Operating System End-of-Life Dates: The 2025 Definitive List (Windows, Linux, macOS)
This is the single most important list in IT.
Running an end-of-life operating system isn’t just bad practice—it’s a massive, documented cybersecurity risk. It’s the easiest way to fail a compliance audit and a primary vector for ransomware attacks.
But with dozens of versions across Windows, Linux, and macOS, how can you possibly keep track?
You don’t have to. We’ve done it for you.
This is your master reference for 2025. Bookmark it, share it with your team, and use it to build your upgrade and migration calendars. Let’s avoid the last-minute panic.
Why EOL Matters: It’s Not a Suggestion
When an OS reaches its end-of-life date, the vendor stops issuing:
- Security Patches: No more fixes for critical vulnerabilities. Your system becomes a target.
- Bug Fixes: Stability issues and hardware incompatibilities will never be resolved.
- Technical Support: You cannot call Microsoft, Red Hat, or Apple for help.
Continuing to use an EOL OS is a calculated risk that most organizations cannot afford.
Windows & Windows Server End-of-Life Dates
| Product | Release Date | Mainstream Support End | End-of-Life (EOL) Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Oct 2021 | Oct 2027 | Oct 2028 | ✅ Supported |
| Windows 10 | Jul 2015 | Oct 2023 | 14 Oct 2025 | ⚠️ Urgent |
| Windows Server 2022 | Aug 2021 | Oct 2026 | Oct 2031 | ✅ Supported |
| Windows Server 2019 | Nov 2018 | Jan 2024 | Jan 2029 | ✅ Supported |
| Windows Server 2016 | Sep 2016 | Jan 2022 | 12 Jan 2027 | ✅ Supported |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 | Oct 2013 | Oct 2018 | 10 Oct 2023 | ❌ EOL |
Note for Windows Server 2012 R2: Extended Security Updates (ESUs) were available for purchase until October 2023. This option is now expired. Immediate migration is critical.
Linux Distribution End-of-Life Dates
Linux lifecycles vary greatly by distribution. LTS (Long-Term Support) versions are the enterprise standard.
| Distribution | Version | Release Date | End-of-Life (EOL) Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu LTS | 24.04 (Noble) | Apr 2024 | Apr 2029 | ✅ Supported |
| Ubuntu LTS | 22.04 (Jammy) | Apr 2022 | Apr 2027 | ✅ Supported |
| Ubuntu LTS | 20.04 (Focal) | Apr 2020 | Apr 2025 | ✅ Supported |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) | 9 | May 2022 | May 2032 | ✅ Supported |
| RHEL | 8 | May 2019 | May 2029 | ✅ Supported |
| RHEL | 7 | Jun 2014 | 30 Jun 2024 | ⚠️ Imminent |
| SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) | 15 SP5 | 2023 | Jul 2031 | ✅ Supported |
| Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux | 9 | 2022 | May 2032 | ✅ Supported |
Note for RHEL 7: The free EUS (Extended Update Support) equivalent for clones like Rocky Linux 7 ends on June 30, 2024. Plan your migration now.
macOS End-of-Life Dates
Apple doesn’t publish formal EOL dates, but a consistent pattern emerges based on their support history for major macOS versions.
| macOS Version | Release Date | Estimated End-of-Life (EOL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| macOS Sequoia | Sep 2024 | ~Nov 2026 | ✅ Future |
| macOS Sonoma | Sep 2023 | ~Nov 2025 | ✅ Supported |
| macOS Ventura | Oct 2022 | ~Nov 2024 | ✅ Supported |
| macOS Monterey | Oct 2021 | ~Nov 2023 | ❌ Likely EOL |
| macOS Big Sur | Nov 2020 | ~Nov 2022 | ❌ EOL |
- Apple Support Policy: Apple typically supports the current macOS version and the two previous versions with security updates. Once a new version is released in the fall, the oldest of the three effectively becomes EOL.
What to Do When Your OS Reaches EOL
- Upgrade In-Place: If your hardware supports it, upgrade to a newer version of the same OS.
- Migrate: Replace old systems with new ones running a supported OS. This is often the best option for aging hardware.
- Isolate and Segment: If you absolutely must run an EOL system (e.g., for legacy hardware), isolate it from the internet and other critical networks.
- Purchase Extended Support: For some products like Windows Server, vendors offer paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a limited time after EOL. This is a temporary, expensive bridge to migration, not a solution.
Conclusion: Don’t Be a Statistic
Proactive lifecycle management is a core function of IT. This list isn’t meant to scare you—it’s meant to empower you with the information you need to plan strategically.
Review your estate against these dates today. Build your project plans tomorrow.
Bookmark this page. We update it annually with the latest vendor announcements to keep you informed.
Need help planning your Windows Server migration? Our step-by-step guide on [migrating from Server 2012 R2 to Server 2022] covers the strategies and tools to make it seamless.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the difference between Mainstream Support and Extended Support?
A: Mainstream Support includes new feature requests, design changes, non-security updates, and warranty claims. Extended Support is typically a shorter period following Mainstream where only security updates are provided. For most organizations, the end of Extended Support is the true “drop-dead” date that requires action, as no further patches will be released.
Q: Is it safe to use Windows 10 after October 2025?
A: No. It will not be safe from a cybersecurity perspective. After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no release security updates for Windows 10. Any new vulnerabilities discovered after that date will remain unpatched on your system, making it a prime target for malware and automated attacks. Upgrading to Windows 11 or replacing the hardware is essential.**
Q: How long is Ubuntu LTS supported?
A: Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support) versions are supported for five years for standard deployments. However, for Ubuntu Pro subscribers, security coverage for the main repository can be extended for an additional five years, for a total of ten years of security updates. The five-year mark is the critical date for most users.**
Q: Where can I find official sources for these EOL dates?
A: Always consult the vendor’s official lifecycle pages for the most accurate and authoritative information.
- Microsoft: Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet | Windows Server FAQ
- Ubuntu: Ubuntu Release Cycle
- Red Hat: Red Hat Product Life Cycle
- Apple: While not published, macOS support is detailed in their security updates page.
