Debian 12 vs 13
Which should you run?
Pick Debian 13 for new installs. It's supported until Jun 30, 2030, 2 years longer than 12, which ends Jun 30, 2028. 12 already gets security fixes only.
12
13
20232030
Supported
Security fixes only
Today
| Debian 12 | Debian 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | Jun 10, 2023 | Aug 9, 2025 |
| Status | Debian LTS | Debian Security Support |
| Active support until | Jul 11, 2026 | Aug 9, 2028 |
| End of life | Jun 30, 2028 in 1 year | Jun 30, 2030 in 3 years |
| Total support | 5 years | 4 years, 10 months |
| Latest version | 12.15 Jul 11, 2026 | 13.7 Sep 12, 2026 |
| LTS | No | No |
How to upgrade from Debian 12 to 13
Updates within Debian 13
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgradeNew release
Update /etc/apt/sources.list (or the .sources files) to the new codename, then run sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade. Read the release notes first.
Official upgrade guide ↗ Back up first, and test on a non-production machine when you move to a new branch.
Quick answers
- Should I use Debian 12 or 13?
- Pick Debian 13 for new installs. It's supported until Jun 30, 2030, 2 years longer than 12, which ends Jun 30, 2028. 12 already gets security fixes only.
- How long are Debian 12 and 13 supported?
- Debian 12: supported until Jun 30, 2028 (security fixes only). Debian 13: supported until Jun 30, 2030.
- What are the latest Debian 12 and 13 versions?
- Debian 12 is at 12.15 (Jul 11, 2026), and Debian 13 is at 13.7 (Sep 12, 2026).
More Debian comparisons
Official release policy · Checked 6 hours ago