(How to Check Linux Kernel Version) Any operating system that runs Linux depends upon its essential core element known as the Linux kernel. Through its function the Linux kernel operates as a link to establish communication between applications and hardware while simultaneously managing resources and maintaining security and process interaction. Users need to check the Linux kernel version because it helps resolve issues while verifying hardware relations and maintaining system security through updated patches and enhanced performance features. You may also be interested in reading about how to install ltspice on linux mint.
This document explains different approaches to view the Linux kernel version through both terminal-based tools and graphical display interfaces.
Why Check the Linux Kernel Version?
The understanding of Linux kernel version brings multiple advantages which include:
The correct operation of some software together with specific hardware drivers depends on matching their version with particular kernel editions.
Protecting user systems requires using newer versions of the Linux kernel because older releases might contain unaddressed security holes.
System troubleshooting becomes easier when determining the kernel version because it helps detect performance issues and equipment malfunctions.
Different kernel versions provide multiple benefits such as improved system stability together with hardware support and increased security.
Different methods exist to verify the Linux kernel version.
Using the uname Command
Among all other methods the uname command remains the simplest technique to detect kernel version information. Through this command users can acquire system-related outputs that include kernel name alongside version information and release data.
Command:
Example Output:
- The output consists of the kernel version and additional identifiers:
5.15.0→ Major and minor kernel version84→ Patch levelgeneric→ Distribution-specific identifier
For more detailed system information, use:
This command displays the kernel name, version, release, machine architecture, and operating system details.
Example Output:
Linux– Operating systemmycomputer– Hostname5.15.0-84-generic– Kernel versionx86_64– Architecture (64-bit)
Checking the Kernel Version from /proc/version
Linux stores system-related information in the /proc directory. The /proc/version file contains details about the Linux kernel version, compiler, and build time.
Command:
Example Output:
This method is useful for obtaining additional details about the kernel, including the compiler version and build timestamp.
Using the hostnamectl Command
The hostnamectl command provides system information, including the hostname, operating system, and kernel version.
Command:
Example Output:
This command is particularly useful on modern Linux distributions using systemd.
Using the dmesg Command
The dmesg command displays system boot logs and kernel-related messages. By filtering the output, you can extract the kernel version.
Command:
Example Output:
This method requires sudo privileges and is useful for checking kernel-related messages from the boot process.
Using the lsb_release Command
The lsb_release command primarily provides information about the Linux distribution but can also be useful for verifying system details.
Command:
Example Output:
Although this command doesn’t directly display the kernel version, it helps identify the Linux distribution and release version, which can be correlated with kernel updates.
Checking Kernel Version in GUI-Based Linux Systems
For users who prefer a graphical interface, checking the Linux kernel version is straightforward:
Ubuntu/Debian-based systems:
- Open “Settings.”
- Navigate to “About.”
- Look for “OS and Kernel version.”
Fedora/RHEL-based systems:
- Open “System Information” from settings.
- The kernel version will be listed under system details.
How to Interpret the Kernel Version?
A Linux kernel version follows this format:
For example:
5→ Major version15→ Minor version0→ Patch number84-generic→ Distribution-specific identifier
The format shows whether the kernel version belongs to a stable or experimental category or remains devoted to particular distributions.
Conclusion
System administrators along with Linux users need to check their kernel version because it enables performance checks while ensuring software compatibility during problem diagnosis. The uname -r command serves as the default method for checking Linux kernel version but users can also obtain extra information through /proc/version, hostnamectl, and dmesg commands.
System security improves while hardware support expands and performance optimization occurs when users update the Linux kernel periodically. As a Linux user it is essential to master how to verify kernel version through both command line and graphical interface operations.
