Microsoft has warned that Azure Linux 2.0, utilized in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) enabled by Azure Arc, will attain its finish of life on July 31, 2025, necessitating customers to improve. After this date, Microsoft will not present updates, safety patches, or assist for Azure Linux 2.0. The longer it’s used after this date, the extra susceptible methods will turn out to be resulting from an absence of patches.

Azure Linux 3.0 brings important upgrades to core elements that improve efficiency, safety, and the developer expertise. The Linux kernel is upgraded from model 5.15 to six.6, bringing efficiency and {hardware} compatibility enhancements. The Containerd package deal has been up to date from model 1.6.26 to 1.7.13, bettering container administration.

The SystemD package deal has been upgraded from model 250 to 255, streamlining system and repair administration, and OpenSSL has jumped from model 1.1.1k to three.3.0, offering enhanced encryption and safety. Azure Linux 3.0 additionally brings extra packages and higher tooling.

Main variations of Azure Linux are sometimes supported for 3 years, with Azure Linux 3.0’s EOL projected for Summer season 2027. It grew to become typically accessible in August 2024.Microsoft stated that customers should migrate to Azure Linux 3.0 by upgrading their Azure Native situations to the 2507 launch when it turns into accessible.

After the Azure Native occasion has been upgraded, customers can then improve their Kubernetes clusters. Microsoft provides you the choice to stay on the identical Kubernetes model throughout this improve by offering the identical model quantity on the aksarc improve command. After upgrading, you’ll be able to confirm the kernel model in your Linux nodes by adjusting the file path on this command: kubectl --kubeconfig /path/to/aks-cluster-kubeconfig get nodes -o huge

This improve is necessary for continued assist. If you wish to be taught extra, try Microsoft’s announcement which additionally contains find out how to attain out to the AKS Arc group if you could.