Proxmox 7 is no longer supported. Its official security support ended on July 31, 2024. From its release date on July 6, 2021, Proxmox 7 received support for approximately 3 years and 25 days.
This means that systems running Proxmox 7 will no longer receive critical security updates, bug fixes, or new feature enhancements. Continuing to operate unsupported software can expose your infrastructure to significant security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
To provide a clearer overview of the Proxmox VE release lifecycle, including its support timelines, refer to the table below:
Proxmox VE Release Lifecycle
| Release | Released Date | Security Support End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | July 6, 2021 | July 31, 2024 |
| 6 | July 16, 2019 | September 30, 2022 |
| 5 | July 4, 2017 | July 31, 2020 |
| 4 | October 6, 2015 | June 30, 2018 |
For detailed and up-to-date information on Proxmox VE support cycles, you can always consult dedicated end-of-life tracking resources like endoflife.date.
Why End-of-Life Status Matters
Running an unsupported version of Proxmox VE carries several significant risks:
- Security Vulnerabilities: Without regular security updates, newly discovered exploits and weaknesses in the software will not be patched, leaving your server vulnerable to attacks.
- Lack of Bug Fixes: Any bugs or performance issues discovered after the end-of-life date will not be addressed, potentially leading to system instability or data corruption.
- Compatibility Issues: Newer hardware or software components may not be compatible with older, unsupported versions, limiting your upgrade options and potential integrations.
- No Technical Support: Official support channels, forums, and communities may have limited or no resources available for unsupported versions, making it difficult to troubleshoot issues.
- Compliance Risks: Many industry regulations and certifications require software to be actively supported and receive security patches, putting your compliance at risk.
Recommendations for Proxmox VE Users
To maintain a secure, stable, and high-performing virtual environment, it is strongly recommended to:
- Upgrade to a Supported Version: Plan and execute an upgrade to the latest stable and actively supported version of Proxmox VE. This ensures you receive all critical updates and benefit from new features.
- Backup Your Data: Before any major upgrade, always perform comprehensive backups of your virtual machines and Proxmox configuration.
- Consult Official Documentation: Refer to the official Proxmox VE documentation for detailed upgrade guides and best practices tailored to your current version and desired target version.
