Upgrade auf AlmaLinux 8 für Cloud-Server
Type
Technical Information
Date & Time
31.10.2025
Affected
Cloud Server
Description
Why are we performing the upgrade?
CentOS 7 has not received official security updates or bug fixes since June 30, 2024.
We are currently using Extended Security Maintenance to continue addressing critical vulnerabilities and protect your systems from potential risks.
Nevertheless, we strongly recommend upgrading to AlmaLinux 8, to ensure a stable, secure, and future-proof platform in the long term.
What is AlmaLinux 8?
AlmaLinux 8 is a free, open-source operating system that is fully binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is considered the successor to CentOS and offers long-term support, regular security updates, and improved performance. regelmässige Sicherheitsupdates und verbesserte Performance.
What are the benefits of the upgrade?
- Long-term security through continuous updates
- Better performance thanks to modern kernel and system components
- Compatibility with current Plesk and PHP versions
- Access to new features wie like PHP 8.4 and the latest cURL version
What happens during the upgrade?
We perform what is called an In-Place-Upgrade . This means:
- The server is upgraded directly from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8.
- All data, websites, email accounts, and Plesk settings remain intact.
- The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the system.
- During the upgrade, your websites and email services will be temporarily not available.
Note:
During the upgrade, no changes should be made in the Plesk panel (e.g., adding new domains, modifying settings, initiating backups), as they may not be applied correctly.
Are there technical requirements for the upgrade?
Yes, the following conditions must be met:
- Operating System: CentOS 7.9 (older versions are not supported)
- Plesk Version: No more than five releases behind the current version
- RAM: At least 1 GB available
- Free Disk Space: At least 5 GB
- PHP Versions: PHP 5.5 or older must be removed beforehand
Note:
Before each upgrade, we carry out a comprehensive system check. If adjustments are necessary — such as removing outdated PHP versions or updating certain Plesk components — we will inform you in advance and discuss the next steps.
Do I need to prepare anything?
In most cases, we handle the full preparation. However, if outdated PHP versions or special custom configurations are present on your server, we will contact you beforehand to discuss the necessary steps.
When will the upgrade take place?
To minimize downtime, we usually carry out upgrades from Tuesday to Thursday between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM .
The exact date will be coordinated with you individually.
How can I request the upgrade?
If you would like to upgrade to AlmaLinux 8 or have any questions, please contact our support-team. We will arrange a date with you and take care of everything else.
What happens if I don't perform the upgrade?
Remaining on CentOS 7 after the end of support is not an optionbecause:
no official security updates are available,
compatibility issues with new software versions may arise,
and there is an increased security risk.
In this case, we would no longer be able to offer the Managed option. This means:
the Managed Cloud Server would be terminated from our side,
or you would have to switch to a root cloud server without managed service.
Please contact our support-team if you have any questions about the planned update. We will be happy to assist you.