Microsoft.NET Lifecycle: End Of Life And Support Status
April 18, 2024
.NET is a free, open-source, and cross-platform programming platform created by Microsoft. It is not to be confused with .NET Framework, which is a subsidiary of .NET.
The .NET platform can be used to create applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It hosts a number of editors, programming languages, and libraries for developers to maximize their productivity using a single platform.
Like all software, .NET must also reach its End of Life after a certain time. However, Microsoft initially did not predefine the duration for when the .NET version will be supported. But after .NET 3.1, Microsoft releases a new .NET version each year in November and will be supported for the next 3 years.
That said, there is no Extended or Security support for .NET- only the 3-year-long Active support.
You can find more information on .NET End of Life on the official .NET support page.
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.
.NET
Version
Released
Active Support
Version
Released
Active Support
