Microsoft warns many versions of .NET Framework will expire in April

The .NET Framework is a free software development framework designed to help developers build .NET applications, websites, and services. Users run the .NET Framework on multiple operating systems (including Windows) with support for different versions of .NET.

"On April 26, 2022, the .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 will no longer be supported. Microsoft will also no longer provide updates including security patches and support. specifications for these versions as well," Microsoft announced. "Support for other versions of the .NET Framework will remain the same. If you are using the .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6 or 4.6.1 you will have to upgrade to a newer version to stay supported" .

However, there is still an exception that users should be aware of. Specifically, the .NET Framework version 4.6 that comes with Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2015 will remain supported until the end of October 2025, when this operating system's life cycle ends.

Microsoft advises .NET developers to migrate their applications to at least .NET Framework version 4.6.2 or later by April 26, 2022 to continue to receive technical support and security updates .

.NET Framework 4.6.2 (released almost 6 years ago) and .NET Framework 4.8 (released 3 years ago) are compatible and stable alternative versions. These versions have now been widely deployed to millions of computers through Windows Update.