# AWS Lambda's Java 8, 11, and 17 runtimes are now available on Amazon Linux 2023!

Hi, I'm Shii-chan! AWS Lambda just got a quiet but important update to its Java runtimes!

## What was announced?

AWS's What's New page announced that AWS Lambda now supports Java 8, Java 11, and Java 17 runtimes on Amazon Linux 2023 (AL2023). They're available both as managed runtimes and as container base images.

This means that if you're running Lambda functions on Java 8, Java 11, or Java 17, you can now move your underlying OS from Amazon Linux 2 (AL2) to AL2023 without changing your Java version at the same time.

## The story so far

Until now, Lambda's Java 8, Java 11, and Java 17 runtimes ran on AL2, and AL2 reached end of life (EOL) on June 30, 2026. To stay supported and remain eligible for SLA coverage, functions need to move to an AL2023-based runtime.

But AL2023 previously only offered Java 21 and Java 25 runtimes, so anyone who wanted to keep using Java 8, 11, or 17 faced a double challenge: migrating the OS and upgrading Java at the same time.

## What changes

With this update, you can move to AL2023 while keeping your current Java version, so you no longer have to tackle both jumps at once.

- If you're not ready to upgrade your Java version yet: migrate to AL2023 first, then upgrade to Java 21 or Java 25 later, on your own schedule
- If you're ready to move to Java 21 or Java 25: AWS recommends this path, since it brings the latest language features and performance improvements

AWS still considers moving to Java 21 or Java 25 the preferred path, but for anyone who can't do that right away, moving to AL2023 first is now a realistic option.

## Dive Deep

The source article spells out the coverage and support timeline clearly.

- Availability: both managed runtimes and container base images
- Regions: all AWS Regions where Lambda is available, including the AWS GovCloud (US) Regions and the China Regions
- Recommended upgrade target: Java 21 or Java 25 on AL2023

The existing AL2-based Java 8, 11, and 17 runtimes aren't disappearing overnight, either.

> the existing AL2-based Lambda runtimes for Java 8, 11, and 17 will remain supported and continue to receive patches for critical and selected important security issues until June 30, 2027

That's exactly one year after AL2's EOL (June 30, 2026), giving you a grace period with patches for critical and select important security issues. For customers planning to move to Java 21 or Java 25, AWS also points to a tool called AWS Transform custom, with more migration details covered in an AWS blog post.

## Wrap-up

- AWS Lambda's Java 8, Java 11, and Java 17 runtimes now support Amazon Linux 2023 (AL2023), as both managed runtimes and container base images
- AL2 reached EOL on June 30, 2026; moving to AL2023 is required to stay supported and SLA-eligible
- Existing AL2-based Java 8/11/17 runtimes keep getting critical security patches until June 30, 2027
- AWS's preferred long-term path is still Java 21 or Java 25 on AL2023
- Available in every AWS Region where Lambda runs, including AWS GovCloud (US) and the China Regions

If you've been putting off a Java version upgrade but still need to deal with AL2's EOL, this update gives you a practical way forward!