AlmaLinux Version Timeline and Lifecycle
This page is a lifecycle quick reference for each major AlmaLinux version, making it easy to determine whether a version is still supported and when maintenance ends. For detailed release notes of each minor version (codename, kernel, changes, etc.), see Release History.
Currently Active Versions
| Major Version | Latest Minor | First Release | Kernel | Based On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlmaLinux 10 | 10.2 | May 2025 GA | 6.12 | RHEL 10 |
| AlmaLinux 9 | 9.8 | Since May 2022 | 5.14 | RHEL 9 |
| AlmaLinux 8 | 8.10 (final) | Since March 2021 | 4.18 | RHEL 8 |
Note
AlmaLinux 8 has released its final minor version, 8.10. There will be no new minor-version feature updates, but it remains in the security maintenance phase (see the table below).
Lifecycle Quick Reference
Each major version provides about 10 years of support, divided into two phases: "active (full) support" and "security support."
| Major Version | Release | End of Active (Full) Support | End of Security Support | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlmaLinux 10 | 2025-05 | 2030-05-31 | 2035-05-31 | 🟢 Active |
| AlmaLinux 9 | 2022-05 | 2027-05-31 | 2032-05-31 | 🟢 Active |
| AlmaLinux 8 | 2021-03 | 2024-05-31 (ended) | 2029-05-31 | 🟡 Maintenance |
- Active (full) support: provides new features, hardware support updates, and bug fixes.
- Security support: provides only security updates and critical fixes; it is advisable to plan an upgrade during this phase.
- Maintenance status: indicates the version has entered the security-only maintenance phase.
Comparison with RHEL / CentOS
AlmaLinux follows RHEL minor releases, roughly on a cadence of one minor update each in May and November every year. Regarding CentOS:
- CentOS Linux 7 reached EOL (end of maintenance) on 2024-06-30.
- CentOS Linux 8 reached EOL on 2021-12-31.
- Red Hat now maintains only CentOS Stream, which is the upstream (rolling) distribution for RHEL — positioned differently from AlmaLinux (a downstream RHEL stable version).
Still using CentOS?
CentOS Linux 7/8 have both stopped receiving security updates, and running them carries security risk. Please migrate as soon as possible; for migration options, see Migration Hub.
Which Version Should I Choose
- Fresh deployments: prefer AlmaLinux 10 — newer kernel and toolchain, longest support period (until 2035).
- Need a more mature ecosystem: if the third-party software, drivers, or cloud images you depend on are not yet fully adapted to EL10, choose AlmaLinux 9, which is also under active support (until 2032).
- Existing AlmaLinux 8 systems: in the security maintenance phase; plan an upgrade to 9 or 10. You can use ELevate for an in-place upgrade, or consider a fresh installation when the gap is large.
- Migrating from CentOS: see Migration Hub, and choose an ELevate in-place migration or a fresh installation based on the source system version.
How do I check my current version?
cat /etc/almalinux-release
# e.g.: AlmaLinux release 10.2 (Lavender Lion)Related Links
- Release History — full release notes for each minor version
- FAQ — version selection, migration, and everyday usage questions
- Migration Hub — migrating from CentOS / RHEL / other systems
