.NET 6 will reach the end of support on November 12, 2024. This marks a crucial turning point for developers and businesses utilizing this framework. Understanding the implications of this change and planning accordingly is essential.
.NET Release Schedule
.NET 6, released on November 8, 2021, has been a Long Term Support (LTS) version, offering stability and performance improvements. Microsoft has announced that after November 12, 2024, no further updates, including security fixes and technical support, will be provided for .NET 6. This aligns with the standard 36-month support lifecycle for LTS releases.
November 12th, a patch Tuesday release day, might see one final update for .NET 6 if critical issues are identified. However, this will mark the end of the support period, making it imperative for users to upgrade to ensure continued security and functionality.
What to Expect
Once .NET 6 reaches its end of support, several key changes will impact users:
- Security and Updates: Applications using .NET 6 will continue to run, but no new security updates will be issued, exposing them to vulnerabilities.
- Technical Support: Access to technical support for .NET 6 applications will be limited, potentially complicating maintenance and troubleshooting efforts.
- Development Environment: Visual Studio will mark .NET 6 as unsupported starting January 2025. Users will receive build warnings and “gold bar” warnings in Visual Studio when targeting .NET 6 from a later SDK.
Using .NET 6 Apps
For businesses still using .NET 6 apps, it’s crucial to initiate conversations with software developers or vendors to check for available updates to .NET 8. The transition to .NET 8 not only ensures continued support and security but also leverages the latest enhancements for improved performance and developer experience.
Staying updated with the latest frameworks is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. By planning and executing a well-thought-out migration strategy, businesses can harness the benefits of .NET 8, ensuring their applications remain secure, efficient, and future-proof.
With the end of support for .NET 6 on the horizon, now is the time to act. Upgrading to .NET 8 will position your business for continued success in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
If you are looking for an experienced technology partner to assist you with this transition, CSE Software can help. Talk with our experts today to get started.
