Azure Kubernetes Service 1.26 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Azure Kubernetes Service 1.26 reached end of life on 11 Apr 2024. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Azure Kubernetes Service release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 18 Apr 2023 | — |
| End of life | 11 Apr 2024 | 2.3 years ago |
| Latest release | — | final |
Where to go from 1.26
Recommended target: Azure Kubernetes Service 1.36 (supported until 30 Jun 2027).
The newest actively supported branch is Azure Kubernetes Service 1.36 (latest release ).
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Kubernetes Service 1.26 still safe to use?
Azure Kubernetes Service 1.26 reached end of life on 11 Apr 2024, 850 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download Azure Kubernetes Service 1.26?
Yes — the final release (1.26) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Azure Kubernetes Service 1.26 to?
Upgrade to Azure Kubernetes Service 1.36, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 30 Jun 2027).