Web & Design
TYPO3 Updates: LTS, ELTS and Why Outdated Versions Are a Risk
How long does your TYPO3 version still get updates, what is ELTS, and how does an update work? With current support periods and a checklist.
Short answer
TYPO3 is released in LTS versions, each maintained for free for three years. TYPO3 14 LTS receives security updates until June 2029, TYPO3 13 until the end of 2027, and free support for TYPO3 12 ended in April 2026. After that, only paid Extended Long Term Support (ELTS) is available. Running an outdated version risks security holes, PHP compatibility problems and expensive emergency upgrades. Plan updates early, with staging, an extension check and testing.
Why TYPO3 Updates Are Not a Side Issue
A TYPO3 website often runs for years without visible problems. That is exactly the danger: in the background, the core, extensions and PHP version age. At some point security updates stop, the host switches off old PHP versions, and a plannable update becomes an emergency project.
The TYPO3 LTS Model
TYPO3 releases a new major version roughly every 18 months. The last minor release of each series is an LTS version (Long Term Support). It is maintained for free for three years: one and a half years of bug fixes, followed by one and a half years of priority fixes and security updates. [2]
After those three years, TYPO3 GmbH offers ELTS (Extended Long Term Support). ELTS is paid and extends security updates by up to three more years, for TYPO3 partners by up to four. [3]
Which Version Gets Updates for How Long
| Version | Free support until | ELTS until | What you should do |
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPO3 14 LTS | June 2029 | June 2032 | Use for new projects and upgrades |
| TYPO3 13 LTS | December 2027 | December 2030 | Plan the upgrade to 14 by 2027 |
| TYPO3 12 LTS | expired (30 April 2026) | April 2030 | Upgrade now or book ELTS |
| TYPO3 11 | expired (October 2024) | October 2028 | Upgrade or relaunch |
| TYPO3 10 | expired (April 2023) | April 2027 | Act urgently |
The dates come from the official overview on get.typo3.org. [1]
What Happens If You Do Not Update
- Security holes stay open. New vulnerabilities are no longer fixed for your version. Attackers know published flaws well.
- PHP becomes a problem. Older TYPO3 versions do not run on current PHP versions. When your host switches off old PHP, the site stops.
- Extensions age too. Many extensions are only maintained for current versions. The longer you wait, the more you have to replace later.
- Costs rise. Jumping one version is plannable. Jumping three versions is often close to a rebuild.
Kernaussage
A TYPO3 update is cheaper the earlier you do it. Taking every LTS version keeps projects small and plannable. Skipping versions means paying for a relaunch in the end.
How a TYPO3 Update Works
- Inventory: check version, PHP, extensions, custom code and hosting.
- Extension check: for each extension, clarify whether a compatible version exists, or whether it can be replaced or removed.
- Staging copy: the update runs on a copy, never directly on the live site.
- Upgrade wizards and adjustments: TYPO3 ships wizards for database and configuration. Custom templates and extensions are adapted.
- Testing: click through forms, search, languages, permissions and all key page types.
- Go-live and monitoring: switch over, watch error logs, briefly brief editors.
ELTS or Upgrade?
ELTS makes sense when you need time for a clean upgrade or relaunch. As a permanent solution it is expensive, because you pay for a version that gets no new features. Our rule of thumb: ELTS as a bridge of one to two years at most, with a fixed upgrade date.
Most TYPO3 emergencies we see are not technical problems but postponed decisions. One update per LTS cycle is routine. Three versions at once is a project.
Further Reading
- TYPO3 agency: development, relaunch and updates
- TYPO3 14: what the new version brings
- What does website maintenance cost?
Frequently asked questions
How long is TYPO3 13 supported?+
TYPO3 13 LTS receives free security updates until the end of 2027. After that, ELTS is available until the end of 2030.
How long is TYPO3 14 supported?+
TYPO3 14 LTS receives bug fixes until December 2027 and free security updates until June 2029. ELTS is planned until June 2032.
Is TYPO3 12 still secure?+
Free support for TYPO3 12 ended on 30 April 2026. Since then, security updates are only available through paid ELTS.
What is TYPO3 ELTS?+
Extended Long Term Support is a paid service by TYPO3 GmbH that provides security and compatibility updates for versions after free support ends.
What is the difference between LTS and ELTS?+
LTS is the free three-year support by the core team and community. ELTS follows it, is paid, and only provides security and compatibility updates.
Can I skip several TYPO3 versions at once?+
Technically yes, but effort rises sharply because templates, extensions and integrations change across versions. A relaunch is often worth it then.
How long does a TYPO3 update take?+
Updating a well-maintained site to the next LTS often takes a few days. With many custom extensions or skipped versions it can take several weeks.
Where can I see which TYPO3 version I have?+
In the TYPO3 backend under Help or the system information at the top right. Your agency or host can also tell you.
Sources
- Get TYPO3: Versionen, Support-Zeiträume und Systemvoraussetzungen, TYPO3 Association (2026)
- TYPO3 v12 LTS End of Free Support, TYPO3 News (2026)
- Extended Long Term Support (ELTS) for TYPO3 v12.4, TYPO3 GmbH (2026)
#TYPO3#Website Maintenance#Security#CMS
Author
Josef KujawskiManaging Director & Creative Director at Maluure
Josef leads the strategic and creative development of brands at Maluure. For over a decade, he has guided medium-sized businesses from brand positioning to digital delivery.
Managing Director of Maluure GmbH, Cologne. Specialising in corporate design, brand strategy and digital brand experiences.
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