Microsoft.NET Framework Lifecycle: End Of Life And Support Status
Last updated on May 26, 2023
.NET Framework is a platform used to develop Windows applications using the C# (C Sharp) programming language. .NET Framework is a subsidiary of .NET, which hosts a number of other operating systems as well.
Like all software, Microsoft releases updates for the .NET Framework, while the older versions are reaching their End of Life.
Support status guide
End of life (EOL) is the end of a product’s useful life. When a product reaches the end of its life cycle, the manufacturer no longer supports it. The following table explains the different phases of a product’s lifecycle. Testing status is when the product is initially released and EOL is when product support is no longer offered. The time between these two points is the support timeframe.
Testing
The software is not yet publicly available. It is in testing phase i.e., alpha, beta, release preview etc.
Active
The software is actively supported by the vendor.
Phasing Out
The software will soon reach its end of life. You need to look for upgrade or migration options. The software will automatically go into phasing out status 2 months before end of life.
End Of Life
The software is no longer supported by the vendor. You need to make sure your system and environment are safe.
Version
Released
Active Support
(20 August 2022)
(18 April 2019)
(30 April 2018)
(5 April 2017)
(2 August 2016)
(12 January 2027)
(30 November 2015)
(26 April 2022)
(20 July 2015)
(26 April 2022)
(15 August 2012)
(12 January 2016)
(12 April 2010)
(12 January 2016)
(19 November 2007)
(9 January 2029)
(6 November 2006)
(12 July 2011)
(27 October 2005)
(11 July 2011)
(15 January 2002)
(10 July 2007)
Unlike most software, .NET Framework only has one channel, which is the Active support channel. It does not have an Extended or Security support channel. Moreover, there is no defined time when Microsoft will release the next version of the .NET framework, nor a defined servicing timeline.
Microsoft only announces when a particular .NET Framework version will be retired. Usually, Microsoft warns the users at least 12 months before it reaches the End of Life.
Moreover, some .NET Framework versions, such as .NET Framework 3.5, are included in the Windows operating system natively. These frameworks are thus supported as long as they are a part of the operating system.
EOLs
