Keeping your Drupal website up to date is not just a technical task—it’s a critical part of maintaining security, performance, and long-term sustainability. As Drupal continues to evolve, understanding version timelines and support periods helps organizations avoid unexpected risks, costly upgrades, and service disruptions.

If your website is currently running on Drupal 10 or an older version, now is the right time to review what’s coming next and plan ahead.

Drupal 10 will officially reach its end of life on December 9, 2026. After this date, it will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or community support.

Drupal has also announced that Drupal 12 is expected to have its first stable release in mid to late 2026, with possible release windows in June, August, or December 2026. Until Drupal 12 becomes fully stable, Drupal 11 will continue to be supported, giving users flexibility when planning upgrades.

This overlap allows organizations to transition at a steady pace rather than rushing into major redevelopment.

Waiting until a Drupal version reaches end of life can create unnecessary risks and costs. Unsupported websites are more vulnerable to security threats and may experience compatibility issues with hosting providers, PHP versions, and third-party integrations.

Planning your upgrade early helps you:
- Maintain a secure and stable website
- Avoid rushed and expensive migrations
- Reduce downtime and operational disruptions
- Align upgrades with your business goals and budget

Still Using an Older Drupal Version? Here’s What to Do...

Drupal 7 officially reached its end of life on January 5, 2025. This means there are no more security patches or core updates. Websites still running on Drupal 7 are at higher risk of security breaches and system failures.

If your site is still on Drupal 7, upgrading should be a top priority.

Drupal 8 and earlier versions are also no longer supported. Staying on these versions can lead to:
- Security vulnerabilities
- Broken integrations and outdated modules
- Increased maintenance costs over time

Now is the ideal time to plan a move to Drupal 10 or Drupal 11, depending on your site’s complexity and long-term roadmap.

Upgrading doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A structured approach can make the process much easier:
1. Audit your current website: Review your Drupal version, modules, themes, and custom code.

2. Check compatibility: Identify which modules and themes are ready for newer Drupal versions and which need updates or replacements.

3. Plan your upgrade path: Older sites may require phased upgrades instead of a single jump.

4. Allocate time and budget early: Early planning helps avoid last-minute costs and rushed decisions.

5. Test before launch: Use a staging environment to ensure everything works as expected.

Future-Proofing Your Drupal Website
A Drupal upgrade is more than just a technical requirement—it’s an opportunity to improve performance, strengthen security, and modernize your website. By planning ahead, organizations can turn an upgrade into a strategic investment rather than an emergency fix.

If you’re unsure where to start, now is the best time to review your Drupal roadmap and prepare for what’s next.

Staying informed about Drupal’s release and end-of-life timelines is essential for keeping your website secure, stable, and future-ready. Whether you’re currently on Drupal 10 or still running an older version, early planning gives you the flexibility to upgrade smoothly and avoid unnecessary risks.

Visit our website to learn more about Drupal upgrades, maintenance, and support, and discover how we can help you plan your next move with confidence:
https://glimsol.com/cms-expertise/drupal
https://glimsol.com/web-services/website-maintenance