14 DAY TRIAL // Several .NET Framework versions are about to reach the end of support, which means Microsoft would no longer provide any new software updates and security fixes.
The end of support is something that’s critical from a security perspective, as unsupported products wouldn’t get any patches anymore. In other words, if a vulnerability is discovered in such software, it just remains unfixed, with all devices running it therefore becoming exposed to possible attacks.
Microsoft has issued a warning that .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1 will reach the end of support as soon as this month, with users obviously told to update to newer versions as soon as possible.
“On April 26, 2022, the .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 will reach end of support, and after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide updates including security fixes and technical support for these versions. There is no change to the support timelines for any other .NET Framework version. If you are using .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, or 4.6.1, you will need to upgrade to a later version to stay supported,” the company explained.
Updating to newer versions fully recommended
Needless to say, Microsoft explains that such a change is required because it’s now focusing on newer digital certificates, whereas these old versions used SHA-1.
“If you are currently using .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, or 4.6.1 runtime you need to update your deployed runtime to a more recent version – at least .NET Framework 4.6.2 before April 26, 2022 – in order to continue to receive updates and technical support. There is no need for you to retarget or recompile your application against .NET Framework 4.6.2,” Jamshed Damkewala, Principal Engineering Manager, .NET, said in a post.
.NET Framework 3.5 SP1 won’t be affected by this deadline, as this older version will continue to be supported as per the original schedule.