What Version Of Linux Mint Am I Running : Linux Mint Version Command

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Running `lsb_release -a` in your terminal quickly tells you which version of Linux Mint you have installed. But if you’re wondering “what version of linux mint am i running” and don’t want to open a terminal, there are several other easy ways to find out. This guide covers every method, from graphical tools to command-line tricks, so you can always know your exact Mint version.

Knowing your Linux Mint version is important for troubleshooting, installing software, and getting the right security updates. Whether you’re using Mint 20, 21, or an older release, this article helps you check in seconds.

Why You Need To Know Your Linux Mint Version

Your Linux Mint version affects everything from driver compatibility to desktop environment features. Different versions have different support lifecycles, and some software only works on newer releases. If you’re asking “what version of linux mint am i running,” you’re probably trying to solve a specific problem or check for updates.

Here are common reasons to check your version:

  • You need to install a package that requires a minimum Mint version
  • You want to know if your system is still receiving security updates
  • You’re following a tutorial that specifies a particular release
  • You’re troubleshooting a bug that might be version-specific
  • You’re planning to upgrade to a newer release

Linux Mint releases follow a numbering scheme like 20, 21, 21.1, 21.2, and so on. Each major version has a code name, like “Ulyana” or “Vanessa.” Knowing both the number and code name helps you identify your exact build.

What Version Of Linux Mint Am I Running

This is the most direct way to check your Linux Mint version. The command-line method using `lsb_release` works on all Mint installations, even if you’ve customized your desktop. Open a terminal by pressing `Ctrl + Alt + T` or searching for “Terminal” in your menu.

Type this command and press Enter:

lsb_release -a

You’ll see output like this:

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: Linuxmint
Description: Linux Mint 21.2
Release: 21.2
Codename: victoria

The “Description” line shows your full version number. If you only want the release number, use lsb_release -r. For just the code name, use lsb_release -c. This is the most reliable method and works on every Mint system.

If `lsb_release` isn’t installed (rare on Mint), you can check the file /etc/os-release instead. Type cat /etc/os-release and look for the “VERSION” line.

Using The Graphical System Info Tool

If you prefer a graphical interface, Linux Mint includes a built-in system information tool. Click the Menu button (bottom-left corner) and type “System Info” in the search bar. Click the icon that appears.

The System Info window shows your Linux Mint version at the top, right next to the logo. It displays both the version number and code name, like “Linux Mint 21.2 (Victoria).” You’ll also see your desktop environment version and kernel information.

This method is perfect if you’re not comfortable with the terminal. It takes about 10 seconds and gives you all the basic system details at a glance.

Checking Via The Welcome Screen

When you first boot Linux Mint, a Welcome screen appears with system information. If you’ve closed it, you can reopen it from the Menu. Search for “Welcome” and click the icon.

The Welcome screen shows your Mint version in the top section. It also provides links to documentation, community forums, and software manager. This is the quickest graphical method if you already have the Welcome window open.

Using The Neofetch Command

Neofetch is a popular command-line tool that displays system information in a visually appealing way. It’s often pre-installed on Linux Mint. Open a terminal and type:

neofetch

You’ll see your Linux Mint logo in ASCII art, followed by system details. The “OS” line shows your exact version, like “Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria.” Neofetch also shows kernel version, uptime, package count, and hardware specs.

If neofetch isn’t installed, you can add it with sudo apt install neofetch. This tool is great for sharing system info on forums because it includes everything in one output.

Checking The /Etc/linuxmint/info File

Linux Mint stores version information in a dedicated file. This is a reliable method that works even if other commands fail. Open a terminal and type:

cat /etc/linuxmint/info

The output looks like this:

RELEASE=21.2
CODENAME=victoria
EDITION="Cinnamon"
DESCRIPTION="Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria"

This file contains the exact release number, code name, and desktop edition. It’s maintained by the Mint team and is always accurate. You can also use grep to extract just the version: grep RELEASE /etc/linuxmint/info.

Using The Hostnamectl Command

The `hostnamectl` command shows system information including the operating system. It’s part of systemd and works on all modern Linux distributions. Type this in a terminal:

hostnamectl

Look for the “Operating System” line. It will say something like “Linux Mint 21.2” or “Linux Mint 20.3.” This method also shows your kernel version and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Hostnamectl is useful if you’re already using systemd commands for other tasks. It’s not as detailed as neofetch, but it gives you the essential version info quickly.

Understanding Linux Mint Version Numbers

Linux Mint uses a versioning system that’s easy to understand once you know the pattern. Major versions like 20, 21, and 22 are based on Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support) releases. Point releases like 21.1, 21.2, and 21.3 add features and updates without changing the base.

Each version also has a code name, usually a female name starting with a letter that corresponds to the Ubuntu base. For example, Mint 21.x versions are based on Ubuntu 22.04 and have code names like “Vanessa” (21), “Vera” (21.1), and “Victoria” (21.2).

Here’s a quick reference for recent Mint versions:

  • Linux Mint 20 – Ulyana (based on Ubuntu 20.04)
  • Linux Mint 20.1 – Ulyssa
  • Linux Mint 20.2 – Uma
  • Linux Mint 20.3 – Una
  • Linux Mint 21 – Vanessa (based on Ubuntu 22.04)
  • Linux Mint 21.1 – Vera
  • Linux Mint 21.2 – Victoria
  • Linux Mint 21.3 – Virginia
  • Linux Mint 22 – Wilma (based on Ubuntu 24.04)

Knowing your version helps you determine if you’re on a supported release. Mint versions are supported for about 5 years, so if you’re on version 19 or earlier, you should upgrade soon.

Desktop Environment Versions

Linux Mint comes in three desktop editions: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. Each has its own version number separate from the Mint release. To check your desktop version, open System Info or use the command cinnamon --version (for Cinnamon), mate-about --version (for MATE), or xfce4-about --version (for Xfce).

The desktop version matters for theming, extensions, and compatibility with certain software. For example, Cinnamon 5.8 is included with Mint 21.2, while Mint 21.3 ships with Cinnamon 6.0.

What If The Commands Don’t Work?

Sometimes commands like `lsb_release` might not be installed, especially on minimal or custom installations. If you get “command not found,” try these alternatives:

  1. Check /etc/os-release with cat /etc/os-release
  2. Look at /etc/linuxmint/info as described above
  3. Use cat /etc/issue which often shows the distribution name
  4. Run apt policy mint-release to see the installed mint-release package version

If none of these work, you might not be running Linux Mint at all. Check your distribution with cat /etc/*release* to see what you’re actually using.

Checking Your Kernel Version

While not directly related to “what version of linux mint am i running,” knowing your kernel version is helpful for hardware support. Use uname -r to see your kernel version, like “5.15.0-91-generic.”

Linux Mint uses Ubuntu’s kernel packages, so newer Mint versions come with newer kernels. Mint 21.x uses kernel 5.15 by default, but you can install newer kernels through the Update Manager.

Using The Update Manager

The Update Manager in Linux Mint shows your system version in the window title bar. Open it from the Menu or by clicking the shield icon in your system tray. The title bar says “Update Manager – Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria” or similar.

This is a quick visual check if you already have the Update Manager open. It also shows available updates and kernel options, making it a central tool for system maintenance.

Why Version Information Matters For Updates

Linux Mint provides security updates for each version for a limited time. Knowing your version helps you plan upgrades. For example, Mint 20.x reached end-of-life in April 2025, so if you’re still on version 20, you need to upgrade to 21 or 22 for continued security patches.

You can check the official Linux Mint blog or website for the end-of-life schedule. Generally, each major version gets 5 years of support from its initial release date.

Upgrading To A Newer Version

If you find you’re running an older version, you can upgrade through the Update Manager. Go to Edit > Upgrade to Linux Mint [version]. This process upgrades your system to the next major release while keeping your files and settings.

Always backup important data before upgrading. The upgrade process is usually smooth, but it’s better to be safe. If you’re on a very old version, you might need to do a fresh install instead.

Common Mistakes When Checking Version

Some users confuse the Linux Mint version with the Ubuntu version. Since Mint is based on Ubuntu, commands like lsb_release -a might show Ubuntu information if you’re not careful. Always look for “Distributor ID: Linuxmint” to confirm you’re seeing Mint data.

Another mistake is relying on the kernel version to guess the Mint version. Different Mint versions can use the same kernel, so this is not reliable. Always use one of the methods above for accurate results.

Using The Inxi Command

Inxi is a powerful system information tool that’s pre-installed on Linux Mint. Type inxi -S in a terminal to see a summary of your system, including the Mint version. The output looks like:

System:
  Host: mycomputer Kernel: 5.15.0-91-generic x86_64 bits: 64
  Desktop: Cinnamon 5.8.4 Distro: Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria

Inxi gives you a clean, formatted output that’s easy to read. You can also use inxi -F for full system details, which is helpful when asking for help on forums.

Checking Version From The Login Screen

If you can’t log into your desktop, you can still check the version from the login screen. Look at the bottom of the screen for a small text that says “Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria” or similar. This is displayed by default on most Mint installations.

If you don’t see it, you can switch to a virtual terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + F2. Log in with your username and password, then run lsb_release -a to see the version.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my Linux Mint version without a terminal?

Open System Info from the Menu, or check the Welcome screen. Both show your version number and code name graphically.

What does the Linux Mint version number mean?

The major number (like 21) indicates the base Ubuntu LTS release. Point numbers (like 21.2) show incremental updates with new features and bug fixes.

Is my Linux Mint version still supported?

Check the official Linux Mint website for the end-of-life schedule. Versions 20.x and newer are generally supported for 5 years from release.

Can I upgrade from an older Mint version directly to the latest?

Yes, but you may need to upgrade step by step. For example, from Mint 20 to 21, then 21 to 22. The Update Manager guides you through the process.

Why does my system show Ubuntu instead of Linux Mint?

Some commands might show Ubuntu because Mint is based on it. Use cat /etc/linuxmint/info for the definitive Mint version.

Summary Of Methods

Here’s a quick recap of all the ways to check your Linux Mint version:

  • Terminal: lsb_release -a – most reliable
  • Graphical: System Info tool from Menu
  • Welcome screen: Shows version on first boot
  • Neofetch: neofetch for detailed info
  • File: cat /etc/linuxmint/info – always accurate
  • Hostnamectl: hostnamectl for quick check
  • Update Manager: Version shown in title bar
  • Inxi: inxi -S for formatted output

Choose the method that fits your comfort level. The terminal commands are fastest once you memorize them, but the graphical tools are just as reliable. Knowing “what version of linux mint am i running” is a fundamental skill for any Mint user, and now you have multiple ways to find out.

Keep your system updated and check your version regularly, especially before installing new software or following online tutorials. With these methods, you’ll never be confused about your Mint version again.