Ubuntu 16.04 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Ubuntu 16.04 reached end of life on 2 Apr 2021. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Ubuntu release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 21 Apr 2016 | — |
| End of life | 2 Apr 2021 | 5.4 years ago |
| Extended support ends | 2 Apr 2026 | over |
| Latest release | 16.04.7 · 13 Aug 2020 | final |
Where to go from 16.04
Recommended target: Ubuntu 26.04 (supported until 30 Apr 2031).
The newest actively supported branch is Ubuntu 26.04 (latest release 26.04).
Frequently asked questions
Is Ubuntu 16.04 still safe to use?
Ubuntu 16.04 reached end of life on 2 Apr 2021, 1,955 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download Ubuntu 16.04?
Yes — the final release (16.04.7) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Ubuntu 16.04 to?
Upgrade to Ubuntu 26.04, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 30 Apr 2031).