kernelversion

Kernelversion is the version identifier of an operating system kernel. It signals the specific release of the kernel’s core components, including scheduling, memory management, devices, and file systems. Kernel versions are used to track features, bug fixes, performance improvements, and API/ABI stability across builds.

In Linux, the kernel uses a fixed version numbering scheme: major.minor.patch, sometimes with additional suffixes like -rc for release candidates. The mainline development line advances frequently, while stable releases are published periodically and long-term support (LTS) branches are maintained for several years. Driver and module compatibility is typically tied to a kernel series, and some user-space tools assume a minimum or maximum kernel version.

Other families differ: Windows uses the NT kernel with a build number and product version (for example, 10.0.19041.1); BSD variants track their own versioning with distinct release tags. Regardless of scheme, kernel interfaces are tracked to maintain compatibility and to guide software migration.

Common ways to check your kernel version include the Linux commands uname -r and uname -a, and /proc/version. On Windows, system information or winver reports the kernel build. Kernel updates are typically delivered through the operating system’s update mechanism and may require a reboot.