How to Check Sudo Version on Ubuntu Linux

Managing system privileges safely often requires verifying the version of specific utilities. This guide explains the exact terminal command needed to display the current sudo version on an Ubuntu system. Following these steps will help you confirm your installation status quickly without navigating complex menus.

Open the Terminal

To begin, you need access to the command line interface. Press Ctrl, Alt, and T on your keyboard simultaneously to launch the terminal window. Alternatively, you can search for “Terminal” in your application menu and click to open it.

Run the Version Command

Once the terminal is open, type the following command and press Enter:

sudo -V

You may be prompted to enter your user password. Type your password carefully; note that no characters will appear on the screen while you type for security reasons. Press Enter after typing your password.

Interpret the Output

The first line of the output will display the version number. It typically looks like Sudo version 1.9.5p2. This number indicates the specific release of sudo currently installed on your Ubuntu machine. If you need to script this check or want a cleaner output, you can also use sudo --version, which provides similar information in a slightly different format. Keeping track of this version ensures you are aware of available security patches and features.