Question 1

What happens when Docker Engine reaches end of life?

Accepted Answer

When Docker Engine reaches end of life, it stops receiving security patches, bug fixes, and new features. Currently, 23 Docker Engine versions are already EOL. The latest supported version is Docker Engine 29. Running an EOL version exposes your systems to unpatched security vulnerabilities with no official fix available.

Question 2

Is Docker Engine 29 still supported?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Docker Engine 29 is actively supported. It receives security patches and bug fixes. Check the version table above for the full list of supported Docker Engine releases and their exact end-of-life dates.

Question 3

Is it safe to use Docker Engine after end of life?

Accepted Answer

No. Running Docker Engine after EOL is not safe for production systems. Once a version reaches end of life, newly discovered CVEs are published publicly but never patched — leaving your systems permanently exposed. The only safe path is upgrading to an actively supported Docker Engine release.

Question 4

How to upgrade from Docker Engine 23.0 to Docker Engine 29.x?

Accepted Answer

To upgrade Docker Engine from 23.0 to 29: (1) review the official migration guide for breaking changes, (2) test your application against the new version in a staging environment, (3) update dependencies that have version constraints, (4) run your full test suite, (5) deploy with a rollback plan. The earlier you start, the more time you have to resolve compatibility issues before EOL.

Question 5

When is the next Docker Engine LTS version?

Accepted Answer

Not all Docker Engine releases have a designated LTS status. Check the version table above — LTS releases are marked with an "LTS" badge. Refer to the official Docker Engine release policy for information on upcoming long-term support versions.

Question 6

How long does Docker Engine support each version?

Accepted Answer

On average, Docker Engine supports each release for approximately 7 months (~0.6 years).  The exact EOL date for each version is listed in the table above.

Version	Released	Active support	EOL date	Until EOL	Latest	CVEs	Status
29	Nov 10, 2025	—	No	—	29.5.2	—	Active
28	Feb 20, 2025	—	No	—	28.5.2	—	Active
27	Jun 25, 2024	—	May 3, 2025	402d ago	27.5.1	—	EOL
26.1	Apr 22, 2024	—	Feb 17, 2025	477d ago	26.1.5	—	EOL
26.0	Mar 20, 2024	—	Jun 8, 2024	731d ago	26.0.2	—	EOL
25.0	Jan 19, 2024	—	No	—	25.0.16	—	Active
24.0	May 16, 2023	—	Jun 8, 2024	731d ago	24.0.9	—	EOL
23.0	Feb 2, 2023	—	May 19, 2025	386d ago	23.0.18	—	EOL
20.10	Dec 9, 2020	—	Dec 10, 2023	912d ago	20.10.27	—	EOL
19.03	Jul 22, 2019	—	Jan 8, 2021	1978d ago	19.03.15	—	EOL
18.09	Nov 8, 2018	—	Aug 22, 2019	2483d ago	18.09.9	—	EOL
18.06	Jul 18, 2018	—	Dec 8, 2018	2740d ago	18.06.3	—	EOL
18.05	Apr 25, 2018	—	Aug 18, 2018	2852d ago	18.05.0	—	EOL
18.04	Mar 27, 2018	—	Jun 9, 2018	2922d ago	18.04.0	—	EOL
18.03	Mar 14, 2018	—	May 10, 2018	2952d ago	18.03.1	—	EOL
18.02	Jan 26, 2018	—	Apr 21, 2018	2971d ago	18.02.0	—	EOL
17.12	Dec 15, 2017	—	Feb 10, 2018	3041d ago	17.12.1	—	EOL
18.01	Dec 12, 2017	—	Mar 7, 2018	3016d ago	18.01.0	—	EOL
17.11	Nov 17, 2017	—	Jan 27, 2018	3055d ago	17.11.0	—	EOL
17.10	Oct 13, 2017	—	Dec 20, 2017	3093d ago	17.10.0	—	EOL
17.09	Sep 22, 2017	—	Nov 17, 2017	3126d ago	17.09.1	—	EOL
17.07	Aug 28, 2017	—	Oct 26, 2017	3148d ago	17.07.0	—	EOL
17.06	Jun 20, 2017	—	Sep 29, 2017	3175d ago	17.06.2	—	EOL
17.05	May 4, 2017	—	Jul 28, 2017	3238d ago	17.05.0	—	EOL
17.04	Apr 3, 2017	—	Jun 4, 2017	3292d ago	17.04.0	—	EOL
17.03	Feb 23, 2017	—	May 5, 2017	3322d ago	17.03.2	—	EOL

Docker Engine End of Life Dates

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