Ansible Version: Check, Upgrade & Compatibility Guide (2026)
By Luca Berton · Published 2024-01-01 · Category: installation
How to check your Ansible version, upgrade to the latest release, and understand version compatibility. ansible --version, ansible-core vs ansible package versioning explained.
Ansible Version: Check, Upgrade & Compatibility Guide (2026)
Understanding Ansible versioning is essential for compatibility, upgrading, and troubleshooting. This guide covers how to check your version, the dual-versioning system, and how to upgrade.
Check Your Ansible Version
Ansible Versioning: Two Packages
Since Ansible 2.10, there are two separate packages with different version numbers:
| Package | Current Version | Contains | |---------|----------------|----------| | ansible-core | 2.17.x | Core engine, built-in modules, CLI tools | | ansible (community package) | 10.x | ansible-core + 85+ community collections |
Version Mapping
| ansible (community) | ansible-core | Python Required | |---------------------|-------------|-----------------| | 11.x | 2.18.x | 3.11+ | | 10.x | 2.17.x | 3.10+ | | 9.x | 2.16.x | 3.10+ | | 8.x | 2.15.x | 3.9+ | | 7.x | 2.14.x | 3.9+ |
Upgrade Ansible
pip
pipx
apt (Ubuntu/Debian)
dnf (RHEL/Fedora)
Homebrew (macOS)
Check Version in Playbooks
Ansible Release Cycle • Major releases: Every ~6 months (ansible-core 2.15 → 2.16 → 2.17) • Maintenance releases: Bug fixes for 2 most recent major versions • Security fixes: For current + 1 previous major version • EOL: ~1 year after release
Current Support Status (2026)
| Version | Status | |---------|--------| | ansible-core 2.18 | Current (active development) | | ansible-core 2.17 | Maintained (bug fixes) | | ansible-core 2.16 | Security fixes only | | ansible-core 2.15 and older | End of Life |
Version-Specific Features
ansible-core 2.17 (2024) • Python 3.10+ required on controller • Improved ansible-galaxy performance • New ansible.builtin.include_role options
ansible-core 2.16 (2023) • Python 3.10+ required on controller • Ansible lint integration improvements • Enhanced error messages
Multiple Versions Side by Side
Use virtual environments for version isolation:
FAQ
What is the latest Ansible version?
As of 2026, the latest ansible-core is 2.18.x and the latest ansible community package is 11.x. Check the Ansible releases page for the most current version.
What is the difference between ansible and ansible-core versions?
ansible-core (2.17.x) is the engine with built-in modules. ansible (10.x) is the community package that bundles ansible-core with 85+ collections. They have different version numbers but are released together.
How do I check which ansible-core version I have?
Run ansible --version — it shows ansible [core 2.17.x] on the first line. Or run python3 -c "import ansible; print(ansible.__version__)".
How long is each Ansible version supported?
Each ansible-core major version receives bug fixes for ~12 months and security fixes for ~18 months. Only the 2 most recent major versions are actively maintained.
Can I run multiple Ansible versions on the same machine?
Yes. Use Python virtual environments (python3 -m venv) to install different versions in isolation. Activate the desired environment before running ansible commands.
Conclusion
Check your Ansible version with ansible --version, understand the dual-package system (ansible vs ansible-core), and keep your installation updated for security fixes and new features. Use virtual environments when you need multiple versions.
Related Articles • Install Ansible: Complete Guide for Every OS • What's New in Ansible • Ansible Release Lifecycle & Support
Category: installation