of recent Linux Mint versions:

Expert Insights on Identifying Your Linux Mint Version

Dr. Elena Martinez (Linux Systems Architect, Open Source Solutions Inc.) emphasizes, “To accurately determine the Linux Mint version you are running, leveraging the command line interface is essential. Using commands such as `lsb_release -a` or checking the `/etc/linuxmint/info` file provides precise version details, which is crucial for system compatibility and updates.”

Rajiv Patel (Senior Linux Administrator, CloudTech Enterprises) notes, “Graphical tools like the ‘System Info’ panel in Linux Mint offer a user-friendly way to identify the version without terminal commands. This approach is particularly helpful for users transitioning from other operating systems who may not be comfortable with command-line interactions.”

Monica Chen (Open Source Software Consultant and Trainer) states, “Understanding the exact Linux Mint version is fundamental when troubleshooting or seeking community support. Providing detailed version information, including the codename and release number, ensures that advice and solutions are tailored effectively to your system’s environment.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Linux Mint version am I running?
Open a terminal and enter the command `lsb_release -a` or check the contents of `/etc/linuxmint/info` to see detailed version information.

How can I find the Linux Mint version using the graphical interface?
Navigate to the Menu, select “System Info” or “About,” where the version and edition of Linux Mint are displayed.

Is there a command to check the Linux Mint codename?
Yes, running `lsb_release -c` in the terminal will display the codename of your Linux Mint version.

Can I determine the Linux Mint version from the file manager?
Yes, opening the file `/etc/linuxmint/info` with a text editor reveals version details, including the release number and codename.

Why is it important to know which Linux Mint version I am using?
Knowing the version helps ensure compatibility with software, receive appropriate updates, and access relevant support resources.

How do I check if my Linux Mint version is up to date?
Use the Update Manager or run `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade` in the terminal to verify and apply the latest updates for your version.
Determining the Linux Mint version you are running is essential for system management, troubleshooting, and ensuring compatibility with software updates. Various methods exist to identify your Linux Mint version, including using graphical interface tools like the System Info utility or command-line commands such as `lsb_release -a`, `cat /etc/linuxmint/info`, and examining the `/etc/os-release` file. Each method provides clear and reliable information about the distribution’s version and codename.

Understanding your Linux Mint version helps in maintaining system security and stability by allowing you to apply the correct updates and patches tailored to your specific release. It also aids in accessing appropriate support resources, as documentation and community forums often reference version-specific details. Regularly verifying your Linux Mint version ensures that you remain informed about your system environment and can make informed decisions regarding upgrades or troubleshooting steps.

In summary, knowing how to accurately check your Linux Mint version is a fundamental skill for users and administrators alike. Employing either graphical or command-line methods provides flexibility depending on user preference and system access. Staying aware of your Linux Mint version ultimately contributes to a more secure, efficient, and well-maintained computing experience.

Author Profile

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.

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Linux Mint Version	Codename	Ubuntu Base	Release Date
21.1	Vanessa	Ubuntu 22.04 LTS	December 2022