URGENT UPDATE: Microsoft has just announced a critical warning to IT administrators regarding the use of unsupported .NET runtimes on Windows systems. The tech giant emphasizes that continued reliance on these outdated versions could expose organizations to significant security vulnerabilities and compliance issues.
As technology evolves, Microsoft is phasing out legacy components of its software. Notably, Windows Server 2025 will be the final edition to support certain deprecated technologies. Now, Microsoft is turning its focus to the .NET Framework, which has been a core component of Windows but is increasingly being replaced by the more modern .NET Core.
Currently, only versions of .NET 8 and newer are supported. Any older versions will no longer receive critical bug fixes, security updates, or technical support. This lack of support not only opens the door for potential cyberattacks but can also lead to stability problems within applications.
Microsoft explains that while the modular nature of .NET Core allows multiple versions to coexist, it creates a risk for IT environments if unsupported runtimes remain in use. The company advises IT admins to run specific commands in an elevated Command Prompt to identify which versions of .NET are actively being utilized.
To mitigate risks, Microsoft stresses the importance of upgrading applications that rely on outdated .NET versions. This process, however, requires coordination with software developers, as access to the application’s source code is necessary for updates. Once updates are deployed, administrators should re-run the identification command to ensure no unsupported runtimes are still present.
Microsoft strongly discourages the use of any .NET installations that have reached their end-of-life (EOL). These versions not only fail to meet compliance requirements but also pose a risk as certain endpoint security software may flag them as vulnerabilities.
As IT administrators navigate this urgent landscape, Microsoft urges proactive measures to ensure all deployments are compliant and secure. Organizations must act swiftly to protect their systems from the looming threats posed by unsupported .NET runtimes.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops and make sure to share this information with your network to help keep everyone informed.
