Question

I’m wondering until when the .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 will be supported by Microsoft.

According to Microsoft Support Lifetime page for developer products, the mainstream support phase should last for 5 years and extended support phase for another 5 years.

I found a .NET Framework 2.0 entry in the Support Lifetime Index, however I was unable to find any entry for .NET 3.0 and .NET 3.5 there (or .NET 4.0).

According to the .NET framework 2.0 entry mainstream support phase for .NET 2.0 will end at 4/12/2011.

I have two questions:

• Considering that .NET 3.0 and .NET 3.5 are dependent on .NET 2.0 CLR does mainstream support for .NET 3.x also end in 4/12/2011?

• If not, when is the end of mainstream support for .NET 3.0 and .NET 3.5?

Answer 1

Microsoft has published a new article about .NET 3.x support policy:

Mainstream support phases will end as follows:

• .NET 2.0: 2011-04-12
• .NET 3.0: 2011-04-12
• .NET 3.5: 2011-04-12
• .NET 3.5 SP1: 2015-01-13 (part of Windows 7)
• .NET 4.0: 2016-01-12
• .NET 4.5: 2016-01-12
• .NET 4.5.1: 2016-01-12
• .NET 4.5.2: 2023-01-10 (part of Windows 8.1)

Beginning with .NET 3.5 SP1, the .NET Framework is considered a Component of the Windows OS. Components follow the Support Lifecycle policy of their parent product or platform.