ST-2026-252 · SDKs & toolchains
GitHub Actions moves ubuntu-latest from Ubuntu 24.04 to 26.04
GitHub made the Ubuntu 26.04 hosted-runner image generally available and will gradually move ubuntu-latest from Ubuntu 24.04 to 26.04 between 19 October and 19 November 2026.
Previous state
The ubuntu-latest hosted-runner label resolves to Ubuntu 24.04.
Current state
During the 19 October–19 November 2026 rollout, ubuntu-latest will gradually resolve to Ubuntu 26.04 on x64 and arm64 hosted runners.
Affected users
Who needs to care
GitHub Actions workflows that use ubuntu-latest and depend on tools, packages or versions changed or removed in Ubuntu 26.04.
Required response
What to do
Test affected workflows on ubuntu-26.04 and pin ubuntu-24.04 temporarily where migration readiness requires it.
Evidence boundary
What the source does not prove
GitHub proves general availability and the gradual alias-migration window. It does not mean the migration is already complete or establish a general Ubuntu operating-system lifecycle event.
Lifecycle history
Dated event sequence
- Ubuntu 26.04 generally available
GitHub announced full production support and the alias-migration window.
- Migration begins
The ubuntu-latest alias starts moving gradually from 24.04 to 26.04.
- Migration window ends
GitHub's announced gradual migration window ends.
Evidence ledger
First-party sources
- 01GitHub Changelog — Ubuntu 26 generally available and latest migration
Official GitHub Actions hosted-runner lifecycle authority · 2026-09-17
Open official source ↗ - 02GitHub Actions Runner Images — Ubuntu 26.04 migration tracking issue
Official GitHub runner-image rollout authority · 2026-09-17
Open official source ↗