Debian 11 “Bullseye” Enters LTS: What You Need to Know

Rohan Timalsina

August 26, 2024 - TuxCare expert team

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Debian 11, code-named “Bullseye”, has entered the Long-Term Support phase after three years of regular support from the Debian Security and Release teams. As of August 15, 2024, Debian 11 will be handled by the Debian LTS team, a separate group of volunteers and companies interested in making it a success.

Understanding Debian Release Lifecycle

Debian’s approach to maintaining its various versions is structured to ensure long-term stability and security for its users. Each Debian release, including Bullseye, enjoys a predictable life cycle: three years of regular support, followed by an additional two years under the LTS phase. This five-year period provides users with ample time to plan and execute upgrades without compromising the security or stability of their systems.

Debian 11 was first released on August 14, 2021. So, its regular support phase concluded on August 14, 2024. From August 15, 2024, until August 31, 2026, it will be maintained by the Debian LTS Team. This team will focus primarily on delivering critical security updates and essential bug fixes, ensuring that Bullseye remains secure and reliable for users who are not yet ready to upgrade.

After the LTS phase ends, the release will reach its end of life. Debian 10 has already reached the end of its supported life on June 30, 2024.

Upgrading to Debian 12 “Bookworm”

As Bullseye enters its LTS phase, users are strongly encouraged to consider upgrading to Debian 12 ‘Bookworm,’ the current stable release. Debian 12 will receive regular updates until June 10, 2026, after which it will enter its own LTS phase, continuing until June 30, 2028.

If you’re unsure how to proceed with the upgrade, don’t worry—there are comprehensive, step-by-step guides available to help you smoothly transition from Debian 11 to Debian 12. These guides are designed to minimize downtime and ensure that your system is up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.

Final Thoughts

While the LTS phase covers most packages, some may not be supported. To identify these packages, install the “debian-security-support” package, which will scan your system and notify you of any critical packages that may not receive updates during the LTS phase.

As Bullseye moves into this next phase, now is the perfect time to plan your upgrade to Debian 12 ‘Bookworm’ and continue enjoying the stability and security that Debian is known for.

Source: Debian Announcement

Summary