Microsoft .NET
FrameworkMicrosoft .NET 10 is the newest actively maintained release, currently at patch 10.0.11. 3 of 13 tracked cycles remain supported. The next cycle scheduled to reach end-of-life is 9, on November 10, 2026.
Support pattern
How Microsoft .NET has behaved across the cycles tracked here, rather than what its policy documents state. Useful for judging how much runway a version is likely to have before you commit to it.
Support windows are getting longer: the most recent cycles run about 7 months longer than the earlier ones.
Computed from release and end-of-life dates tracked for Microsoft .NET. Medians are used rather than averages so one unusually short or long release does not skew the figure. Cycles with no recorded end-of-life date are excluded from the support window.
How Microsoft .NET versioning, EOL & security support work
Microsoft ships a new major .NET release every November, alternating between two support tracks: Long Term Support (LTS) releases on even-numbered versions, and Standard Term Support (STS) releases on odd-numbered versions. Both tracks ship the same release quality; the difference is purely how long each is supported, which is why multiple major versions are typically supported side by side.
Security issues in .NET are reported to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). Once fixed, Microsoft publishes CVE-numbered Security Advisories, typically alongside the regular monthly Patch Tuesday servicing releases. Because MSRC only ships fixes for versions still inside Active or Maintenance Support, an out-of-support .NET release will never get a patch for a CVE disclosed after support has ended.
Sources: .NET Support Policy, Microsoft Security Response Center
Release lifecycle
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