Get Linux Kernel Build Date and Time

Knowing the exact build date and time of the Linux kernel can be useful for debugging, system audits, or just general curiosity. This tutorial demonstrates how to get Linux kernel build date and time.

1. uname command

The uname command with the -v option shows the kernel build version, which includes the build date and time.

uname -v

Example output:

#31-Ubuntu SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Sat Apr 20 00:40:06 UTC 2024

In this output, Sat Apr 20 00:40:06 UTC 2024 is the build date and time.

2. /proc/version file

You can also check the /proc/version file, which contains detailed kernel version information, including the build date and time.

cat /proc/version

Example output:

Linux version 6.8.0-31-generic (buildd@lcy02-amd64-080) (x86_64-linux-gnu-gcc-13 (Ubuntu 13.2.0-23ubuntu4) 13.2.0, GNU ld (GNU Binutils for Ubuntu) 2.42) #31-Ubuntu SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Sat Apr 20 00:40:06 UTC 2024