How to check linux kernel version using command line

Опубликовано: 12 Февраль 2026
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checking linux kernel version using the command line: a comprehensive guide

the linux kernel is the heart of any linux-based operating system. knowing its version is crucial for several reasons, including:

*compatibility:* determining if a specific application or driver will work with your system.
*security:* identifying known vulnerabilities and assessing the need for updates.
*troubleshooting:* diagnosing system issues and understanding the behavior of the operating system.
*feature identification:* discovering which features and enhancements are available in your kernel.
*driver support:* knowing which kernel modules and device drivers are supported by your specific kernel version.

this guide provides a detailed explanation of various methods to check your linux kernel version using the command line, along with practical examples and explanations of the output.

*i. basic methods*

these are the most common and straightforward ways to check the kernel version.

*1. using the `uname` command:*

the `uname` command (short for "unix name") is a standard utility available on virtually all unix-like systems, including linux. it's the most fundamental and widely used method for retrieving system information, including the kernel version.

*command:*



*output:*

a typical output would look like this:



*explanation:*

`uname`: the command name.
`-r`: this option specifically requests the kernel release information. the "release" refers to the version number of the kernel within its specific series.

*breakdown of the release string:*

the release string (e.g., `5.15.0-97-generic`) contains valuable information:

`5`: the major version number. this often indicates significant changes to the kernel's architecture.
`15`: the minor version number. this usually represents new features and improvements.
`0`: the patch level. this denotes bug fixes and security updates.
`-97`: the ubuntu revision number ...

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