Last updated: May 17, 2022
What's covered
.NET Framework covers a broad set of Windows technologies including the .NET Framework Base Class Libraries, ASP.NET Web Forms, WCF, and more.
Many products both within and outside Microsoft rely on .NET Framework. Beginning with version 4.5.2 and later, .NET Framework is defined as a component of the Windows operating system (OS). Components receive the same support as their parent products, therefore, .NET Framework 4.5.2 and later follows the lifecycle policy of the underlying Windows OS on which it is installed. The support lifecycle for various versions of Windows can be found on the Windows lifecycle fact sheet.
Support lifecycle
.NET Framework 4.8.1 is the latest version of .NET Framework and will continue to be distributed with future releases of Windows. As long as it is installed on a supported version of Windows, .NET Framework 4.8.1 will continue to also be supported.
The Support Lifecycle information for all versions of .NET Framework can be seen on the Microsoft Product Lifecycle site. ASP.NET ships external components separate from the .NET Framework. See the ASP.NET support policy for the available options.
Lifecycle FAQ—.NET Framework
SHA-1 content retirement
.NET Framework content previously digitally signed using certificates that use the SHA-1 algorithm was retired in order to support evolving industry standards. Support for .NET Framework versions 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 ended on April 26, 2022, so security fixes, updates, and technical support for these versions will no longer be provided. Update your deployed runtime to a more recent version, such as .NET Framework 4.6.2 in order to continue to receive updates and technical support.
For more information, see the SHA-1 retirement plan, the .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 lifecycle update blog post, and the FAQ.
Accessing support
For an explanation of available support options, please visit Support for Business and Developers. For community support options, see the Community page.
FAQs
So… is My . NET Version Supported?
| .NET Version | End of Support Date | Supported? |
|---|
| .NET Framework 1.0 – 4.6.1 | April 26. 2022 | ✘ Out of Support |
| .NET Framework 3.5 | January 9,2029 | 🆗 Supported for now |
| .NET Framework 4.6.2 | January 12, 2027 | 🆗 Supported for now |
| .NET Framework 4.7 – 4.72 | 2032+ (approx.) | ✅ Supported |
7 more rowsAug 30, 2023
NET Framework 4.6. 2 or later by April 26, 2022 to continue receiving technical support and security updates. . NET Framework 3.5 SP1, beginning with Windows 10 version 1809 and Windows Server 2019, is a standalone product and receives 5 years of mainstream support followed by 5 years of extended support.
Is .NET Framework 4.8 still supported? ›
NET Framework is updated machine-wide automatically by Windows Update. . NET Framework 4.8 is the latest version of . NET Framework and will continue to be distributed with future releases of Windows. As long as it's installed on a supported version of Windows, .
Is .NET Framework 4.0 still supported? ›
Starting with Visual Studio 2022, Visual Studio no longer includes .NET Framework components for .NET Framework 4.0 - 4.5.1 because these versions are no longer supported.
What is replacing .NET Framework? ›
NET Core would replace the . NET Framework. Eventually, . NET 5.0 was rolled out in November 2020.
What is the difference between .NET and .NET Framework? ›
.NET and .NET Framework share many of the same components and you can share code across the two. Some key differences include: .NET is cross-platform and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. . NET Framework only runs on Windows.
Is Microsoft phasing out .NET Framework? ›
In April 2019, Microsoft released .NET Framework 4.8, the last major version of the framework as a proprietary offering, followed by .NET Framework 4.8.1 in August 2022. Only monthly security and reliability bug fixes to that version have been released since then. No further changes to that version are planned.
Is NET Framework still supported? ›
. NET Framework 4.5. 2, 4.6, and 4.6. 1 retired on April 26, 2022.
What versions of .NET are no longer supported? ›
Out of support versions
| Version | Original release date | End of support |
|---|
| .NET Core 3.1 | December 3, 2019 | December 13, 2022 |
| .NET Core 3.0 | September 23, 2019 | March 3, 2020 |
| .NET Core 2.2 | December 4, 2018 | December 23, 2019 |
| .NET Core 2.1 | May 30, 2018 | August 21, 2021 |
4 more rows. NET Framework 4.8 was announced as the final version of . NET Framework, with future work going into the rewritten and cross-platform .
NET 8 is a long term support (LTS) release (issued in odd-numbered years like 2023), which means it will be supported and patched for three years as opposed to 18 months for a standard term support (STS) release.
Does .NET 7 have long term support? ›
NET 7 is not a long-term support (LTS) release. Microsoft typically provides LTS releases for its .
Which NET Framework 4.0 is no longer supported? ›
Starting with Visual Studio 2022, Visual Studio no longer includes . NET Framework components for . NET Framework 4.0 - 4.5. 1 because these versions are no longer supported.
Is .NET 5 out of support? ›
NET 5 reached end of support on May 10, 2022 | It was supported by Microsoft on multiple operating systems.
What version of .NET Framework is running? ›
You can install and run multiple versions of .NET Framework on a computer. If you want to check the versions on your own computer, the easiest way is through Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, or in Settings under Apps > Installed apps. You can also use these community-maintained tools.
Is .NET Framework 2.0 still supported? ›
The original version of the . NET Framework 3.5 together with the . NET Framework 2.0 SP1 and the . NET Framework 3.0 SP1 are no longer in support.
Is .NET Framework 4.5 still supported? ›
. NET Framework 4.5. 2, 4.6, and 4.6. 1 retired on April 26, 2022.
What are the application supports provided by NET? ›
NET Framework to develop the following types of apps and services:
- Console apps. ...
- Windows GUI apps (Windows Forms). ...
- Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) apps. ...
- ASP.NET apps. ...
- Windows services. ...
- Service-oriented apps using Windows Communication Foundation (WCF). ...
- Workflow-enabled apps using Windows Workflow Foundation (WF).
NET 7 is not a long-term support (LTS) release. Microsoft typically provides LTS releases for its . NET frameworks every two years, which come with an extended support period of up to three years.
