Breaking change for Window Server 2022 Image Users with .NET 6

Azure Marketplace media images for Windows Server 2022 currently include .NET 6, but going forward will not include a .NET version with the image (.NET 8 and later are not included with the image). Therefore, if you previously relied on the Azure Marketplace image to include the .NET 6 runtime, going forward you will need to handle the .NET deployment yourself.

On November 12^th 2024, .NET 6 will reach end of support. However, based on customer feedback we have decided to provide customers with more time to handle the .NET 8 runtime deployment and upgrade to .NET 8. Microsoft will provide security updates for .NET 6 in the Azure Marketplace media images beyond the official end of support date, with an additional 6 months through May 13, 2025. Note this only applies to Azure marketplace media of Windows Server 2022.

.NET 6 will be removed from all Azure marketplace Windows Server 2022 media on May 13^th, 2025. If you are impacted, and have not migrated to .NET 8, you need to take action to complete the change before May 2025.

Who is impacted

If you’re currently using Windows Server 2022 Marketplace media images, and depending on the media for .NET 6 runtime, you are impacted by this change.

You are not affected if you are in the following situation:

1. You are not using Windows Server 2022 Marketplace media images.
2. You are not using .NET 6 in your services or applications.
3. You are using .NET 6 with Windows Server 2022 but not depending on the media to offer the .NET 6 runtime.

Required action

To avoid service disruptions, take advantage of this time to transition to .NET 8 if your service requires .NET. Unlike .NET 6, .NET 8 isn’t included in Windows Server and you’ll have to install it.

1. To migrate to .NET 8, follow these instructions by May 2024.
2. To install .NET, follow these instructions by May 2024.

 See the .NET Deployment Guide for more information about deploying .NET in your environment, and .NET 6 End of Support Blog  for the overall .NET 6 depreciation timeline.

Help and support

If you have questions, get answers from community experts in Microsoft Q&A.

If you have a support plan and you need technical help, go to the Services hub and create a support request. Select the product family Developer Tools, the product .NET, and the version .NET 8.0.