PHP 8.1 End of Life: December 31, 2025

Short answer

PHP 8.1 reached end of life on December 31, 2025; its last release is 8.1.34. For PHP2Shell, PHP published only a source-code fix for this line, with no new release. Move to PHP 8.4 or 8.5.

end of life: Dec 31, 2025
last release: 8.1.34
where to move next: 8.4 or 8.5

PHP support timelineFrom php.net

PHP 8.1 support dates

PHP 8.1 support dates, from php.net
	PHP 8.1
Security fixes until	December 31, 2025
Status today	End of life
Latest release	8.1.34
PHP2Shell	PHP published a source-code fix only, with no new release; most sites need to move to a supported version.

Is PHP 8.1 affected by PHP2Shell?

PHP 8.1 is past end of life, so PHP didn't ship a new release for PHP2Shell. It published the fix as source code only, which someone would have to build and install by hand. For most websites, the practical fix is moving to a supported version.

PHP 8.1 on Ubuntu 22.04

Ubuntu 22.04 ships PHP 8.1 as the default package. Linux distributions add security fixes to their own PHP packages without changing the version number, so a server there can report an older-looking 8.1 version and still have fixes. Check the distribution's own security notice, or ask your host.

Moving off PHP 8.1

Find out which PHP version your site runs now. How to check your PHP version covers WordPress, hosting panels and the command line.
Check that your platform, theme and plugins support PHP 8.4 or 8.5. WordPress shows this in Tools, then Site Health.
Try the new version on a staging copy first if your host offers one.
Switch the live site in your hosting panel (cPanel and most hosts let you pick the version), then test forms and checkout.

Questions people ask

When does PHP 8.1 reach end of life?

It already did, on December 31, 2025. PHP no longer publishes fixes for it.

Is PHP 8.1 safe to use?

It no longer gets security fixes, so new flaws stay open. Move to PHP 8.4 or 8.5.

Does my host update PHP for me?

On shared and managed hosting, the host usually provides PHP and applies its security releases; you choose the version line in your panel. On a server you run yourself, your developer does it. Ask them to confirm.

Which PHP version should my website use?

The newest version your platform, theme and plugins support. Today that means PHP 8.4 or 8.5 for most sites.

Sources

Checked against these sources on October 22, 2026. PHP Scanner is a free tool from Catch Digital and is not affiliated with the PHP project.