Amazon Linux 2 (AL2) and Amazon Linux 2023 (AL2023) are AWS-provided Linux distributions designed for cloud workloads. They share the same broad purpose – running applications well on AWS – but they are no longer interchangeable choices. AL2 is the older long-term support generation, while AL2023 is the successor AWS positions for current and future Amazon Linux deployments.
For teams running services on Amazon EC2, container platforms, or managed AWS operations, the decision should focus on support dates, package compatibility, security controls, and migration effort rather than on version numbers alone.
Quick Recommendation
For new AWS workloads, AL2023 is usually the stronger default because it is the current Amazon Linux generation, uses a more predictable update model, and has a longer published support window. AL2 can still be appropriate for existing systems that depend on older packages or have not yet completed compatibility testing, but those systems should have a clear migration plan.
High-Level Comparison
| Area | Amazon Linux 2 (AL2) | Amazon Linux 2023 (AL2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Existing workloads that need stability while migration is planned | New AWS workloads and modernization projects |
| Support lifecycle | AWS lists AL2 end of support as June 30, 2026 | AWS lists AL2023 support through June 30, 2029 |
| Update model | Traditional AL2 update flow using YUM repositories | Versioned repositories designed for deterministic updates |
| Package manager | YUM | DNF, with the yum command available as a pointer to DNF |
| Security posture | Stable LTS-style maintenance for core packages during its support period | SELinux enabled in permissive mode by default, newer package set, and current Amazon Linux security model |
| Migration concern | Lower change risk for already-running AL2 applications | Requires application, package, bootstrap, and operations testing before cutover |
Amazon Linux 2: Strengths and Limits
Amazon Linux 2 has been widely used for AWS production workloads because it provides a stable operating system base, familiar YUM-based package management, systemd support, and close integration with AWS services. For teams with established deployment scripts, baked AMIs, or legacy package requirements, AL2 may still be part of the operating environment.
The important editorial change is that AL2 should no longer be described simply as a long-term future choice. AWS lists the AL2 end-of-support date as June 30, 2026. That makes AL2 a compatibility and transition option, not the best default for a new long-lived system.
When AL2 May Still Make Sense
- Existing applications need more testing time. If a workload depends on older packages, custom AMIs, or operational scripts built around YUM behavior, moving directly to AL2023 should be tested carefully.
- Short-lived systems will be retired soon. If the infrastructure is already scheduled for replacement before the support deadline, a controlled AL2 finish may be lower risk than a rushed migration.
- Compatibility is the immediate priority. Some teams need a stable intermediate step while they update application dependencies, CI/CD pipelines, and operational runbooks.
Amazon Linux 2023: What Changes
Amazon Linux 2023 is the successor to AL2 and is intended for secure, stable, high-performance cloud and enterprise applications. AWS documentation describes AL2023 as a current-generation Amazon Linux distribution with long-term support and access to newer Linux innovations.
The most important practical change is the update model. AL2023 uses versioned repositories so teams can keep package versions consistent across instances and choose when to move to a newer repository version. This is useful for repeatable AMI pipelines, staged patch rollouts, and controlled production releases.
AL2023 also changes day-to-day operations. The default package manager is DNF rather than YUM, SELinux is enabled in permissive mode by default, and cloud-init and repository handling differ from earlier Amazon Linux versions. These changes are valuable, but they also mean migration should be treated as an operating-system upgrade, not a minor patch.
When AL2023 Is the Better Choice
- New AWS environments. AL2023 is the better baseline when building new EC2 images, application servers, or cloud-native workloads.
- Modern patch governance. Versioned repositories make it easier to test and promote updates through environments in a predictable way.
- Security-focused operations. AL2023 provides a newer security posture, including SELinux enabled in permissive mode by default.
- Longer planning horizon. AWS lists AL2023 support through June 30, 2029, giving teams more room for long-lived production systems.
Security and Patch Management
Both AL2 and AL2023 receive AWS security advisories during their supported lifecycles, but their operational models differ. AL2 is familiar to teams that already use YUM, existing AMI pipelines, and established patch windows. AL2023 gives teams more explicit control through versioned repositories, but instances launched from older AMIs do not automatically receive additional security updates unless the team configures that behavior.
That distinction matters. A secure AL2023 environment still needs an intentional patch process, monitoring, and rollout procedure. For fleet operations, connect the operating system decision to tools such as AWS Systems Manager Patch Manager, AMI rebuilding, and deployment automation.
Performance and Modern Workloads
The original comparison framed AL2023 mainly as a faster, newer system. That is directionally useful, but performance should be evaluated against the actual workload. Kernel behavior, library versions, storage patterns, container runtime choices, and instance type all matter.
For applications that run in containers, the operating system still affects image building, host patching, logging, networking, and security controls. If your architecture is moving toward managed container platforms, compare the OS decision with the surrounding platform choices, such as AWS Fargate for serverless containers or Amazon ECR for container registry design.
Migration Checklist from AL2 to AL2023
- Inventory packages and repositories. Identify packages from AL2 core, Extras, EPEL, or third-party repositories before testing AL2023.
- Test bootstrap scripts. Replace assumptions about yum, cloud-init behavior, repository updates, and package names where needed.
- Validate application dependencies. Check language runtimes, system libraries, native extensions, and compiled dependencies.
- Review SELinux impact. AL2023 starts with SELinux enabled in permissive mode, so review logs and decide whether enforcing mode fits the workload.
- Rebuild AMIs and containers intentionally. Use a repeatable pipeline so repository versions and security updates are controlled.
- Plan rollback. Treat migration as a production platform change with staging, monitoring, and a rollback path.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose AL2023 for new AWS workloads, new AMI baselines, and modernization projects where you can test application compatibility properly. It has the longer support window, the current Amazon Linux package model, and better alignment with AWS’s current operating-system direction.
Choose AL2 only when an existing workload needs compatibility while migration work is underway, or when the system is short-lived and already has a retirement plan. Because the AL2 support deadline is close, teams should avoid starting new long-term systems on AL2 unless there is a clear business reason.
The practical answer is simple: AL2 is a transition platform; AL2023 is the forward-looking default. The right migration pace depends on your dependencies, testing capacity, and operational risk tolerance.
Need Help Planning an AWS Migration?
At greeden, we help teams design, migrate, and operate cloud systems with a practical balance of reliability, cost, and maintainability. If you are planning an Amazon Linux migration, reviewing EC2 operations, or modernizing an application platform, we can help turn the plan into a stable implementation.
Contact us here to discuss your system development or cloud migration needs.