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Launching on Umbraco v13: What to Do When Your Site Goes Live Just Before End of Support

Introduction:

Launching a new website is a major milestone, but what happens when your chosen CMS version is nearing the end of its support lifecycle? This post is especially relevant for clients building on Umbraco v.13 with an end of 2025 launch date, as it’s a timely and important consideration. Here's what you need to know and how to plan ahead. 

Why it matters? 

Umbraco v.13 is a Long-Term Support (LTS) version, released on December 14, 2023. Its support phase ends on December 14, 2025, and security updates will stop by December 14, 2026. If your site is launching just before the support phase ends, you may face challenges with security updates, bug fixes, and compatibility with future packages or integrations. 

What clients should do? 

  1. Understand the support timeline 
    Knowing that v.13 enters its security-only phase just months after your launch helps you plan proactively. This phase means no new features or bug fixes - only critical security patches until end-of-life in December 2026. 

  1. Plan for an upgrade to v.17 
    Umbraco v.17, the next LTS version, is scheduled for release on November 27, 2025. Its support will run until November 27, 2027, with security updates continuing until November 27, 2028. Planning an upgrade to v.17 within the first year of your site’s launch ensures long-term stability and access to new features. 

What’s new in v17? 

    1. Native support for Headless CMS architecture 
    2. Improved backoffice performance and UX 
    3. Enhanced API capabilities for integrations 
    4. Better developer tooling and streamlined upgrade paths 

  1. Choose your post-launch path wisely 
    Clients at this stage typically face two options: 

    • Option 1: Upgrade shortly after launch 
      Move quickly to v.17 to benefit from the latest platform improvements and avoid accumulating technical debt. 

    • Option 2: Enter an optimisation phase first 
      Focus on aligning the platform with business goals - enhancing UX, refining content strategy, and improving performance before upgrading. 

Either path involves additional investment, but with a trusted agency, you can build a roadmap that balances cost and value. 

  1. SLA 
    Consider increasing your SLA allocation to cover some less complex upgrades. For example, an upgrade from v.10 to v.13 wasn’t huge in terms of effort and it could be spread across quarterly SLA usage. This approach helps you stay current without needing a full project budget. 

  1. Choose the right support partner 
    You may be aware of this by now, but not all agencies are equipped to handle both BAU support. Ensure your support partner not only understands your platform, but your business goals, and has the technical depth to deliver both day-to-day stability and long-term evolution. 

Final Thoughts: 

Launching on a version nearing end-of-support isn’t a mistake - it’s an opportunity. With the right planning, you can ensure your site remains secure, scalable, and aligned with Umbraco’s roadmap. Whether you upgrade immediately or optimise first, having a clear strategy and the right partner makes all the difference. 

 

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