Always use the latest stable versions of GitHub Actions components in CI/CD workflows to avoid deprecated features, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues. This includes:

  1. Use the latest version of common actions: ```yaml

    Use this

    Instead of these older versions

  2. Reference the canonical branch name in external actions: ```yaml

    Use this

    Instead of

  3. Keep runner images updated to currently supported versions:
    # Use these
    runs-on: macos-11  # or newer
    runs-on: windows-2022  # instead of windows-2016
       
    # Replace deprecated runners like
    # runs-on: macos-10.15
    # runs-on: windows-2016
    

Regular updates reduce security risks, ensure compatibility with GitHub’s evolving infrastructure, and prevent build failures when older components are deprecated or removed. Create a recurring task to audit and update actions versions across your workflows.