Question 1

What happens when Github Actions Runner Images reaches end of life?

Accepted Answer

When Github Actions Runner Images reaches end of life, it stops receiving security patches, bug fixes, and new features. Currently, 3 Github Actions Runner Images versions are already EOL. The latest supported version is Github Actions Runner Images macos-26. Running an EOL version exposes your systems to unpatched security vulnerabilities with no official fix available.

Question 2

Is Github Actions Runner Images macos-26 still supported?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Github Actions Runner Images macos-26 is actively supported. It receives security patches and bug fixes. Check the version table above for the full list of supported Github Actions Runner Images releases and their exact end-of-life dates.

Question 3

Is it safe to use Github Actions Runner Images after end of life?

Accepted Answer

No. Running Github Actions Runner Images 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 Github Actions Runner Images release.

Question 4

How to upgrade from Github Actions Runner Images macos-13 to Github Actions Runner Images macos-26.x?

Accepted Answer

To upgrade Github Actions Runner Images from macos-13 to macos-26: (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 Github Actions Runner Images LTS version?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

How long does Github Actions Runner Images support each version?

Accepted Answer

On average, Github Actions Runner Images supports each release for approximately 37 months (~3.1 years).  The exact EOL date for each version is listed in the table above.

Github Actions Runner Images End of Life Dates

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Frequently Asked Questions

Version	Released	Active support	EOL date	Until EOL	Latest	CVEs	Status
macos-26	Feb 26, 2026	—	No	—	—	—	Active
macos-26-arm64	Feb 26, 2026	—	No	—	—	—	Active
windows-2025	Apr 10, 2025	—	No	—	—	—	Active
macos-15-arm64	Apr 10, 2025	—	No	—	—	—	Active
macos-15	Apr 10, 2025	—	No	—	—	—	Active
ubuntu-24.04	May 14, 2024	—	No	—	—	—	Active
macos-14-arm64	Apr 1, 2024	Jul 6, 2026	Nov 2, 2026	in 146d	—	—	Active
macos-14	Apr 1, 2024	Jul 6, 2026	Nov 2, 2026	in 146d	—	—	Active
macos-13	Apr 24, 2023	Sep 19, 2025	Dec 4, 2025	187d ago	—	—	EOL
ubuntu-22.04	Aug 9, 2022	—	No	—	—	—	Active
macos-12	Jun 13, 2022	Oct 7, 2024	Dec 3, 2024	553d ago	—	—	EOL
windows-2022	Nov 16, 2021	—	No	—	—	—	Active
ubuntu-20.04	Jun 2, 2020	Jan 15, 2025	Apr 15, 2025	420d ago	—	—	EOL