Microsoft has announced the general availability (GA) of Azure Database for MySQL 8.4 on Flexible Server, effective August 29, 2025. This release brings a Long-Term Support (LTS) version of MySQL to Azure, combining enterprise-grade stability with powerful new features for developers and businesses.
Why MySQL 8.4 LTS on Azure Matters
MySQL 8.4 is the latest LTS release, which means extended support, ongoing updates, and critical security fixes. Running this version on Azure Flexible Server ensures organizations can confidently scale production workloads with the latest database innovations—without compromising stability.
Key benefits include:
- Enterprise stability with long-term support
- Improved replication for high availability and disaster recovery
- Enhanced observability with richer logging and monitoring tools
- Future-proof compatibility with modern applications
HelpDesk
Automatic Deployment and Upgrade Options
Starting September 1, 2025, all new Flexible Server instances on Azure will automatically run MySQL 8.4.
For existing servers on MySQL 8.0, Microsoft offers an in-place major version upgrade path. This minimizes downtime and simplifies the migration process, making it easier for teams to adopt 8.4 without disrupting operations.
New and Upcoming Enhancements
The GA launch of MySQL 8.4 is part of a broader wave of improvements in Azure Database for MySQL Flexible Server, including:
- Accelerated Logs now available in the General Purpose tier for higher throughput and lower latency
- Automated on-demand backups with scheduling flexibility
- Expanded regional availability, including Indonesia Central, Chile Central, and Malaysia West
- Self-Heal (Preview) for one-click recovery without support tickets
- Azure Functions trigger bindings (Preview) enabling real-time, event-driven applications connected directly to MySQL
What This Means for Businesses
With Azure Database for MySQL 8.4 GA, companies gain:
- Stronger resilience and security through LTS support and automated recovery options
- Faster innovation with features like accelerated logs and event-driven integration
- Global scalability thanks to expanded region coverage
- Reduced operational overhead from seamless upgrades and automated backups
Conclusion
The general availability of Azure Database for MySQL 8.4 marks a significant step forward for cloud database management. Organizations now have access to a stable, future-ready MySQL release with powerful features that make scaling, monitoring, and securing workloads easier than ever.
If you’re running MySQL on Azure, now is the time to plan your upgrade or start new projects directly on MySQL 8.4 Flexible Server to take full advantage of these capabilities.
