How to check the kernel version in use?

Environment

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10

Issue

• How to check the kernel version in use?

Resolution

• Check the kernel in use using the uname command:

# uname -r
5.14.0-427.13.1.el9_4.x86_64

Root Cause

• The kernel version in use refers to the specific release of the Linux kernel currently loaded into memory and managing the system's ressources.

Diagnostic Steps

The rpm -q kernel command can be used to list all installed kernels, but only one of those is in use at any single point in time, specifically the version selected during the boot sequence or the kernel set as the system default. Please refer to the following documentation to manage your default kernel settings:

• How to check the default kernel version?
• How to set the default kernel version?

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