Understanding Umbraco versions and the benefits for upgrading

Umbraco 17 was launched back in November 2025. This is the current long term supported (LTS) version of Umbraco. But what do LTS and STS mean? In this short blog we look at these acronyms, what is new in Umbraco 17 and the benefits of being on a latest version of Umbraco. 

Understanding Umbraco’s product lifecycle

A good place to start is to understand the versions of Umbraco and the versioning cadence. Umbraco have two version types: 

• Long term supported versions (LTS) – a long term supported version will be released every 2 years. This aligns with the versioning cadence of the underlying .NET framework. 
  
  
• Standard supported versions (STS) – these are versions released in-between long term supported versions. They provide CMS feature enhancements and testing potential new features. 

Both LTS and STS versions have two support phases during their lifecycle: 

• Support phase – bug fixing and security advisories with patches provided. 
  
  
• Security phase – security only phase with patches provided. 

At the end of the security phase, the version becomes end of life and will not receive any security patches. At this point if you do not upgrade your website is vulnerable to new security threats. 

Current active releases 

Umbraco 17 at a glance

The technical features: 

• .NET 10 Foundation: Leverages the latest Microsoft framework for improved performance and better memory management.  
  
  
• Backoffice Load Balancing: For the first time, the entire Umbraco back office can run across multiple servers, allowing horizontal scaling for large editorial teams. 
  
  
• Consistent UTC Date Handling: All system dates (creation, logs, scheduling) are now managed in UTC, resolving time zone conflicts for global teams. 
  
  
• Accessibility Improvements: Reaches high-level WCAG compliance with clearer navigation and better keyboard support for all internal tools. 
  
  
• Refined Block Grid Editor: Includes smoother back-end structuring and improved usability for creating modular content sections 

Key takeaway in this version – the ability to load balance the back office is a game changer. You can now load balance your website front end and the Umbraco CMS.

Why you should be on a newer version of Umbraco 

If you are still running an end-of-life version of Umbraco, you are exposing your website (and your business) to security vulnerabilities, performance bottlenecks and costly maintenance workarounds. 

Upgrading is not just about mitigating risk, it is a chance to unlock new potential and drive digital innovation. 

Stay secure & compliant 

Legacy Umbraco versions no longer receive security patches, making them increasingly vulnerable to exploits. This poses a serious risk to data protection and GDPR compliance. By upgrading, you benefit from the latest security enhancements, including token-based authentication, cross-site scripting protection, and regular updates aligned with Microsoft’s .NET LTS roadmap. 

Improved performance & scalability 

Newer versions of Umbraco (v13+) are built on the latest .NET frameworks and deliver significant performance improvements including faster page loads, more efficient caching, and support for modern development practices. As your digital ecosystem grows, modern Umbraco is ready to scale with you. 

A better experience for editors & developers 

Modern versions offer a completely redesigned editing experience, with intuitive content editing (drag and drop), and granular user permissions. Developers also gain access to flexible APIs, composable architecture, and full support for headless delivery. 

Reduced technical debt 

Running outdated software often leads to bloated workarounds, unsupported packages, and a fragile codebase. Upgrading to Umbraco 13+ gives your development team a clean, modern foundation, allowing for easier maintenance, quicker feature delivery, and reduced long-term costs. 

Future-proof your digital platform 

Umbraco's roadmap is aligned with Microsoft’s long-term support cycles, providing a predictable and stable upgrade path. Whether you are planning to integrate CRM systems, adopt composable DXP features, or expand into new digital channels, upgrading now gives you the platform agility to evolve at speed. 

Upgrade your Umbraco site with Reading Room 

Choosing the right partner for your Umbraco upgrade can make the difference between a smooth, strategic transformation and a complex, costly rebuild. At Reading Room, we combine technical excellence with a deep understanding of business goals, ensuring every upgrade delivers real value. 

Here’s why clients trust us to lead their Umbraco upgrade journey: 

• As an experienced Umbraco web design agency, we’ve successfully delivered numerous Umbraco upgrades. From simple brochure sites to complex, multi-integration platforms. 
  
  
• Your upgrade will be handled by our team of Umbraco Certified Master developers, the highest level of Umbraco accreditation. 
  
  
• We have developed our own Umbraco content migrator. A powerful tool that automates the transfer of content and media into the new database structure. It significantly reduces manual effort and accelerates the upgrade process, saving you time and cost. 
  
  
• Our dedicated DevOps team ensures your upgraded website is deployed on secure, scalable, and high-performance infrastructure, whether that’s Umbraco Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or AWS. We take care of hosting, CI/CD pipelines, backups, and security hardening. 
  
  
• You will not just be handed the keys post-launch. Our experienced Client Partners provide ongoing strategic support. Helping you maximise your investment, adopt new features, and continuously improve your digital estate.