EKS Versions and End of Support Timeline
Amazon EKS ensures reliable backing for a minimum of four operational Kubernetes editions concurrently. Each Kubernetes iteration receives comprehensive assistance on EKS for 14 months following its initial debut on the Amazon platform.
| EKS Version | Release Date | End of Support | Changelog |
|---|---|---|---|
Reasons why you might need to upgrade the Kubernetes version in your AWS EKS cluster
Security
Patching vulnerabilities: New Kubernetes versions routinely address security vulnerabilities discovered in the previous version. Upgrading ensures your cluster stays protected against known exploits and potential threats.
Enhanced security features: Newer versions often introduce new security features and integrations with security services like AWS Key Management Service (KMS) or Secrets Manager.
Stability and Performance
Bug fixes and performance improvements: Each new version typically includes bug fixes and performance improvements that enhance the overall stability and reliability of your Kubernetes cluster.
Feature access: Newer versions typically introduce new features and functionalities that can improve your workflow and application operations.
Maintaining Support
Standard support duration: Kubernetes versions have a limited standard support period in EKS, typically 14 months after release. Upgrading ensures you remain within the supported window and receive technical assistance from AWS.
Avoiding auto-upgrades: Clusters using unsupported versions eventually auto-upgrade to the oldest currently supported version, which might not be ideal for your deployment.
Additionally
Compliance requirements: If your organization needs to comply with specific regulations or internal policies, upgrading to a specific Kubernetes version might be mandatory.
Integration with newer tools and services: Newer Kubernetes versions may be required for seamless integration with newer tools, services, and libraries for container management and application deployment.
How to check your EKS Kubernetes version
AWS Console
Step 1: Open the Amazon EKS Console
Navigate to https://console.aws.amazon.com/eks/home#/clusters in your web browser, also select the region where your EKS is located. You’ll need to be logged in to your AWS account with access to the desired EKS cluster.
Step 2: Select your EKS Cluster
Locate the cluster you want to check the version for in the list of clusters on the main page. In the list, you can see the column “Kubernetes version”. From this column, you can see the Kubernetes version of your cluster. Or click on the cluster name to open its details page.
Step 3: View the Platform Version
Once you’re on the cluster’s details page, look for the “Cluster info” section. Within this section, you’ll find a key titled “Kubernetes version” displaying the current Kubernetes version running on your EKS.(eg. 1.23)
Using kubectl (requires access to the cluster)
1) Connect to your EKS cluster: If you haven’t already, run kubectl get nodes to ensure you’re connected.
2) Check the control plane version: Use kubectl version to display the Kubernetes version information for the control plane.
3) Check individual node versions (optional): Use this to view the Kubernetes version running on each worker node in your cluster.
kubectl get nodes -o wide
Using the AWS CLI (requires AWS CLI configuration):
1) Run the command: Use this to retrieve information about your EKS cluster.
 aws eks describe-cluster –name <cluster-name> –region <region>
2) Parse the output: Look for the key “kubernetesVersion” within the returned JSON data. This value indicates the Kubernetes version running on your control plane.
Streamline Your Upgrade Process
- Expert Consulting: Our expert team offers personalized advice on the most efficient and secure way to upgrade your EKS cluster.
- End-to-End Support: From planning to implementation, we provide comprehensive support throughout the upgrade process.
- Performance Optimization: We ensure your cluster is optimized for performance and efficiency with the latest updates.
- Security Assurance: We prioritize securing your cluster with the latest patches and security enhancements.
- Compliance and Integration: Emvigo helps you stay compliant with regulations and seamlessly integrates newer tools and services.
EKS Versions and End of Support Timeline
Amazon EKS ensures reliable backing for a minimum of four operational Kubernetes editions concurrently. Each Kubernetes iteration receives comprehensive assistance on EKS for 14 months following its initial debut on the Amazon platform.
| EKS Version | Release Date | End of Support | Changelog |
|---|---|---|---|
Reasons why you might need to upgrade the Kubernetes version in your AWS EKS cluster
- Security
Patching vulnerabilities: New Kubernetes versions routinely address security vulnerabilities discovered in the previous version. Upgrading ensures your cluster stays protected against known exploits and potential threats.
Enhanced security features: Newer versions often introduce new security features and integrations with security services like AWS Key Management Service (KMS) or Secrets Manager.
- Stability and Performance:
Bug fixes and performance improvements: Each new version typically includes bug fixes and performance improvements that enhance the overall stability and reliability of your Kubernetes cluster.
Feature access: Newer versions typically introduce new features and functionalities that can improve your workflow and application operations.
- Maintaining Support:
Standard support duration: Kubernetes versions have a limited standard support period in EKS, typically 14 months after release. Upgrading ensures you remain within the supported window and receive technical assistance from AWS.
Avoiding auto-upgrades: Clusters using unsupported versions eventually auto-upgrade to the oldest currently supported version, which might not be ideal for your deployment.
- Additionally:
Compliance requirements: If your organization needs to comply with specific regulations or internal policies, upgrading to a specific Kubernetes version might be mandatory.
Integration with newer tools and services: Newer Kubernetes versions may be required for seamless integration with newer tools, services, and libraries for container management and application deployment.
How to check your EKS Kubernetes version
AWS Console
Step 1: Open the Amazon EKS Console
Navigate to https://console.aws.amazon.com/eks/home#/clusters in your web browser, also select the region where your EKS is located. You’ll need to be logged in to your AWS account with access to the desired EKS cluster.
Step 2: Select your EKS Cluster
Locate the cluster you want to check the version for in the list of clusters on the main page. In the list, you can see the column “Kubernetes version”. From this column, you can see the Kubernetes version of your cluster. Or click on the cluster name to open its details page.
Step 3: View the Platform Version
Once you’re on the cluster’s details page, look for the “Cluster info” section. Within this section, you’ll find a key titled “Kubernetes version” displaying the current Kubernetes version running on your EKS.(eg. 1.23)
Using kubectl (requires access to the cluster)
- Connect to your EKS cluster: If you haven’t already, run kubectl get nodes to ensure you’re connected.
- Check the control plane version: Use kubectl version to display the Kubernetes version information for the control plane.
- Check individual node versions (optional): Use this to view the Kubernetes version running on each worker node in your cluster.
kubectl get nodes -o wide
Using the AWS CLI (requires AWS CLI configuration)
- Run the command: Use this to retrieve information about your EKS cluster.
 aws eks describe-cluster –name <cluster-name> –region <region>
- Parse the output: Look for the key “kubernetesVersion” within the returned JSON data. This value indicates the Kubernetes version running on your control plane.
Streamline Your Upgrade Process
We are committed to simplifying the process of upgrading your EKS cluster to the latest Kubernetes version. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Expert Consulting: Our expert team offers personalized advice on the most efficient and secure way to upgrade your EKS cluster.
- End-to-End Support: From planning to implementation, we provide comprehensive support throughout the upgrade process.
- Performance Optimization: We ensure your cluster is optimized for performance and efficiency with the latest updates.
- Security Assurance: We prioritize securing your cluster with the latest patches and security enhancements.
- Compliance and Integration: Emvigo helps you stay compliant with regulations and seamlessly integrates newer tools and services.
Let us help you with a smooth transition to the latest Kubernetes version for your EKS cluster. Fill out your deployment details and get in touch with us to learn more about our services.