.NET Framework Support Policy
Last updated: August 18, 2025
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.
Release history
Supported versions
| Version | Release date | Support phase | End of support |
|---|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework 4.8.1 | August 9, 2022 | Active | |
| .NET Framework 4.8 | April 18, 2019 | Active | |
| .NET Framework 4.7.2 | April 30, 2018 | Active | |
| .NET Framework 4.7.1 | October 17, 2017 | Active | |
| .NET Framework 4.7 | April 5, 2017 | Active | |
| .NET Framework 4.6.2 | August 2, 2016 | Active | |
| .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 | November 18, 2008 | Active | January 9, 2029 |
Out of support versions
The following releases have reached end of life, meaning they're no longer supported. We recommend moving to a supported release.
| Version | Release date | Support phase | End of support |
|---|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework 4.6.1 | November 30, 2015 | Inactive | April 26, 2022 |
| .NET Framework 4.6 | July 20, 2015 | Inactive | April 26, 2022 |
| .NET Framework 4.5.2 | May 5, 2014 | Inactive | April 26, 2022 |
| .NET Framework 4.5.1 | October 17, 2013 | Inactive | January 12, 2016 |
| .NET Framework 4.5 | August 15, 2012 | Inactive | January 12, 2016 |
| .NET Framework 4.0 | April 12, 2010 | Inactive | January 12, 2016 |
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.
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