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Node.js Release Schedule (2026) — Complete Guide

DodaTech Updated 2026-06-20 4 min read

In this tutorial, you'll learn about Node.js Release Schedule (2026). We cover key concepts, practical examples, and best practices to help you understand and apply this topic effectively.

Node.js follows a predictable release cadence managed by the Node.js Foundation under the OpenJS Foundation. Even-numbered major versions (18, 20, 22, 24, 26) enter Long-Term Support (LTS) and receive 30 months of support split between an Active LTS phase (12 months) and a Maintenance phase (18 months). Odd-numbered versions are "Current" releases with only 6 months of support — they are intended for early adopters and never enter LTS. Understanding this cycle is essential for production deployments: always choose an even-numbered LTS version for stability and long-term security coverage.

Node.js Version Support Table

Version Release Date Active LTS Start Maintenance Start EOL
18 Apr 2022 Oct 2022 Oct 2023 Apr 2025
20 Apr 2022 Oct 2022 Oct 2024 Apr 2026
22 Oct 2023 Apr 2024 Apr 2025 Oct 2027
24 Oct 2024 Apr 2025 Apr 2026 Oct 2028
26 Apr 2025 Oct 2025 Oct 2026 Apr 2029

Node.js Support Policy

The Node.js release working group manages a two-track system:

  • Current releases (odd-numbered): 6 months of support. These are feature-testing releases for early adopters. After 6 months they become unsupported — you must upgrade.
  • LTS releases (even-numbered): 30 months total — 12 months of Active LTS (bug fixes, security patches, non-breaking backports) followed by 18 months of Maintenance (critical security and documentation fixes only).
  • End of Life: No further updates of any kind. The version is archived and removed from the official download list.

New even-numbered LTS releases ship every April. The corresponding odd-numbered Current release ships the prior October. For example, Node.js 22 (LTS) was released in October 2023, and Node.js 23 (Current) in October 2024.

How to Check Your Node.js Version

node --version
# v20.15.0

To check the support status of your version programmatically:

node -e "console.log(Process.version)"

Upgrade Path

Current Version Recommended Target Reason
16 (EOL Sep 2023) 22 LTS or 24 LTS 16 is fully unsupported; 22 or 24 is the current LTS
18 (EOL Apr 2025) 22 LTS or 24 LTS 18 is EOL; upgrade to an active LTS branch
20 (EOL Apr 2026) 24 LTS or 26 LTS 20 reaches EOL in Apr 2026; plan Migration to 24 or 26
22 (active LTS) 26 LTS 22 enters Maintenance in Apr 2025; 26 is the next LTS
23 (Current, EOL Apr 2025) 24 LTS or 26 LTS Current releases expire quickly; move to LTS for production
24 (active LTS) 26 LTS 24 is current LTS; upgrade before Maintenance phase ends

FAQ

Which Node.js version should I use in production?

Always use an even-numbered LTS release (18, 20, 22, 24, 26). These receive 30 months of support. The odd-numbered Current releases are only supported for 6 months and are unsuitable for production.

What happens when a Node.js version enters Maintenance mode?

In Maintenance mode, only critical security fixes, documentation updates, and critical bug fixes for specific issues are backported. No new features, non-critical bug fixes, or performance improvements are added.

How often does Node.js release new versions?

A new major version ships every 6 months. An even-numbered LTS release in April and an odd-numbered Current release in October. This cadence has been consistent since Node.js 12.

Can I still use npm on an unsupported Node.js version?

npm is versioned independently of Node.js, but the Node.js installer bundles a specific npm version. If your Node.js version is EOL, the bundled npm will no longer receive updates. You can still manually upgrade npm, but compatibility is not guaranteed.

What is the difference between Active LTS and Maintenance?

Active LTS receives bug fixes, security patches, and select non-breaking backports. Maintenance receives only critical security fixes and documentation updates. Active LTS lasts 12 months; Maintenance lasts 18 months

Does Node.js 18 still receive updates?

No. Node.js 18 reached end-of-life in April 2025. All users should migrate to a currently supported LTS version.

  • Python Version EOL Schedule
  • Java / JDK LTS Schedule
  • Go Version Support Policy
  • .NET / .NET Core Support Lifecycle
← Previous Python Version EOL Schedule (2026) Next → Java / JDK LTS Schedule (2026)

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