As digital platforms continue to evolve, so too must the systems and software that power them. For businesses using Umbraco, it’s essential to stay on top of support timelines to ensure your website is secure, efficient, and future-proof. Running on an outdated version of Umbraco might seem harmless, but it exposes your website to unnecessary risks—especially as these older versions approach or reach their End of Life (EOL).
Here at Gecko, we understand that upgrading your CMS can feel like a daunting task, especially if everything seems to be running fine on an older version. However, once a version of Umbraco reaches EOL, it’s no longer maintained or supported, leaving your website vulnerable to security breaches, performance issues, and compatibility problems. Without timely upgrades, you could be facing bigger headaches down the road, from unfixable bugs to complete rebuilds.
So, why is it so important to stay ahead of these dates? And how do you know when it's time to start planning your upgrade? This blog outlines the Umbraco support end dates for each version, helping you identify where your site stands and when action is needed. Whether you’re on Umbraco 7, 8, 9 or another version, our aim is to provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your website’s future.
Here is the current list of Umbraco versions and their corresponding end-of-life (EOL) dates:
- Umbraco 7: Reached EOL in September 2023.
- Umbraco 8: EOL set for February 2025, with the possibility of extended support for security patches.
- Umbraco 9: Reached EOL in December 2022.
- Umbraco 10: EOL is scheduled for June 2025.
- Umbraco 11: Will reach EOL in December 2023.
- Umbraco 12: EOL set for June 2024.
- Umbraco 13: EOL anticipated in 2026.
Why You Need to Upgrade
“Once a version reaches end of life, it’s essentially a dead product. There’s no more support, no security patches, nothing. So, it’s strongly recommended that you upgrade before that point. If your website runs on an older version of Umbraco, you’re taking on significant risks.”
LTS Versions and Upgrade Planning
“We suggest sticking to LTS versions to ensure your site has full support and security coverage. While there are always new features with incremental versions, for most clients, the LTS versions are the best option for maintaining stability and security. But if you’re keen to take advantage of new functionalities sooner, an incremental upgrade plan could be worth considering.”
Skipping Short-Term Versions
For most of our clients, focusing on LTS releases makes the most sense for maintaining stability and reducing upgrade frequency. However, if there’s a specific feature you want from a short-term version, we can absolutely help you plan a strategy that ensures you get the most out of it—while keeping future upgrade paths smooth and manageable.
Stay Secure, Stay Supported
Ultimately, upgrading to a supported version of Umbraco is the most effective way to protect your website and take advantage of new features. Running on an EOL version comes with risks, and while temporary solutions like penetration testing or limiting access via IPs can offer short-term relief, they are costly and not as effective as a full upgrade.
If you're unsure about your current Umbraco version's status or need advice on the best upgrade path, get in touch with us today. We'll help you ensure that your website stays secure, supported, and future-proof.
By keeping an eye on these EOL dates, and working with Umbraco experts like us, you can plan your upgrades with confidence, knowing that your website will remain secure and up to date with the latest features.
