If your website is still running on Drupal 9, it’s time to take action.
Wondering why?
Drupal 9 officially reached End of Life (EOL) in November 2023, which means it’s no longer receiving security updates or official support.
So what does that mean for you?
Well, in simple terms, your website is now at risk. Without updates, security patches, or bug fixes, it becomes more vulnerable to hackers and performance issues.
Over time, you may also run into compatibility problems with newer PHP versions, hosting environments, or third-party integrations.
Then, what should you do next? The best path forward is to upgrade to Drupal 10, which offers improved security, performance, and long-term support.
In this post, we will quickly break down why Drupal 9 reached EOL, what it means for your site, and the steps you should take next to keep your website running smoothly.
Let’s get started!
⏰ 60-Second Summary
- Drupal 9 reached End of Life in November 2023, meaning no more security updates, bug fixes, or official support.
- The biggest reason for its EOL was its dependency on Symfony 4, which also became unsupported, making the upgrade to Drupal 10 necessary.
- Drupal 10 brings key improvements like Symfony 6, CKEditor 5, a modern admin interface, and better performance.
- Staying on Drupal 9 increases security risks and potential compatibility issues with hosting, PHP versions, and third-party integrations.
- Upgrading to Drupal 10 ensures long-term support, better security, and a smoother content editing experience—making it essential for future-proofing your website.
Why Did Drupal 9 Reach End of Life?
Like all software, Drupal follows a scheduled release cycle, meaning older versions eventually stop receiving updates and support. This ensures the platform stays secure, efficient, and compatible with modern web technologies.
One of the biggest reasons Drupal 9 reached End of Life was its dependency on Symfony 4, which also reached End of Life in November 2023. Since Drupal relies on Symfony for key functionalities, upgrading to Drupal 10 became necessary to maintain security and stability.
Drupal 10 is built on Symfony 6, which brings better performance, enhanced security, and a smoother user experience. If you are still on Drupal 9, now is the time to upgrade to avoid security risks and outdated software.
Still wondering if you should upgrade now? Read our detailed guide: Drupal 9 to 10 Upgrade: Should You Upgrade Now?
What It Means If You Are Still on Drupal 9
If your website is still running on Drupal 9, you are in a high-risk zone. Without active support and updates, your site could face serious security and performance issues. Here’s why staying on Drupal 9 is not a good idea:
- No more security updates → Without regular security patches, your website is exposed to potential hacks, malware, and data breaches. Cyber threats evolve constantly, and an outdated CMS is an easy target.
- No official support → If you run into bugs, crashes, or compatibility issues, there’s no official help from the Drupal community. You are on your own, and fixing problems could become costly.
- Potential compatibility issues → Web technologies don’t stand still. As PHP versions, hosting environments, and browsers get updated, your Drupal 9 site may start experiencing errors, slow performance, or even complete failure.
The longer you wait, the bigger the risk. Upgrading to Drupal 10 is the best way to keep your site secure, fast, and fully functional. If you haven’t started planning the migration yet, now is the time!
How to Upgrade to Drupal 10
Upgrading from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10 is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Check Your Current Setup – Ensure your hosting environment, PHP version, and database meet Drupal 10’s requirements.
- Update Contributed & Custom Modules – Some modules may need updates or replacements to be compatible with Drupal 10. Use the Upgrade Status module to check for issues.
- Upgrade to the Latest Drupal 9 Version – Before moving to Drupal 10, update to the latest Drupal 9 release to make the transition smoother.
- Run the Upgrade Process – Use Composer to update your core version:
composer require drupal/core:^10
composer updateThis will install Drupal 10 and update dependencies.
- Test Your Site Thoroughly – Check for broken features, missing content, and layout issues. Fix any problems before making the site live.
- Deploy the Upgrade – Once everything is working, move the updated site to production and monitor for any issues.
If you are not comfortable handling the upgrade yourself, consider working with an expert Drupal web developer or Drupal development service agency to ensure a smooth transition.
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Conclusion
Running your website on an unsupported version of Drupal is a serious risk. Without security updates and bug fixes, your site becomes vulnerable to attacks, performance issues, and compatibility problems over time.
Upgrading to Drupal 10 is the best way to keep your site secure, fast, and future-proof. It comes with better performance, improved features, and long-term support, ensuring your website remains stable as technology evolves.
If you are unsure about the upgrade process or need assistance, reach out to a Drupal expert or Drupal consulting services team. A smooth transition now can save you from security threats and costly fixes later.
Don’t wait—future-proof your site today!
Our expert Drupal developers at cmsMinds can ensure a smooth, hassle-free upgrade to Drupal 10 with zero downtime.
