Google Kubernetes Engine 1.21 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Google Kubernetes Engine 1.21 reached end of life on 31 Jan 2023. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Google Kubernetes Engine release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 1 Oct 2021 | — |
| End of life | 31 Jan 2023 | 3.5 years ago |
| Active support ended | 1 Nov 2022 | security fixes only after this |
| Latest release | 1.21.14-gke.18800 · 22 Mar 2023 | final |
Where to go from 1.21
Recommended target: Google Kubernetes Engine 1.36 (supported until 9 Aug 2027).
The newest actively supported branch is Google Kubernetes Engine 1.36 (latest release 1.36.2-gke.2281000).
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Kubernetes Engine 1.21 still safe to use?
Google Kubernetes Engine 1.21 reached end of life on 31 Jan 2023, 1,286 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download Google Kubernetes Engine 1.21?
Yes — the final release (1.21.14-gke.18800) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Google Kubernetes Engine 1.21 to?
Upgrade to Google Kubernetes Engine 1.36, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 9 Aug 2027).