---
name: "osinfo-detect"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "libosinfo"
version: "1.12.0-3"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/osinfo-detect"
---

# osinfo-detect(1)

Detect the operating system on installable media or trees

## NAME

osinfo-detect - Detect the operating system on installable media or trees

## SYNOPSIS

osinfo-detect \[OPTIONS...\] PATH\|URI

## DESCRIPTION

Examine the `"PATH"` or `"URI"` to determine what (if any) operating system it is for, and whether it is installable or is a Live image. By default `"PATH"` or `"URI"` will be interpreted as pointing to ISO media. To request examination of an install tree instead, the option **--type=tree** should be given.

The output information is formatted for humans;

## OPTIONS

- **--format=plain**

  - **--type=media\|tree**

  Switch between looking for CD/DVD ISO media (**media**, the default) or install trees (**tree**)

- **--all**

  Report all operating systems with matching media, instead of only the first match.

## EXIT STATUS

The exit status will be 0 if an operating system was detected, or 1 if none was found.

## AUTHORS

Zeeshan Ali (Khattak) \<zeeshanak@gnome.org\>, Daniel P. Berrange \<berrange@redhat.com\>

## COPYRIGHT

Copyright (C) 2011-2012 Red Hat, Inc.

## LICENSE

`"osinfo-detect"` is distributed under the termsof the GNU LGPL v2 license. This is free software; see the source for copying conditions. There is NO warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE