How to Check OS Version on Linux and Windows: A Quick Guide

Knowing your operating system (OS) version is essential for troubleshooting, software compatibility, and system maintenance. Whether you're using Linux or Windows, checking your OS version can be done easily with a few commands or steps. In this article, we'll guide you through the methods for checking your OS version on both Linux and Windows.

Checking the OS Version on Linux

Linux offers several ways to check the OS version, depending on the distribution you're using. Below are the most common commands for checking the Linux version:

1. Using the cat /etc/os-release Command

The /etc/os-release file contains detailed information about your Linux distribution. To quickly check the OS version, open a terminal and run the following command:

cat /etc/os-release

This will display details such as the distribution name, version number, and ID.

2. Using the lsb_release -a Command

For distributions that support the Linux Standard Base (LSB), you can use the lsb_release command to get more comprehensive details:

lsb_release -a

This command will show the distribution name, description, release number, and codename.

3. Using the hostnamectl Command

On newer Linux distributions, you can use the hostnamectl command to view system information, including the OS version:

hostnamectl

Look for the "Operating System" field to find the version of your Linux distribution.

4. Checking the Kernel Version

If you’re more interested in the Linux kernel version, use the following command:

uname -r

This will display the kernel version of your Linux system.

Checking the OS Version on Windows

On Windows, checking the OS version is straightforward and can be done using built-in tools. Here are the most common methods:

1. Using the winver Command

One of the easiest ways to check your Windows version is by using the winver command. To do this, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type winver, and press Enter. A window will appear showing your Windows version and build number.

2. Using the System Settings

To check your Windows version via the system settings, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button and then the Settings gear icon.
2. Navigate to System and click on About.
3. Under the "Windows specifications" section, you'll find your edition, version, and OS build number.

3. Using Command Prompt

You can also check your Windows version using the Command Prompt:

1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

systeminfo

This command will display detailed information about your system, including the OS version and build.

4. Using PowerShell

If you prefer using PowerShell, you can run the following command to get the OS version:

Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object OsArchitecture, WindowsVersion, WindowsBuildLabEx

This will display the architecture, version, and build number of your Windows OS.

Why Knowing Your OS Version Matters

Knowing your OS version is crucial for:

• Software Compatibility: Certain software applications may require specific OS versions. Checking your OS version ensures that you're running compatible software.
• System Maintenance: You’ll need to know your OS version for applying security patches, updates, and drivers.
• Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing issues with your system, knowing the exact version of your OS can help in finding solutions or seeking assistance from support communities.

Conclusion

Checking the OS version on both Linux and Windows is quick and easy. Linux provides multiple commands like cat /etc/os-release, lsb_release -a, and hostnamectl to view detailed system information. On Windows, you can use tools like winver, systeminfo, or the system settings to find your version. Regardless of your operating system, understanding your version helps ensure smooth operation and compatibility with software and updates.

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