The Problem: End-of-Life Is Closer Than You Think
- Drupal 7: Official support ended on 5 January 2025. That means no more security patches or bug fixes from the community. If your site is still on Drupal 7, you’re exposed to serious security risks and compatibility issues.
- Drupal 10: Still supported, but only until 9 December 2026. It may feel far away, but migration projects take time — often several months depending on the size and complexity of your site.
- Drupal 8 & 9: Already end-of-life, and if you missed those upgrades, you’re carrying forward even more technical debt.
Running an unsupported version isn’t just a technical risk. It can impact compliance, SEO performance, customer trust, and ultimately your revenue.
The Solution: What Drupal 11 Brings to the Table
Upgrading to Drupal 11 isn’t just about avoiding risk — it’s about seizing new opportunities. Here are some of the standout improvements:
- Cleaner, faster core
Legacy code has been removed, making Drupal 11 lighter, faster, and more secure. - Modern development experience
Enhanced use of Symfony 6, PHP 8.3 compatibility, and updated front-end libraries create a smoother developer workflow and long-term stability. - Improved editorial tools
Content creators get a better experience with modernised admin interfaces and refined workflows. This reduces the learning curve for teams and increases productivity. - Future-ready platform
With a predictable release cycle, Drupal 11 is designed to integrate with emerging technologies and adapt to business growth without major re-builds.
Why Start Now
Many businesses wait until the last minute to plan migrations. That approach is risky. Here’s why starting now makes sense:
- Complexity takes time: Larger sites with lots of contributed modules and custom code require extensive testing.
- Talent is in demand: As the 2026 Drupal 10 deadline approaches, agencies and developers will be stretched thin. Getting ahead ensures you secure the expertise you need.
- Stability matters: Drupal 11 has already stabilised with its August 2024 release. Early adopters are reporting smoother upgrades compared to previous version jumps.
How to Approach the Upgrade
At TWMG, we recommend breaking down the upgrade process into four key phases:
- Audit your current site
Identify your Drupal version, contributed modules, custom code, and third-party integrations. Tools like Upgrade Status can highlight compatibility issues. - Plan your roadmap
Decide whether you’ll move directly to Drupal 11 or take an interim step (for example, from 7 ? 10 ? 11). Factor in time for testing and content migration. - Implement and test
Use a staging environment to run the upgrade, validate key functionality, and ensure performance benchmarks are met. - Deploy and optimise
Once live, monitor performance, security, and SEO signals. This is also the perfect time to refresh design, accessibility, and user experience.
Why Partner with TWMG
Migrating to Drupal 11 isn’t just a technical job — it’s a strategic move for your business. At TWMG, we:
- Handle complex migrations: From legacy Drupal 7 builds to heavily customised Drupal 10 sites, we’ve done it all.
- Prioritise SEO and UX: We don’t just migrate your site; we ensure it performs better in search rankings and delivers a seamless customer experience.
- Offer local expertise: Based in Sydney, we understand the needs of Australian businesses and provide ongoing support tailored to your market.
Final Word: Future-Proof Your Digital Presence
Upgrading to Drupal 11 is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re on Drupal 7 and facing immediate risks, or on Drupal 10 with the 2026 deadline looming, the smartest move is to start planning today.
Don’t wait until your website is vulnerable or your competitors get ahead. Take this moment to future-proof your digital presence and unlock the full potential of Drupal 11.
Ready to start your upgrade journey?
Talk to the Drupal experts at TWMG. We’ll guide you through every step — from audit to launch — ensuring your site is secure, high-performing, and ready for what’s next.
Contact us today