Azure Kubernetes Service Retires Flatcar Container Linux Support
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) will retire support for Flatcar Container Linux on June 8, 2026. Users must transition to an alternative OS by this date to avoid disruptions, as AKS will cease providing new node images and security patches. After September 8, 2026, existing node pools may fail during scaling or remediation operations.
- →Retirement of Flatcar Container Linux for AKS (preview)
- →Impact of Retirement
- →Recommended Alternatives
Deprecations (1) ›
- Retirement of Flatcar Container Linux for AKS (preview)
Support for Flatcar Container Linux for AKS (preview) will end on June 8, 2026. Users are advised to transition to a supported alternative by this date.
Notes (2) ›
- Impact of Retirement
After June 8, 2026, new node pools using Flatcar Container Linux cannot be created. AKS will stop providing security patches and new node images. Existing node pools may experience failures in scaling and remediation after September 8, 2026.
- Recommended Alternatives
For cross-cloud compatibility, consider using Ubuntu. For an OS optimized for Azure, Azure Linux is recommended.
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/updates/?id=557929
Related releases
- Azure Updates Now Available via Microsoft Release Communications Azure Updates ·
- Azure Updates Discovery Now Generally Available Azure Updates ·
- Encryption in Transit for Azure Files NFS Shares on AKS now GA Azure Updates ·
- Azure Container Linux (ACL) available on AKS Azure Updates ·
- Azure Updates Available for AI-Powered Discovery Azure Updates ·
- Application Insights auto-instrumentation for AKS apps is GA Azure Updates ·