Last updated: June 2026
How to Check IBM i (AS400) OS Version
If you need to check the version of IBM i installed on your system, there are two common methods. The best method is DSPPTF. A useful fallback method is DSPJOB OUTPUT(*PRINT). This guide shows both.
IBM i is the current name for the operating system. Many people still call it OS/400, iSeries, or AS400.
Quick answer
- Use DSPPTF if you have access to it
- Use DSPJOB OUTPUT(*PRINT) if you need a method that usually works with lower authority
- Look for a value such as V7R4M0
This means:
- V = Version
- R = Release
- M = Modification level
For example, V5R4M0 means Version 5, Release 4, Modification 0.
Method 1: Use DSPJOB OUTPUT(*PRINT)
This method creates a spool file with details about your current interactive job. Near the top of the report you will usually see the operating system version.
From a command line, type:
DSPJOB OUTPUT(*PRINT)Press Enter. Then open the spool file that is created.
In the example above, the second block of characters on the top line shows the installed operating system version. In this case it is V5R4M0.
This method is useful because it often works with minimal access rights. It is a good fallback option when DSPPTF is not available to you.
Method 2: Use DSPPTF (recommended)
DSPPTF means Display Program Temporary Fix. This is usually the best way to check the IBM i version because it gives a clearer view of the release level and installed updates.
From a command line, type:
DSPPTFPress Enter. The release level shown in the output tells you which IBM i version is installed.
In the example above, the machine is running Version 7 Release 1 Modification 0, written as V7R1M0.
If you have access to this command, use this method first.
How to Find the Tech Refresh (TR) Level
Tech Refresh, often shortened to TR, is IBM’s way of delivering new features between major IBM i releases. This matters because two systems can be on the same IBM i version but still have different features if they are on different TR levels.
To check the Tech Refresh level, use:
DSPPTF 5770999Then page through the results and look for the highest PTF beginning MF99.
In this example, the system has IBM i 7.1 Tech Refresh 9 installed. Lower Tech Refresh levels shown underneath were installed previously.
If you need more detail, see my related guide on how to find the Tech Refresh level on IBM i.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Command | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended method | DSPPTF | Most accurate way to check IBM i version |
| Fallback method | DSPJOB OUTPUT(*PRINT) | Useful when access rights are limited |
How to check DB2 version in AS400
On IBM i, Db2 for i is built into the operating system. It is not normally installed as a separate product. That means the key thing to check is the IBM i operating system version rather than a separate Db2 version number.
If you want to understand cross-platform differences, IBM has published a guide to SQL reference for cross-platform development.
What is the latest version of AS400?
Strictly speaking, AS/400 is the old hardware name, not the current product name. IBM later used names such as iSeries and now uses IBM i for the operating system running on IBM Power Systems.
As of 2026, the latest release is IBM i 7.6, which IBM shipped in 2025. IBM i 7.5 and 7.4 are also still supported, although standard support for 7.4 ends on 30 September 2026. Older releases such as 7.3 and 7.2 are now in their final extended-support phase, so if you are running one of those it is worth planning an upgrade.
Many people still search for terms such as “latest AS400 version”, but in practice they usually mean the latest IBM i release. You can find more background in my introduction to IBM i and AS400 and my IBM i command cheat sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Is OS/400 the same as IBM i?
Yes, in everyday use people often mean the same platform. The name has changed over time, but many administrators still use the older names.
What does V7R4M0 mean?
It means Version 7, Release 4, Modification 0.
Why check the Tech Refresh level as well?
Because some features are added through Tech Refresh updates rather than through a full new operating system release.
Which command needs fewer permissions?
DSPJOB OUTPUT(*PRINT) is often the better choice when access rights are limited.
Summary
The best way to check the installed IBM i version is usually DSPPTF. If you need a simpler fallback, use DSPJOB OUTPUT(*PRINT). If you also need to know whether a feature is available, check the Tech Refresh level as well.
a better way to display OS version on iSeries: DSPPTF.