Every developer has wondered at some point: “How long will my .NET Framework version be supported?” This question becomes critical when managing legacy systems or planning long-term projects.
Microsoft’s .NET Framework support policy is more complex than it appears, with each version following different end-of-support schedules, causing confusion among many developers. Today, we’ll clear up this confusion by providing a comprehensive breakdown of the end-of-support schedule for all .NET Framework versions based on the latest information.
1. Understanding Core .NET Framework Support Policy
To understand Microsoft .NET Framework support policy, you need to grasp several key concepts first.
Starting with .NET Framework 4.5.2, versions are treated as components of the Windows operating system. This means the .NET Framework support lifecycle is tied to the support lifecycle of the Windows operating system where it’s installed.
For example, if .NET Framework 4.8 is installed on Windows 10, it will continue to receive support as long as Windows 10 is supported. While this is good news for developers, it also means you must consider operating system upgrade plans alongside framework updates.
2. Currently Supported Microsoft .NET Framework Versions
Let’s examine the .NET Framework versions currently receiving official support from Microsoft.
Current Support Status
| Version | Release Date | Support Status | End of Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework 4.8.1 | August 9, 2022 | ✅ Supported | Follows OS | Latest version, included with Windows 11 |
| .NET Framework 4.8 | April 18, 2019 | ✅ Supported | Follows OS | Included with Windows 10/11 |
| .NET Framework 4.7.2 | April 30, 2018 | ✅ Supported | Follows OS | Included with Windows Server 2019 |
| .NET Framework 4.7.1 | October 17, 2017 | ✅ Supported | Follows OS | – |
| .NET Framework 4.7 | April 5, 2017 | ✅ Supported | Follows OS | Included with Windows 10 Creators Update |
| .NET Framework 4.6.2 | August 2, 2016 | ✅ Supported | Follows OS | Included with Windows 10 1607/Server 2016 |
| .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 | August 11, 2008 | ✅ Supported | January 9, 2029 | Standalone product (Windows 10 1809+) |
.NET Framework 4.8.1 is the latest version and will continue to be distributed with future Windows releases. It will remain supported as long as it’s installed on a supported Windows version.
Notably, .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 has been classified as a standalone product starting with Windows 10 version 1809 and Windows Server 2019, with a definitive end-of-support date of January 9, 2029.
3. End-of-Support .NET Framework Versions
Unfortunately, many versions have already reached end-of-support. Particularly noteworthy is that several versions reached end-of-support simultaneously on April 26, 2022.
Recent End-of-Support Versions (2016-2022)
| Version | Release Date | End of Support | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework 4.6.1 | November 30, 2015 | April 26, 2022 | SHA-1 certificate security issues |
| .NET Framework 4.6 | July 20, 2015 | April 26, 2022 | SHA-1 certificate security issues |
| .NET Framework 4.5.2 | May 5, 2014 | April 26, 2022 | SHA-1 certificate security issues |
| .NET Framework 4.5.1 | October 17, 2013 | January 12, 2016 | – |
| .NET Framework 4.5 | August 15, 2012 | January 12, 2016 | – |
| .NET Framework 4.0 | April 12, 2010 | January 12, 2016 | – |
.NET Framework 4.0 Update Versions
| Version | Release Date | End of Support | Key Improvements |
|---|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework 4.0.3 | March 5, 2012 | January 12, 2016 | SQL Server enhancements |
| .NET Framework 4.0.2 | October 27, 2011 | January 12, 2016 | SQL Server new features support |
| .NET Framework 4.0.1 | April 18, 2011 | January 12, 2016 | WF designer additions, requires VS 2010 SP1 |
Early .NET Framework Versions (2002-2011)
| Version | Release Date | End of Support | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework 3.5 | November 19, 2007 | Integrated into .NET 3.5 SP1 | LINQ, AJAX support |
| .NET Framework 3.0 SP2 | August 2008 | July 12, 2011 | WCF, WPF improvements |
| .NET Framework 3.0 SP1 | November 2007 | July 12, 2011 | Performance improvements |
| .NET Framework 3.0 | November 6, 2006 | July 12, 2011 | Introduced WPF, WCF, WF, CardSpace |
| .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 | August 11, 2008 | July 12, 2011 | Last Windows 2000 support |
| .NET Framework 2.0 SP1 | November 19, 2007 | July 12, 2011 | Security and performance improvements |
| .NET Framework 2.0 | October 27, 2005 | July 12, 2011 | Generics, nullable types |
| .NET Framework 1.1 SP1 | August 30, 2004 | October 8, 2013 | Last Windows NT 4.0 support |
| .NET Framework 1.1 | April 3, 2003 | October 8, 2013 | Included with Windows Server 2003 |
| .NET Framework 1.0 SP3 | August 30, 2004 | July 14, 2009 | Security updates |
| .NET Framework 1.0 SP2 | August 7, 2002 | July 14, 2009 | Stability improvements |
| .NET Framework 1.0 SP1 | March 19, 2002 | July 14, 2009 | Initial bug fixes |
| .NET Framework 1.0 | February 13, 2002 | July 14, 2009 | First version, included with Windows XP |
Background of April 26, 2022 End-of-Support is crucial. Microsoft decided to retire .NET Framework content digitally signed using SHA-1 algorithm certificates for security enhancement, as SHA-1 algorithm is no longer considered secure.
If you’re still using these versions, you must upgrade immediately to .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later.
4. Complete .NET Framework Version List with CLR Information
Here’s a comprehensive list of all .NET Framework versions along with their CLR (Common Language Runtime) versions.
Version-wise CLR and Visual Studio Compatibility
| .NET Framework Version | CLR Version | Visual Studio Version | Windows Default Version | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8.1 | 4.0 | 2022 | Windows 11 (except 21H2) | Latest version, future Windows default |
| 4.8 | 4.0 | 2019 | Windows 10 (1903+), Windows 11 | Last major feature update |
| 4.7.2 | 4.0 | 2017/2019 | Windows 10 (1803), Server 2019 | SQL connection improvements, enhanced cryptography |
| 4.7.1 | 4.0 | 2017 | Windows 10 (1709) | .NET Standard 2.0 support |
| 4.7 | 4.0 | 2017 | Windows 10 (1703) | High DPI support, cryptography improvements |
| 4.6.2 | 4.0 | 2015/2017 | Windows 10 (1607), Server 2016 | Cryptography and ASP.NET improvements |
| 4.6.1 | 4.0 | 2015 | Windows 10 (1511) | WPF, WCF improvements ❌ End-of-support |
| 4.6 | 4.0 | 2015 | Windows 10 (RTM) | JIT improvements, enhanced HTTPS ❌ End-of-support |
| 4.5.2 | 4.0 | 2013 | – | OS version detection improvements ❌ End-of-support |
| 4.5.1 | 4.0 | 2013 | Windows 8.1, Server 2012 R2 | Performance improvements ❌ End-of-support |
| 4.5 | 4.0 | 2012 | Windows 8, Server 2012 | async/await, MEF improvements ❌ End-of-support |
| 4.0 | 4.0 | 2010 | – | Parallel processing, DLR ❌ End-of-support |
| 3.5 SP1 | 2.0 | 2008 | Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 | Entity Framework, ADO.NET Data Services |
| 3.5 | 2.0 | 2008 | – | LINQ, AJAX ❌ Integrated into SP1 |
| 3.0 | 2.0 | 2005 | Windows Vista, Server 2008 | WPF, WCF, WF ❌ End-of-support |
| 2.0 | 2.0 | 2005 | – | Generics, nullable types ❌ End-of-support |
| 1.1 | 1.1 | 2003 | Windows Server 2003 | Mobile device support ❌ End-of-support |
| 1.0 | 1.0 | 2002 | Windows XP Media Center/Tablet | First version ❌ End-of-support |
Understanding .NET Framework Architecture
.NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 all share CLR 2.0. They’re structured as consecutive layers where:
- Installing .NET Framework 3.5 → automatically installs 2.0 SP2 + 3.0 SP2
- Cannot run 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 simultaneously on one system
- Applications built for 2.0/3.0 can run on 3.5
.NET Framework 4.x series all share CLR 4.0 and use:
- In-place update approach (replaces previous versions)
- Only one 4.x version can be installed per system
- Applications built for previous 4.x versions can run on newer versions
5. Historical Significance of Legacy .NET Framework Versions
.NET Framework 1.0 was released on February 13, 2002, bringing managed code to Windows NT 4.0, 98, 2000, ME, and XP. It was quite revolutionary for its time.
.NET Framework 2.0 was particularly beloved by developers for its generics support, while .NET Framework 3.0 introduced WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) and WCF (Windows Communication Foundation), laying the foundation for modern Windows application development.
6. Migration Strategies for Production Environments
Immediate Action Required
If you’re currently using the following versions, immediate upgrade is necessary:
- All .NET Framework 4.6.1 and earlier versions
- Especially 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1 (already end-of-support)
Recommended Migration Path:
- Immediately upgrade to .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later
- If possible, upgrade to the latest version 4.8.1
- Long-term consideration: migration to .NET 6/8 (LTS) or latest .NET
Complete OS-specific .NET Framework Support Status
Windows 11 Series
| Windows 11 Version | Default .NET Framework | Maximum Supported Version | Windows End-of-Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 | 4.8.1 | 4.8.1 | TBD | Latest version |
| Windows 11 23H2 | 4.8.1 | 4.8.1 | TBD | – |
| Windows 11 22H2 | 4.8.1 | 4.8.1 | TBD | – |
| Windows 11 21H2 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | TBD | Manual installation required |
Windows 10 Series
| Windows 10 Version | Default .NET Framework | Maximum Supported Version | Windows End-of-Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 22H2 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | October 14, 2025 | Last Windows 10 |
| Windows 10 21H2 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | June 11, 2024 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 21H1 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | December 13, 2022 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 20H2 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | May 10, 2022 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 2004 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | December 14, 2021 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 1909 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | May 10, 2022 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 1903 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | December 8, 2020 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 1809 LTSC | 4.7.2 | 4.8.1 | January 9, 2029 | Long-term support |
| Windows 10 1803 | 4.7.2 | 4.8.1 | May 12, 2020 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 1709 | 4.7.1 | 4.8.1 | April 9, 2019 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 1703 | 4.7 | 4.8.1 | October 9, 2018 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows 10 1607 LTSC | 4.6.2 | 4.8.1 | October 13, 2026 | Long-term support |
Windows Server Series
| Windows Server Version | Default .NET Framework | Maximum Supported Version | Windows End-of-Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2025 | 4.8.1 | 4.8.1 | TBD | Latest server OS |
| Windows Server 2022 | 4.8 | 4.8.1 | October 14, 2031 | – |
| Windows Server 2019 | 4.7.2 | 4.8.1 | January 9, 2029 | – |
| Windows Server 2016 | 4.6.2 | 4.8.1 | January 12, 2027 | – |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 | 4.5.1 | 4.8.1 | October 10, 2023 | ❌ End-of-support |
| Windows Server 2012 | 4.5 | 4.8 | October 10, 2023 | ❌ End-of-support |
Key Point: Windows 10 22H2 is the final supported version of Windows 10, with support ending on October 14, 2025. After this date, you must either upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU).
7. Development Environment Considerations
Visual Studio Support Limitations
Starting with Visual Studio 2022, important changes include:
- .NET Framework 4.0-4.5.1 components no longer included
- Cannot build applications targeting these versions
- Must use Visual Studio 2019 or earlier for continued development
Project Targeting Recommendations
<!-- Recommended: Use latest supported version -->
<TargetFramework>net48</TargetFramework>
<!-- Or multi-targeting -->
<TargetFrameworks>net48;net6.0</TargetFrameworks>
8. .NET Framework vs .NET (Core) Comparison
Many developers wonder about the differences between .NET Framework and .NET (.NET Core’s successor) and when to migrate.
Key Differences
| Aspect | .NET Framework | .NET (.NET Core) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Windows only | Cross-platform |
| Deployment Model | System-wide installation | App-specific deployment possible |
| Performance | Stable | Faster |
| Support Policy | Follows OS lifecycle | LTS/STS policy |
| Future Outlook | Maintenance mode | Active development |
.NET Framework 4.8 is the final major version of the platform. Microsoft is focusing future feature development on .NET (formerly .NET Core).
9. Migration Checklist and Implementation Plan
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
Step 1: Assess Current Situation
# Check installed .NET Framework versions
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP" /s
Step 2: Compatibility Review
- Use .NET Portability Analyzer
- Check dependency library compatibility
- Review legacy API usage
Step 3: Execute Migration
- Test in development environment first
- Staged upgrade (4.6.2 → 4.8 → .NET 6/8)
- Perform performance and functionality testing
Cost-Benefit Analysis
| Scenario | Short-term Cost | Long-term Benefit | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to .NET Framework 4.8 | Low | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Migrate to .NET 6/8 | High | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maintain status quo (end-of-support versions) | None | Very Low | ⭐ |
10. Future Outlook and Preparation
Microsoft’s .NET Roadmap
Microsoft maintains a predictable schedule with new .NET versions released every November:
- Even versions: LTS (3-year support) – .NET 6, 8, 10…
- Odd versions: STS (2-year support) – .NET 7, 9, 11…
.NET 10 is scheduled for release in November 2025 and will be another LTS version.
Long-term Strategy Guidelines
2024-2025: Stabilize on .NET Framework 4.8 2025-2026: Consider .NET 8 (LTS) migration 2026 onwards: Complete transition to .NET ecosystem
11. Practical Tips from Real-world Experience
Common Migration Issues
Compatibility Problems:
- Code dependencies on System.Web
- WCF services (can be replaced with CoreWCF)
- Windows Forms designer-related issues
Performance Issues:
- JIT compilation optimization differences
- Garbage collection behavior changes
- Memory usage pattern modifications
These issues are mostly solvable, but securing adequate testing time is crucial.
12. .NET Framework Version Detection and Management
Checking Installed .NET Framework Versions
1. Command Prompt Method
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP" /s
2. PowerShell Method
Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP' -Recurse |
Get-ItemProperty -Name version -EA 0 |
Where { $_.PSChildName -Match '^(?!S)\p{L}'} |
Select PSChildName, version
3. Precise Version Check for .NET Framework 4.5+
(Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full\" -Name Release).Release
Release Number to .NET Framework Version Mapping
| Release Number | .NET Framework Version |
|---|---|
| 533320 or later | 4.8.1 |
| 528040 or later | 4.8 |
| 461808 or later | 4.7.2 |
| 461308 or later | 4.7.1 |
| 460798 or later | 4.7 |
| 394802 or later | 4.6.2 |
| 394254 or later | 4.6.1 |
| 393295 or later | 4.6 |
Recommended Resources
- Microsoft .NET Framework Official Support Policy
- Microsoft Product Lifecycle Information
- .NET Migration Guide
- .NET Framework Versions and Dependencies
- EndOfLife.date – .NET Framework
Understanding and preparing for Microsoft .NET Framework end-of-support schedules is essential for stable system operation and security maintenance. Given that multiple versions reached end-of-support in 2022, it’s crucial to accurately assess your current versions and perform immediate upgrades when necessary. Long-term, consider migrating from .NET Framework to modern .NET. While initial investment costs may be involved, the benefits include improved performance, cross-platform support, and continued technical support.