.NET 6 to Be Removed from Windows Server 2022 Marketplace Media on May 13, 2025

Microsoft has declared that, effective May 13, 2025, the Windows Server 2022 Marketplace media would no longer contain .NET 6, a Long-Term Support (LTS) version of the .NET framework. As part of Microsoft's lifecycle management strategy, this action fits in with their larger goal of maintaining and streamlining supported software across all of their platforms.

What Does This Mean for Users?

Since .NET 6 has been removed from Windows Server 2022 Marketplace media, .NET 6 will no longer be pre-installed on newly installed Windows Server 2022 from the Azure Marketplace. Nevertheless, current .NET 6 deployments will continue to work. If .NET 6 is an essential part of their applications, developers and administrators will need to prepare for this change and take action to guarantee compatibility.

Key Considerations

1. Support Lifecycle The support for .NET 6 is expire on November 12, 2024. Microsoft will no longer offer security fixes and technical assistance beyond this date. This chronology is reflected in the withdrawal of .NET 6 from the Marketplace media, which encourages customers to switch to more recent versions.
2. Transition to Newer Versions Migration to .NET 8, the upcoming LTS release, is advised for organizations using .NET 6. This guarantees ongoing assistance as well as access to the newest features, enhancements to performance, and security patches.
3. Manual Installation Users that need .NET 6 after May 13, 2025, will have to obtain and install it manually from the official .NET website. However, because of the possible security flaws and absence of future updates, this method is not advised for use in production settings.

Recommendations for IT Administrators and Developers

1. Evaluate Applications Review every program that is currently using .NET 6 and determine whether it can be used with more recent .NET versions, like .NET 7 or .NET 8.
2. Plan Migration Early Planning for migration should begin well in advance of the removal date in May 2025. It is essential to test programs with more recent .NET versions in order to find any compatibility problems or necessary changes.
3. Use Azure Pipelines If you're deploying in Azure, think about using Azure DevOps pipelines to automate your apps' upgrades. A smooth transition to supported versions is thus guaranteed.
4. Stay Updated Proactively monitor Microsoft's official announcements and documentation for updates and changes related to the .NET framework and Windows Server.

Benefits of Migrating to .NET 8

Significant improvements over .NET 6 are included in Microsoft's .NET 8, which is released on November 2024 and includes new APIs, improved performance, and broader platform compatibility. Making the switch to the most recent Long-Term Support (LTS) release guarantees ongoing assistance, gives you access to the most recent security patches, and makes it possible to create scalable and safe apps with contemporary frameworks and tools.

Conclusion

The removal of .NET 6 from Windows Server 2022 Marketplace media serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of adhering to software lifecycle policies. By planning and migrating to newer versions, organizations can ensure their applications remain secure, efficient, and aligned with Microsoft's evolving ecosystem.

For more details, visit the official .NET website or consult Microsoft’s Windows Server documentation.

https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/platform/support/policy/dotnet-core

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurecompute/breaking-change-for-window-server-2022-image-users-with-net-6/4262423