Kubernetes 1.21 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Kubernetes 1.21 reached end of life on 28 Jun 2022. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Kubernetes release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 8 Apr 2021 | — |
| End of life | 28 Jun 2022 | 4.1 years ago |
| Active support ended | 28 Apr 2022 | security fixes only after this |
| Latest release | 1.21.14 · 15 Jun 2022 | final |
Where to go from 1.21
Recommended target: Kubernetes 1.36 (supported until 28 Jun 2027).
The newest actively supported branch is Kubernetes 1.36 (latest release 1.36.3).
Frequently asked questions
Is Kubernetes 1.21 still safe to use?
Kubernetes 1.21 reached end of life on 28 Jun 2022, 1,503 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download Kubernetes 1.21?
Yes — the final release (1.21.14) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Kubernetes 1.21 to?
Upgrade to Kubernetes 1.36, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 28 Jun 2027).