TYPO3 Updates: Why They Matter
Your TYPO3 website works. But is it still secure? Here you will learn why regular updates are not a luxury - but a necessity.
What does "LTS" mean - and why is it important for you?
LTS stands for Long Term Support. It means the vendor provides security updates for this version over an extended period. When a security vulnerability is discovered, it is patched - but only for versions that are still supported.
Think of it like a car: as long as your model is still in production, you get spare parts and recall notices. Once the model is discontinued, you are on your own. With TYPO3 it is exactly the same: without support, there are no security patches - and known vulnerabilities remain open.
Which TYPO3 versions are still supported?
TYPO3 regularly releases new versions. Older versions eventually stop receiving security patches. The following table shows the current status:
| Version | Support until | Status |
|---|---|---|
| TYPO3 v13 LTS | December 2027 | Current - recommended |
| TYPO3 v12 LTS | October 2025 (Extended until March 2028) | Support ending |
| TYPO3 v11 and older | Already expired | No support - security risk |
Conclusion: If your website runs on TYPO3 v11 or older, you receive no more security patches. Known vulnerabilities are no longer closed. An upgrade is strongly recommended.
What happens if you use an outdated version?
Security vulnerabilities are discovered regularly - this is normal and affects all software. What matters is whether the vendor patches them. For versions without support, this no longer happens. The vulnerabilities still become publicly known - and that is exactly what attackers exploit.
Specifically, this means: your website can be abused for phishing redirects, spam distribution, or data theft - often without you noticing immediately. The consequences range from reputational damage and GDPR violations to blacklisting by search engines. More on data protection obligations in our article on GDPR obligations for websites.
With the Gosign TYPO3 Security Monitor, we check your installation for known vulnerabilities - regardless of the version.
What does TYPO3 v13.4 actually bring?
An update is not just a mandatory security measure. TYPO3 v13.4 brings real improvements that you will notice in daily use:
Faster load times
Automatic image compression with WebP and AVIF. Your images become smaller, pages load faster - without you having to change anything.
Modernised backend
The interface where you manage content has been redesigned. Clearer structure, better overview, simpler operation - even for occasional users.
Up-to-date security
PHP 8.2+ support and regular security updates. Your website stays protected against current threats.
Content Blocks
New Content Blocks enable more flexible page design. Layouts and content elements can be combined more easily - less dependency on extensions.
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The upgrade process: what to expect
A TYPO3 update does not have to be a major project. The typical process:
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1
Analysis
Which version is currently running? Which extensions are installed? Are there custom modifications? Gosign creates an inventory.
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2
Staging update
The update is performed on a test environment. Your live website continues to run normally throughout.
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3
Test and approval
You review the staging version. Does everything work as expected? Only after your approval do we proceed.
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4
Go-live
The updated version goes live. Downtime is typically under 30 minutes.
Time required: A minor update (e.g. 12.4 to 12.6) takes a few hours. A major upgrade (e.g. v10 to v13) can take several days depending on extensions and customisations.
Why hosting and CMS maintenance belong together
TYPO3 updates do not just affect the software itself. New versions often require more recent PHP versions, adjusted database configurations, or updated server settings. When CMS maintenance and hosting are with different providers, coordination overhead arises - and in the worst case, a security gap because nobody feels responsible.
Gosign offers both from a single source: CMS maintenance including updates, extension monitoring, and hosting on European servers. This ensures that the server environment and CMS version always match.
Gosign is a Hamburg-based digital agency with 25 years of experience in web development, TYPO3, and AI integration. We have analysed over 800 TYPO3 extensions and today develop with AI assistance up to 70% faster than with traditional methods. Our clients include mid-market companies, universities, and public-sector organisations across Europe.
Last updated: March 2026
Frequently asked questions about TYPO3 updates
Which TYPO3 version am I running?
You can find the version in the backend at the bottom right or at /typo3/. Alternatively, Gosign can check this for free during an initial consultation. If you do not have backend access, the version can also be determined via technical headers.
How much does a TYPO3 update cost?
That depends on the version gap and the complexity of your website. An update within a major version (e.g. 12.4 to 12.6) is usually completed in a few hours. A jump across major versions (e.g. v10 to v13) can take several days depending on extensions and customisations.
Can I continue using my website during the update?
Yes. Updates are prepared and tested on a staging environment. Only when everything works is the live version switched over. Downtime is typically under 30 minutes.
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