How to Check OS Version on a VPS

Knowing the exact version of your VPS operating system is essential for installing software, configuring the system, and ensuring compatibility and security. This article explains how to quickly check your OS version — for both Linux and Windows servers. 🧠

How to Check OS Version on a Linux VPS

Connect to your VPS via SSH using a terminal or SSH client (like PuTTY), then run one of the following commands:

• lsb_release -a — shows distribution name, version, and codename;
• cat /etc/os-release — a universal method for modern distributions;
• hostnamectl — displays OS and kernel version (for systemd systems);
• uname -a — shows kernel version, architecture, and system info;
• cat /etc/issue — older method, still works on many systems.

How to Check OS Version on a Windows VPS

If you're using a Windows-based VPS, here are a few ways to find out the version:

• Press Win + R, type winver, and hit Enter — a window will show the version and build number;
• Go to Start → Settings → System → About — detailed OS info is listed there;
• Open cmd or PowerShell and run systeminfo;
• Use ver in command prompt for a minimal output.

Tips from Bit.Hosting

• Always mention your exact OS version and architecture (x64/x86) when contacting support;
• On Debian/Ubuntu, checking /etc/apt/sources.list can also give hints about the distribution;
• If a command doesn’t work — try another. They may vary depending on the system.

← Back to Operating Systems section

If you're unsure which OS is installed — contact Bit.Hosting support, and we'll help you identify and configure your system.