MySQL ODBC end-of-life and upgrade
At GoDaddy, we're committed to providing a secure, high-performance, and modern hosting experience. To maintain a secure and reliable hosting environment, we're updating the MySQL ODBC drivers available on Windows Hosting (Plesk).
What's changing?
On April 30, 2026, MySQL ODBC version 8.0.42 will reach end-of-life (EOL). After this date, this version will no longer be supported.
All Plesk hosting servers will be provisioned with MySQL ODBC 9.6. If your application currently uses MySQL ODBC 8.0.x, you'll need to upgrade and validate your configuration to continue working without interruption.
- MySQL ODBC 8.0.42 will no longer be supported after April 30, 2026.
- MySQL ODBC 9.6 will be available on all Plesk hosting servers.
- Applications using older ODBC drivers may experience connectivity issues if not updated.
Why are these changes important?
This update ensures your hosting environment remains secure, stable, and compatible with current MySQL technologies. As older drivers reach EOL, they no longer receive updates or support.
Maintaining up-to-date software is crucial for several reasons:
- Enhanced security: Includes the latest security updates and support for modern authentication methods.
- Improved compatibility: Better alignment with newer MySQL server versions and configurations.
- Performance improvements: Optimized connection handling and driver efficiency.
- Increased reliability: Bug fixes and stability improvements over older driver versions.
What should I know?
While this upgrade provides many benefits, you should be aware of the following:
- Compatibility changes: Some older connection strings or configurations may require updates.
- Driver differences: Changes in driver behavior may impact existing applications.
- Testing is critical: Validate all functionality before moving to production.
How do I prepare for the upgrade?
To avoid service disruption, complete the following before April 30, 2026:
- Identify affected applications: Review your websites and applications that connect to MySQL databases and check for data source names (DSNs) or connection strings using MySQL ODBC 8.0.x.
- Update to MySQL ODBC 9.6: Update your DSNs or connection strings to use MySQL ODBC 9.6, and ensure the correct driver is selected in your configuration.
- Review application compatibility: Validate your connection strings and identify any deprecated or changed parameters.
- Deploy updates: Apply the updated configuration to your site, and monitor your application for any issues. Test thoroughly to verify critical workflows.
What happens if I don't update?
If your application continues using MySQL ODBC 8.0.42 after April 30, 2026:
- Database connections may fail.
- Your website or application may stop working.
- This version will no longer receive updates or support.
Additional considerations
- Applications using 32-bit drivers may require updates when moving to newer environments.
- Connection string parameters may need to be reviewed for compatibility.
- Always test changes in a staging environment before applying them to production.
More info
Disclaimer: While our GoDaddy Guides are always here to assist with your hosting needs, they cannot help with updating or modifying your application code. For assistance with code updates, we recommend consulting a professional developer or using the resources below.