Linux Kernel end-of-life: support & EOL dates for every release
Linux · Operating System · 6 supported · 28 end-of-life · updated June 2026 · what is end-of-life? →
This is when each Linux Kernel release line stops receiving security updates. 6 release lines are still supported — the next to reach end-of-life is Linux Kernel 5.15 on 31 Dec 2026. Running an end-of-life version means new vulnerabilities stay unpatched.
Linux Kernel support timeline
Each release line and the date it reaches end-of-life — newest first.
| Release | Latest version | End-of-life | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux Kernel 6.18 | 6.18.35 | 31 Dec 2028 · in 30 mo | Supported |
| Linux Kernel 6.12 | 6.12.93 | 31 Dec 2028 · in 30 mo | Supported |
| Linux Kernel 6.6 | 6.6.142 | 31 Dec 2027 · in 18 mo | Supported |
| Linux Kernel 6.1 | 6.1.175 | 31 Dec 2027 · in 18 mo | Supported |
| Linux Kernel 5.15 | 5.15.209 | 31 Dec 2026 · in 6 mo | Supported |
| Linux Kernel 5.10 | 5.10.258 | 31 Dec 2026 · in 6 mo | Supported |
| Linux Kernel 6.19 | 6.19.14 | 22 Apr 2026 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.17 | 6.17.13 | 18 Dec 2025 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.4 | 5.4.302 | 3 Dec 2025 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.16 | 6.16.12 | 12 Oct 2025 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.15 | 6.15.11 | 20 Aug 2025 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.14 | 6.14.11 | 10 Jun 2025 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.13 | 6.13.12 | 20 Apr 2025 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.11 | 6.11.11 | 5 Dec 2024 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 4.19 | 4.19.325 | 5 Dec 2024 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.10 | 6.10.14 | 10 Oct 2024 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.9 | 6.9.12 | 27 Jul 2024 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.8 | 6.8.12 | 30 May 2024 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.7 | 6.7.12 | 3 Apr 2024 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 4.14 | 4.14.336 | 10 Jan 2024 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.5 | 6.5.13 | 28 Nov 2023 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.4 | 6.4.16 | 13 Sept 2023 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.3 | 6.3.13 | 11 Jul 2023 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.2 | 6.2.16 | 17 May 2023 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 6.0 | 6.0.19 | 12 Jan 2023 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 4.9 | 4.9.337 | 7 Jan 2023 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.19 | 5.19.17 | 24 Oct 2022 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.18 | 5.18.19 | 21 Aug 2022 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.17 | 5.17.15 | 14 Jun 2022 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.16 | 5.16.20 | 13 Apr 2022 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.14 | 5.14.21 | 21 Nov 2021 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.13 | 5.13.19 | 18 Sept 2021 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.12 | 5.12.19 | 20 Jul 2021 | End of life |
| Linux Kernel 5.11 | 5.11.22 | 19 May 2021 | End of life |
Which Linux Kernel version should I run?
The safest choice is the latest supported release, 7.1. If you're on an end-of-life line, plan an upgrade to a supported one before security updates stop. See Linux Kernel's full security status →
Get warned before Linux Kernel reaches end-of-life
End-of-life dates are easy to miss until it's too late. Monitor Linux Kernel on IsItPatched and we'll email you before the release line you run stops getting security updates — free, no account needed to start.
Linux Kernel end-of-life — frequently asked
What Linux Kernel versions are still supported?
As of June 2026, these Linux Kernel release lines still receive security updates: 6.18, 6.12, 6.6, 6.1, 5.15, 5.10. The latest supported release is 7.1. Versions older than these (6.19, 6.17, 5.4, 6.16, 6.15, 6.14, 6.13, 6.11, 4.19, 6.10, 6.9, 6.8, 6.7, 4.14, 6.5, 6.4, 6.3, 6.2, 6.0, 4.9, 5.19, 5.18, 5.17, 5.16, 5.14, 5.13, 5.12, 5.11) are end-of-life and no longer patched.
When does Linux Kernel 5.15 reach end of life?
Linux Kernel 5.15 reaches end-of-life on 31 Dec 2026 — about 6 months away. After that date it stops receiving security patches.
Is Linux Kernel end-of-life?
No — Linux Kernel still has supported release lines (6.18, 6.12, 6.6, 6.1, 5.15, 5.10). But individual older versions are end-of-life, so what matters is the specific version you run.
How do I know when my Linux Kernel version reaches end of life?
Check the version you run on its product page, or monitor Linux Kernel on IsItPatched to get an email alert before the release line you use reaches end-of-life — so you can upgrade in time.
EOL dates aggregated from endoflife.date and vendor sources, and can change — always confirm with Linux. See related: Linux Kernel security status · full EOL calendar · what is end-of-life software? · disclaimer.