GitHub to Deprecate Node 20 on Actions Runners, Transition to Node 24

GitHub has unveiled plans to phase out Node 20 on its Actions runners, shifting entirely to Node 24 by March 2026. The MOVE aligns with Node 20's end-of-life in April 2026, marking a strategic upgrade for workflow configurations.

The transition begins in fall 2025, with GitHub runner version 2.328.0 already supporting both Node versions. While Node 20 remains default initially, users can opt into Node 24 testing via the FORCE_JAVASCRIPT_ACTIONS_TO_NODE24 flag. By March 2026, Node 24 will become mandatory, though temporary Node 20 usage will be permitted through an override flag until its complete removal in summer 2026.

Compatibility constraints emerge with Node 24, including dropped support for macOS 13.4 and earlier systems, along with ARM32 architecture limitations. The change underscores GitHub's commitment to maintaining modern, secure development environments as JavaScript ecosystems evolve.