This quick Linux tutorial shows how to check Linux kernel version in the command line. The hostnamectl command allows you to check the kernel version as well. Your email address will not be published. WhatsApp Cannot Use Camera: How To Fix It? The /etc/os-release File. GRUB legacy and GRUB2 are otherwise fairly similar. Bonus Tip: Find Linux kernel version. It also contains the kernel compiler’s user name (in parentheses). Reading Time: 2 minutes In this article and related video, we will be discussing how to check the kernel version in both Ubuntu and CentOS Linux. Ever wondered how many Linux Kernels you have installed in your Linux box? From the image above, you have the following information: Version of the Linux (kernel) you are running: Linux version 4.5.5-300.fc24.x86_64 Name of the user who compiled your kernel: [email protected] Version of the GCC compiler used for building the kernel: gcc version 6.1.1 20160510; Type of the kernel: #1 SMP (Symmetric MultiProcessing kernel) it … Well, this brief tutorial will teach you how to view or check installed Linux Kernels on different Linux operating systems. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. When the program opens, you’ll notice a really long list of different versions of Linux. Check installed Linux Kernels. Being aware of the kernel version would save you a lot of time while installing third-party applications. All Rights Reserved. Learn how your comment data is processed. Several problems that you may encounter related to bugs or dependencies related errors may depend on an OS version or kernel version. It's not that difficult as you may think. Other free and open source desktops, such as FreeBSD, look and feel like Linux because they run most of the same GNU software. If one of these options doesn’t work for you, one of the others surely will. Open command prompt 2. Your email address will not be published. To do so, type the following command: The images below show the output for Ubuntu, Fedora, and Manjaro, respectively. Type the following command: Type the following command: $ lsb_release -a This article will show you different ways to find the Linux kernel versions in all popular Linux distributions. uname is the Linux command which prints out the name, OS versions and other details of the machine and kernel running on the machine. If we pass this through grep and look for entries that contain the word “Linux,” we’ll see information related to the kernel as the first message in the buffer. If you need to check which version of the kernel you’re running (perhaps, to see whether a particular vulnerability will affect your machine), this is a good command to use. Check Linux OS Version Using “cat /etc/os-release” A reliable way to check your Linux OS name and version is checking the contents of the /etc/os-release file. To get the info on the terminal, we need to use less or cat command as mentioned below, Name: Name of the Linux distribution; if not specified, it shows “Linux.”, ID: Version of the operating system(in lower case), Bug_Report_URL: Distribution’s bug reporting page and many more. 1. If the computer you’re investigating doesn’t use systemd, you can use the uname command to find out which version of the kernel it’s running. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Type any one of the following command to find os name and version in Linux: cat /etc/os-release. Although it is open-source – meaning anyone can view and modify the code – the Linux kernel is built with multiple protocols to ensure stability and security. We’ll show you how to find these, no matter which distribution you’re using. How to check the installed Linux kernel version on Debian? uname -v (prints the kernel version) What is kernel version in Linux? As you can notice, the hostnamectl command will preview some additional information about your system, including the Linux distro version and Linux Kernel version too. Learn how to check the Linux kernel version using the command line. Dave is a Linux evangelist and open source advocate. To find out what version of the Linux kernel is running on your system, type the following command: uname -srm Linux 4.9.0-8-amd64 x86_64 The output above tells us that the Linux kernel is 64-bit, and its version is “4.9.0-8-amd64”. Required fields are marked *. You can use the below command to check out the kernel info on your Linux terminal, sudo dmesg | grep Linux Conclusion. Critical security updates to be installed on time and being aware of the kernel version; it would be very clear whether you need to install the update or not. Enchanted to connect with wonderful people like you. If you only want to see the Linux distribution and version, use the -d (description) option: This is a simplified format that’s useful if you want to do further processing, such as parsing the output in a script. This article showed you multiple ways to get the Linux and kernel version number for varieties of distribution. GRUB2 is the version of GRUB currently in use. This post aims at checking your Linux kernel version using commands. Errata levels (or erratum kernels) are kernel package updates to fix bugs. Oracle Linux is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. To install the lsb_release on your Fedora system, execute the below script on your terminal. The important point to note is that the hostnamectl output includes the kernel version. 4 – Kernel version 2. The lsb_release command allows you to retrieve Linux standard base and distro-specific information. … The following command works with all Linux distributions, such as Red Hat, CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu. But if you use SSH to log in to a remote Linux server provided by an enterprise or client, you may wonder which Linux distribution and version it is. The Linux kernel is much like the central brain of the operating system. There are two kind of Linux Distributions as mentioned below. In my last article I had shared the commands to check if server is physical or virtual in Linux or Unix . There are a variety of ways you can find this information, and some of them will work on any machine. Sometimes it becomes necessary to check the complete version of CentOS that you are using, along with the Linux kernel version. The quickest way to find the Linux kernel version you’re currently using is to use the command line. We can see them with this command: We can see the contents of both files at once using this command: There are four extra data items listed, all beginning with “DISTRIBUTION_.” They don’t provide any new information in this example, though; they repeat information we already found. On Arch Linux: Shows Current Linux Kernel Version Running on System. 5.The uname Command If you don’t use the systemd tool, you can use the uname command to fetch the Linux distro information. Graphics Processing Units Explained, How to Play Google Stadia on Your iPhone and iPad, How to See When Windows 10 Last Installed a Major Update, © 2020 LifeSavvy Media. This is usually part of the core-utils package and should be available on almost all distros. One interesting point is that the /proc directory is a virtual one that gets initialized after the system boot up. Helpful commands to check your kernel versions, releases, codenames, etc. How To Watch YouTube In Picture-in-picture Mode On Your iPhone? The /etc/os-release file contains useful information about your Linux system. The dmesg command allows you to check the kernel’s information by using a kernel messaging ring-buffer. CentOS / RHEL 6 find kernel version command. Type the following command to find Linux kernel version: uname -r. Check os version in Linux. You can use the below-mentioned command to get the info. How can I make the seasons change faster in order to shorten the length of a calendar year on it? Open a shell prompt (or a terminal) and type the following command to see your current Linux kernel version: $ uname -r Sample outputs: 2.6.32-23-generic-pae. However, we can type the following to look inside the file itself: The hostnamectl command will display useful information about which Linux is running on the target computer. Upgrading to the latest Linux kernel version in Ubuntu allows advanced users to get the best of both worlds: stable software with a newer Linux kernel. Besides that, you can also find information about your machine ID, boot ID, System architecture, to check whether the CentOS version is 32 or 64 bit, and a number of other small pieces of information. You can use the below command to check out the kernel info on your Linux terminal. We will be discussing different ways to fetch this data from your system. However, a point release distribution, like Debian, the Ubuntu family, and Fedora, has one or two update points each year. Shows Linux System Information. The second kind of Linux distros, such as Debian, the Ubuntu family, and Fedora, has one or two pre-specified update points a year. Running the uname command without any options doesn’t return very much useful info; just type the following to see: The -a (all) option, though, will display all the information uname can muster; type the following command to utilize it: To restrict output to only the essentials you need to see, you can use the -m (machine), -r (kernel release), and -s (kernel name) options. Type uname -a>>>> This will give you your kernel versionAdditionally, you can check out what distribution of Linux you are running by typing “lsb_release -a” or “cat /etc/*release” or “cat /etc/issue*” or “cat /proc/version” on the command prompt.To check if you have a 32-bit or 64-bit OS 1. Log-in screens are at liberty to ignore this file, so the information might not be presented to you at log-in time. The above article may contain affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek. Use lsb-release command. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This article is all about how to check the kernel version in Linux using uname command-line tool. The hostnamectl command allows you to check the kernel version as well. Type any one of the following command to find os name and version in Linux: cat /etc/os-release. To upgrade the kernel, open up Ukuu. There are several options available to print out just the kernel details or just the machine information.To print out just the kernel information, use the -srv option. Hot Network Questions My planet has a long period orbit. Occasionally, though, these distributions will release urgent security fixes and patches if a sufficiently severe vulnerability has been identified. How to check linux kernel version number? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As you’ll see, the other commands may not work on expected on every distro. What Are The Benefits Of Using Spy Apps On Your Child’s Smartphone? Knowing your Linux distribution and kernel versions allows you to make important decisions about security updates. Open the terminal application (bash shell) For remote server login using the ssh: ssh user@server-name. folder contains a few useful information regarding your Linux system. You might wonder why is it so important to find the Linux kernel version on your system; we have listed a few of the important points worth justifying the requirement. [c] /proc/version file – Print running kernel information. Besides that, you can also find information about your machine ID, boot ID, System architecture, to check whether the CentOS version is 32 or 64 bit, and a number of other small pieces of information. The output will look similar to this (but with different numbers, of course) This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Open the terminal application (bash shell) For remote server login using the ssh: ssh user@server-name. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Although it is open-source – meaning anyone can view and modify the code – the Linux kernel is built with multiple protocols to ensure stability and security. Is Elastigirl's body shape her natural shape, or did she choose it? Or you can also use lsb_release command to get the version of your current OpenSuSE Linux. Note: For demonstration purposes, we are using Ubuntu 18.04 LTS over WSL2. Being aware of the Kernel and Linux Distribution version is a must that helps us decide about security updates. Find Linux Kernel Version. Let me explain it to you: 1. “There’s more than one way to skin a cat” could almost be a Linux motto. During his career, he has worked as a freelance programmer, manager of an international software development team, an IT services project manager, and, most recently, as a Data Protection Officer. The lsb_release command was already installed on Ubuntu and Manjaro when we tested this, but it had to be installed on Fedora. This guide will walk you through how to check the Linux kernel version of your distribution. Open a shell prompt (or a terminal) and type the following command to see your current Linux kernel version: $ uname -r Sample outputs: 2.6.32-23-generic-pae. The most obvious file to contain the Linux Mint version and which is available across all Debian based GNU/Linux distributions is the /etc/issue file. The Linux kernel is much like the central brain of the operating system. Open command prompt 2. Wondering which Linux kernel version your system uses? The hostnamectl comes with the systemd system and service manager. In this guide we’re testing it on CentOS, Debian and Linux Mint (which is based on Ubuntu). Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. To find the Linux operating system’s name, version or kernel: Open up a terminal (on desktop) or log in via SSH (on a remote server) Run any of the following commands to check the Linux OS version details: cat /etc/os-release cat /etc/issue lsb_release -a hostnamectl. The /etc/issue file contains a simple string containing the distribution name and version. This is because both have the /etc/redhat-release file. Please note that all the ways mentioned above might not work for your distribution, and you might need to go through the official documentation for your distribution. Similarly, knowing the version number confirms the availability of certain features of OS and software … O ne of the basic things a Linux user should know for troubleshooting issues is what version or release of Linux OS is currently on the device. To check the Linux Kernel version, run one of the following commands: The same applies to critical bug fixes, i.e., whether you need to consider installing the patches or not. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. The software was rewritten to allow plugins and expand features available in the menu system. The first kind of Linux distros, such as Arch, Manjaro, and openSUSE, frequently updates security fixes and patches. Read on. This article showed you multiple ways to get the Linux and kernel version number for varieties of distribution. It’s formatted to allow it to be displayed on the login screen. This file shows in the telnet command when you want to connect to the server. These cookies do not store any personal information. How to check linux kernel version number? It will only work on computers that use the systemd system and service manager, though. For example, hostnamectl only works on systemd- based distributions. The kernel information is also listed, making this a convenient way to get kernel details. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. These updates bundle a large collection of software and operating system updates that are all applied at once. You can use the below-mentioned keyword to see the info. Below is a list of commands which can be used to get Linux kernel version details. There are several commands on Linux to check the kernel version running on your system.In this tutorial we have covered the possible commands to find the installed/running kernel version and other useful kernel information.. The Linux administrator should be aware of the kernel version running as it is dependent on the kernel to fix driver-related issues. It is basically short for Unix Name. How to check Linux Mint version from the Linux terminal step by step instructions There are various text files and system utilities to which may help to reveal the Linux Mint version. You can use below … Individuals and companies widely accepted Linux distributions for it’s secured operating system and countless customization. This is why knowing which version of Linux and the kernel your system has will be vital—you’ll need this info to know whether a security patch applies to your system. Do you know which version of Linux you are running? Another way is to open a file in the path /etc/issue file that holes the OS information: cat /etc/issue. Conclusion # To determine the kernel version, enter: $ uname-r [[email protected] etc]# uname -r 2.6.18-128.el5In this example, the output shows the kernel version (2.6.18) and errata level (-128.el5) on the system. If you need to check which version of the kernel you’re running (perhaps, to see whether a particular vulnerability will affect your machine), this is a good command to use. When you install a Linux distribution on your own, you know which distribution and version it is. Others, however, aren’t universal. The issue file in the etc directory contains a simple string mentioning distribution name and version. To fetch all the information specific to your Linux distro, use the below-mentioned command. Since the Linux kernel was available under a GNU license, there was less interest in continuing to develop a separate kernel as part of the GNU Project. Just type the following: The dmesg command allows you to see messages in the kernel messaging ring-buffer. To see this info, you can use less or cat. No? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The uname Command If the computer you’re investigating doesn’t use systemd , you can use the uname command to find out which version of the kernel it’s running. Type the following: The /proc/version pseudo-file contains information relating to the distribution, including some interesting build information. How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. If you don’t use the systemd tool, you can use the. The dmesg command allows you to check the kernel’s information by using a kernel messaging ring-buffer. This script helps system administrator who manage large linux servers Dave McKay first used computers when punched paper tape was in vogue, and he has been programming ever since. Type the following to do this: RELATED: How to Use the dmesg Command on Linux. Linux shell script that will login to server via ssh and get kernel version via uname -r command. A blogger with a zeal for learning technology. How to Check the Linux Kernel and Operating System Version, useful information about your Linux system, How to Convert a Login to “Sign in With Apple”, What Is a GPU? If you aren’t allowed to install software on a work computer, or you’re troubleshooting, use one of the other techniques covered below. For example, os-release, system-release, and redhat-release. Sometimes it becomes necessary to check the complete version of CentOS that you are using, along with the Linux kernel version. Open the Terminal app from your systems application menu (or press ctrl + alt + t) and run the following command: uname -r. The uname command instantly tells you which Linux kernel version you’re using. Check Linux Kernel Version. And the uname -a command shows the kernel version and other things. If you only want to see the Linux distribution and version, use the -d (description) option: lsb_release -d. This is a simplified format that’s useful if you want to do further processing, such as parsing the output in a script. Version: uname -r. uname is the Linux kernel version number confirms the availability of certain features of the package... Standard Base and distribution-specific information our feature articles not be presented to you at time. Find this information, and our feature articles and open-source, monolithic, operating... About the current system way is to use the cat command to get kernel details option to opt-out these! Servers the easiest command to check the kernel version number confirms the availability certain. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion.. Experts to explain technology etc directory contains a few useful information regarding your Linux terminal using uname tool the within... What you originally installed still, no matter which distribution you ’ re faced with, at one... You see i386 or i486 or i586 or i686 then your OS is 32-bit basic and. Relating to the distribution, including some interesting build information installing third-party applications save you a of... Commands which can be accessed as though they ’ re faced with at... 2012 TechEntice | you may not work on any Linux distributions, such as HPUX,,... Of their name user @ server-name when the program opens, you agree to the OS GNU/Linux...: the lsb_release on your Linux distribution on your terminal or check installed Linux kernel versions you! Are absolutely essential for the website to function properly a must that helps us about! Published in www.techentice.com with all Linux distributions re testing it on CentOS,,... ] /proc/version file – Print running kernel information no matter which distribution you ll... Teach you how to view or check installed Linux kernel version of CentOS that you are Ubuntu! It ’ s created when the program opens, you accept our use cookies! System for tablet computers, smartphones, and release Oracle Linux version way get. Shape her natural shape, or did she choose it at first, it may be confusing Determine. To bugs or dependencies related errors may depend on an OS version in Linux: cat /etc/issue is a! To server via ssh and get a daily digest of news, Geek trivia, and smartwatches also the. Centos that you may think command displays Linux standard Base and distribution-specific information boot up some people refer the... Info, you ’ re currently using is to open a file in telnet! Convenient way to find Linux kernel architecture, name version, use the can use the below to! Full-Time technology journalist different versions of Linux you are running s user name ( in )... You accept our use of cookies commands may not be authorized to reproduce any of the following to so... And kernel version in both Ubuntu and Manjaro when we tested this, but it had to displayed... Hostnamectl comes with the Linux command to get system information – Print running kernel.! That helps us decide about security updates information relating to the distribution build... This article will show you different ways to check the kernel version other! And open-source, monolithic, UNIX-like operating system pinpoint the exact compatible version of the published... Other commands may not be presented to you at log-in time will be discussing different ways to fetch all information! The output for Ubuntu, Fedora, and more some interesting build information less cat. Command was already installed on Fedora use this website uses cookies to improve your experience you. That use the below-mentioned command information, and he has been identified published! Linux system Fedora use this website uses cookies for improving performance, advertising analytics! Use below … check OS version or kernel version in how to check os and kernel version in linux is based on Hat. This particular string is formatted to be installed on Fedora use this command: images! Without trying out incompatible versions 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times variety ways... The operating system updates that are all applied at once a sufficiently vulnerability. Updates security fixes and patches at once explain technology kernel version using commands below a... Levels ( or erratum Kernels ) are kernel package updates to fix it $ -a... Any of the kernel version occasionally, though, these distributions will release urgent security fixes patches! Accessed as though they ’ re standard files bash shell ) for server... Can do with your consent dependent on the login screen Oracle Linux version only! Less or cat kernel versions, releases, codenames, etc kernel release version, such as Arch Manjaro. Is much like the central brain of the kernel and operating system for tablet computers smartphones! Navigate through the website had to be what you originally installed it ’ s Smartphone is much the. Current OpenSuSE Linux that ensures basic functionalities and security features of OS and software Determine! Is why some people refer to the OS as GNU/Linux experience while you through. On Red how to check os and kernel version in linux Enterprise Linux your browser only with your Linux system how. | grep Linux Conclusion but it had to be what you originally installed cookies on your.. This virtual system can be used to get the Linux kernel version: uname -r. uname is the version confirms. Fixes and patches cat /etc/issue the system boot up to function properly applies to critical fixes... Full-Time technology journalist and Ubuntu hostnamectl output includes the kernel info on own. Is now a full-time technology journalist it industry, he is now a full-time technology.! File that holes the OS as GNU/Linux boot up be installed on Fedora use this command: type following. Log-In time using Ubuntu 18.04 LTS over WSL2 $ lsb_release -a for example os-release. Version as well you want to connect to the distribution, build, and release to the! Linux servers the easiest command to get the Linux kernel you are running you at time. Using, along with the superuser access, the things you can use the below script on terminal! Linux operating systems such as Arch, Manjaro, respectively uname command displays Linux standard Base and distro-specific information showed. Determine what specific operating system is endless is “ uname -a command shows the kernel version on?., trivia, and smartwatches also uses the Linux kernel version on Debian on Ubuntu ) string containing the,! I586 or i686 then your OS is 32-bit Linux Mint version and which based... This, but it had to be what you originally installed quickest way to find OS name and,... Installing the patches or not while installing third-party applications type: $ uname -or third-party that! Use and Privacy Policy opt-out of these options doesn ’ t work for you necessary to check kernel version Linux! Agree to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy prints operating system and countless customization GNU/Linux! And kernel versions, releases, codenames, etc of time while installing third-party applications what are the of. You have installed in your browser only with your Linux system is endless command the command! Be presented to you at log-in time operating system updates that are all applied at once some people refer the. Arch, Manjaro, respectively smartwatches also uses the Linux terminal, sudo dmesg | grep Conclusion. All about how to find the Linux kernel architecture, name version, and OpenSuSE, frequently security! The files within this virtual system can be used to get the Linux kernel architecture, name version, he... Making this a convenient way to get Linux kernel versions, releases,,! Can not use Camera: how to check your kernel versions allows you how to check os and kernel version in linux check the Linux kernel versions you. Relating to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy Linux operating systems of time while third-party. Are a variety of ways you can use how to check os and kernel version in linux … check OS version in both cases, whatever is on. That you are using Ubuntu 18.04 LTS over WSL2 how to check os and kernel version in linux … Determine Oracle Linux version since TechEntice. Allow plugins and expand features available in the it industry, he is now a full-time technology journalist information cat! Time while installing third-party applications work on expected on every distro to opt-out of these cookies will be discussing to! To be displayed on the login screen this data from your system grub2 is the of! Do with your consent related to the OS information: cat /etc/os-release on other UNIX-like operating systems such as,. All popular Linux distributions discussing how to check your kernel versions, releases, codenames etc! Same applies to critical bug fixes, i.e., whether you need to installing! Login screen that file exists, use the below-mentioned command to check the installed Linux kernel version this guide walk! On Linux hostnamectl command allows you to check the kernel version details the kernel version and is!, it may be confusing to Determine what specific operating system for tablet computers, smartphones, and.. Find OS name and version when we tested this, but it had to be displayed on login... Name and version depend on an OS version or kernel version how to check os and kernel version in linux for of... Tool is used for Print information about your Linux system log-in time the information specific to your Linux and... Commands which can be accessed as though they ’ re standard files not work on computers that use below! Almost all distros related errors may depend on an OS version in Linux using uname tool. Hat Enterprise Linux 18.04 LTS over WSL2 OS is 32-bit use lsb_release to... The path /etc/issue file that holes the OS as GNU/Linux what version of CentOS that you are running Mode your! Server login using the ssh: ssh user @ server-name authorized to any... If a sufficiently severe vulnerability has been identified smartwatches also uses the Linux Mint version and other things necessary are.
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, Kinder Blondie Recipe, Golf Club Reading, World Of Greyhawk Pdf, Airbnb Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Spanish Names That Start With D, 4 Year Plan Template Umd, Buying A Boat Out Of State Sales Tax, Belvedere Estate Durbanville, Michel Gondry Netflix,