How to Check Kernel Version in Linux Operating System

In this article we are going to shows how to Check Kernel Version in Linux. If you want to Check the Kernel Version in Linux terminal then this post is ideal for you.

Linux kernel is a core component of Linux operating systems. It manages the all resources and communication between your computer hardware and software.

Linux is an operating system, like Windows OS, iOS, and Mac OS. Linux is one of the most popular operating system on the planet, Android is also powered by Linux OS(operating system).

Linux OS(operating system) is also distributed under an open source license. Open source following these points :

• Freely to run the program, for any purpose.
• Free to study how the program works.
• Freely to re-distribute copies so you can help your friends.
• Free to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.

How to Check Kernel Version

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Check the kernel version using the uname Command

Basically the uname command is used to print the system information such as the Linux kernel architecture, version name and release.

Simply run the below command to check the kernel version :

$ uname -srm

Output
Linux 4.15.0-54-generic x86_64

In the above output, you can see that the the Linux kernel is 64-bit and its version is 4.15.0-54

Here:

• 4 – Linux Kernel Version.
• 15 – Major Revision.
• 0 – Minor Revision.
• 54 – Patch number.
• generic – Distribution specific information.

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Using hostnamectl command

Hostnamectl command is also shows the Linux distribution and kernel version. So Simply run the below command to check the kernel version :

$ hostnamectl

Output 
Static hostname: studyonline
         Icon name: computer-vm
           Chassis: vm
        Machine ID: c51c8bf6878de7b511cfgd800d7a8002
           Boot ID: 2008a7d008dgfc115b7ed8786fb8c15c
    Virtualization: kvm
  Operating System: Ubuntu 18.04.4 LTS
            Kernel: Linux 4.15.0-101-generic
      Architecture: x86-64

If you want to filter out the Linux Kernel Version then you can grep command to do that.

$ hostnamectl | grep -i kernel

Output
       Kernel: Linux 4.15.0-54-generic

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Using /proc/version File

/proc/version  is a virtual file that is stored information about the running kernel.

You can use the cat or less command to print the contents of the virtual file:

$ cat /proc/version

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That’s all

If you face any error and issue in above steps , please use comment box below to report.