Ubuntu LTS end of support

This document provides an overview of the end of support (EOS) process for UbuntuLTS operating systems running on Google Cloud.

EOS versions

  • Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal): EOS onMay 31, 2025.
  • Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Bionic): EOS onMay 31, 2023.
  • Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial): EOS onApril 30, 2021.

How will this EOS impact my existing virtual machine (VM) instances

Your current VMs that are running the EOS versions are not affected. Afterthe EOS date, you can still start or stop your existing VMs that are using theseimages.

However, your projects might be at risk because you are runninga version of Ubuntu that is no longer receiving security updates.

What do I need to know

After this date, the following changes take effect:

  • EOS Ubuntu versions are still available but are marked as deprecated.
  • For your existing VMs, limited technical support is available through Google Cloud.

What do I need to do

  1. Review thelifecycle stage documentation.
  2. If you need to create VMs that use any of these EOS versions afterthe EOS date,make copies of the imagesthat are available in your projects.
  3. Evaluate and move your Compute Engine VMs to either Ubuntu 22.04 LTSor Ubuntu 24.04 LTS before the EOS date. In-place upgrades ofcloud images from LTS to LTS are supported by Canonical.For more information, see theCanonical upgrade documentation.

Additional information

To ensure continued support for your EOS Ubuntu LTS VMs on Compute Engine,consider the following options:

  • Get Extended Security Maintenance with an Ubuntu Advantage subscription from Canonical.

    Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) is provided to Ubuntu VMs that have anattachedUbuntu Advantage (UA) subscription. Canonical ESM for Ubuntu LTS provides at least three additionalyears of security patches.

  • ESM with Ubuntu Pro

    Google and Canonical are working together to simplify ESM enrollment forcontinuity of security coverage withUbuntu Pro on Compute Engine. This will ensure that you don't have to upgrade tonewer Ubuntu versions immediately.

    Ubuntu Pro is a premium image that is nowavailableon Compute Engine. Premium images incur additional license fees to run onCompute Engine. Upgrading to Ubuntu Pro enables ESM for new UbuntuPro LTS VMs with hourly billing as an alternative to an annual UAsubscription. For information about how to upgrade to Ubuntu Pro, seeUpgradefrom Ubuntu to Ubuntu Pro.

What's next

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Last updated 2026-02-18 UTC.