GitHub Actions runners now use Node 24 to run JavaScript actions; Node 20 is no longer available. Update workflows to action releases that support Node 24. If you maintain an action, set its runtime metadata to node24 and publish a compatible release. This change is separate from the Node.js version used by your own build and test commands, which you should configure explicitly with actions/setup-node.
What changed in GitHub Actions
GitHub’s September 23, 2026 notice confirms that runners no longer include Node 20 for JavaScript actions, the temporary Node 20 opt-out is unavailable, and runners now use Node 24 for that purpose. GitHub says its newest first-party action versions had been updated and directs users to update third-party actions where needed. See GitHub’s removal notice.
The transition had two stages. Runner version v2.328.0 supported both Node 20 and Node 24, initially defaulting to Node 20; teams could test Node 24 early with FORCE_JAVASCRIPT_ACTIONS_TO_NODE24=true. GitHub later scheduled the default switch for June 16, 2026, with ACTIONS_ALLOW_USE_UNSECURE_NODE_VERSION=true as a temporary opt-out. That opt-out lasted only until Node 20 was removed on September 23. The timeline is documented in GitHub’s deprecation announcement.
Separate the action runtime from your project’s Node version
There are two different runtime choices in a workflow:
#1 Best Overall
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- JavaScript action runtime: GitHub’s runner uses this to execute the action’s JavaScript code. The action’s metadata specifies its runtime, such as
node24. Workflow authors generally choose a compatible action release; action maintainers update that metadata. - Project runtime: This is the Node.js version used by your workflow’s shell commands, package manager, build, and tests. Configure it explicitly rather than assuming the runner image’s preinstalled version matches your needs.
GitHub recommends actions/setup-node to select the project runtime consistently across runners. Its documentation covers single-version setup and matrix testing: Building and testing Node.js. Updating a JavaScript action’s host runtime does not, by itself, select Node 24 for your application commands.
Compatibility differences that can affect a migration
Support and security lifecycle
Node.js 20 reached End-of-Life on March 24, 2026. The Node.js project says EOL releases no longer receive updates, including security patches; its release table lists Node 20 as EOL and Node 24 as LTS. This matters even when Node 20 is being used for an application build rather than as an Actions action runtime. Check the lifecycle details on the Node.js EOL page and the previous releases table. Node 24, codenamed Krypton, was first released May 6, 2025.
Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Runtime behavior and dependencies
The official migration guide covers Node 22 to Node 24, not a complete direct Node 20-to-24 comparison. It is useful for identifying Node 24 changes that may affect an action or project, but it should not be treated as an exhaustive diff from Node 20. Review the Node.js 22-to-24 migration guide and test the code paths your software actually uses.
- Web APIs and streams: The guide describes stricter
fetch()compliance and AbortSignal validation, plus stream and pipe errors that now throw. - Buffers, paths, and tests: It notes Buffer behavior changes, Windows path-handling fixes, and test-runner default changes. Tests that depend on previous behavior or defaults may need adjustment.
- Cryptography: Node 24 builds covered by the guide use OpenSSL 3.5 defaults at security level 2. RSA, DSA, and DH keys shorter than 2048 bits, ECC keys shorter than 224 bits, and cipher suites using RC4 are prohibited. If your action or project relies on legacy keys or cipher configuration, exercise those connections and replace weak cryptographic material where applicable.
- Native addons: Addons that link directly to V8 APIs may need changes for V8 13.6. The guide says C++20 support may be required where C++17 was previously used, and recommends Node-API where possible to reduce rebuild churn.
Runner operating systems and architectures
GitHub says Node 24 is incompatible with macOS 13.4 and earlier and does not officially support ARM32. Its September 2026 removal notice says self-hosted runners using those systems or architectures are no longer supported under this change. Check your self-hosted fleet before updating action versions or runtime metadata; see the GitHub runtime notice and removal announcement.
Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to migrate a workflow
- Find actions used by every workflow. Include reusable workflows and composite actions that invoke JavaScript actions. For each action, check its current release notes and update to a release that supports Node 24. Compatibility is release-specific; do not assume every third-party action has been updated.
- Check self-hosted runner platforms. Confirm operating system and CPU architecture, with particular attention to macOS 13.4 and earlier and ARM32, before adopting Node 24-dependent action releases.
- Set the project’s Node version explicitly. Use
actions/setup-nodebefore package-manager, build, or test commands. If the project promises support for multiple Node versions, use a matrix so each configured version runs the same job steps. - Test relevant compatibility paths. Include fetch and abort behavior, streams, buffers, Windows paths, test-runner defaults, cryptographic connections, and native addons where the codebase uses them.
If you maintain a JavaScript action
- Update the action metadata’s
runs.usingvalue tonode24. - Review dependencies and native addons for the runtime and platform changes relevant to the action.
- Run the action’s test suite against Node 24, including applicable API, cryptography, and platform-specific paths.
- Publish a new release and update documentation or release notes so workflow users know which version supports Node 24.
GitHub’s removal notice directs action maintainers and users to move to releases supporting Node 24: Node 20 removal from GitHub Actions runners.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing Node 20 or Node 24 for application jobs
The Actions runner migration answers which runtime executes JavaScript actions; it does not dictate every application’s build matrix. For application jobs, choose versions based on the Node releases your project supports and dependencies can run on. Node 20 is EOL, so any temporary need to keep it in a build matrix is a separately owned compatibility exception, not a maintained-runtime choice. Node 24 is listed as LTS by the Node.js project. Use actions/setup-node to pin the intended version or matrix rather than relying on a runner image default.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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