uname Command Cheat Sheet
uname (unix name) prints detailed information about the machine and operating system.
Synopsis
uname [OPTION]...
Basic Usage
Print Kernel Name
uname
# Output: Linux
Print All Information (-a)
uname -a
# Output: Linux hostname 5.15.0-91-generic #101-Ubuntu SMP ... x86_64 ...
Options Breakdown
| Flag | Description | Example Output |
|---|---|---|
-s |
Kernel Name | Linux |
-n |
Network Node Hostname | myserver |
-r |
Kernel Release | 5.15.0-91-generic |
-v |
Kernel Version | #101-Ubuntu SMP Tue... |
-m |
Machine Hardware | x86_64 (or aarch64) |
-p |
Processor Type | x86_64 (sometimes unknown) |
-i |
Hardware Platform | x86_64 (sometimes unknown) |
-o |
Operating System | GNU/Linux |
Common Use Cases
Checking Architecture (32 vs 64 bit)
uname -m
x86_64 = 64-bit
- i686 / i386 = 32-bit
- aarch64 = ARM 64-bit (Raspberry Pi 4, Apple Silicon)
Checking Kernel for Modules
To install headers matching your kernel:
sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r)
Notes
- Distro Info:
unamedoes not tell you if you are on Ubuntu, Fedora, or Alpine. Usecat /etc/os-releaseorhostnamectlfor that.