Umbraco 8 Upgrade: Expert Q&A

1. What does Umbraco's end-of-life actually mean?
2. What are the risks of staying on Umbraco 8 beyond its end-of-life date?
3. What's the Umbraco roadmap for future updates? When will I need to upgrade again?
4. What Umbraco version should we be updating to?
5. We’re on Umbraco 8; what are my options?
6. What specific development skills are needed to upgrade – can our in-house team complete the upgrade, or will we require agency support?
7. How easy will it be to migrate any custom functionalities and integrations onto the new version of Umbraco?
8. How does an upgrade affect our SEO and online visibility? Will the URL structure change?
9. How do I build a business case for upgrading to a newer version of Umbraco? What positive impact can we expect?
10. How different is the content editing experience in Umbraco 13/15? 

• No Security Patches:
  Once a version is unsupported, Umbraco will no longer release security updates or patches. This void can leave your site vulnerable to potential security threats and data breaches as version weaknesses are no longer addressed.
  
  
• No Feature Updates:
  End-of-life also means there will be no new additional features. Your platform will remain static, and you cannot take advantage of innovations or improvements released in newer versions.
  
  
• Compliance and Contractual Risks:
  For agencies or businesses, compliance becomes a critical factor. Many clients may require that the software they rely on is actively supported. If you're contractually obligated to maintain supported software, running an EOL version of Umbraco can pose risks.
  
  
• Performance Concerns:
  Older versions of Umbraco (especially those over five years old) tend to show reduced performance, particularly on busy or high-traffic websites. Any platform inefficiencies will persist without updates, impacting user experience over time.
  
  
• No Access to New Features:
  Without support, you won't have access to the latest tools, integrations, or capabilities that come with updated versions of Umbraco. This can limit your ability to keep up with modern digital requirements and stay competitive.

• Increased Cybersecurity Risks
  Without security patches and updates, your website becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks and exploits. If it holds sensitive user data, attackers could access it. Worse, malicious actors may take control of your site, allowing them to edit or publish content without permission, potentially damaging your brand reputation.
  
  
• Difficulty Future-Proofing Your Site
  Staying on an unsupported version makes scaling or adding new features challenging. Older technology introduces:
  • Performance issues due to outdated architecture.
  • Compatibility challenges with newer software or third-party tools.
  • As your infrastructure ages, the ability to innovate and remain competitive will be severely limited.
    
    
• Server and Infrastructure Challenges
  If your server software is outdated—much like Umbraco 8—it may face end-of-life issues. The combination creates a stack of unsupported software, increasing:
  • System vulnerabilities.
  • Risks of downtime and compatibility issues.
    
    
• A Common Misconception
  A key point to understand is that your site will continue to work after Umbraco 8 reaches its end-of-life date (February 2025).
  
  • The site will continue to function as it does now.
  • However, the lack of ongoing support and security updates will expose you to significant risks over time.

• Long-Term Support (LTS) Every Two Years
  • Umbraco releases a Long-Term Support (LTS) version every 2 years. LTS versions provide businesses with the following:
    • Security patches and updates for 3 years.
    • A stable foundation for your website with fewer disruptions.
  • Future upgrades become simpler once you’ve upgraded beyond Umbraco 8 (e.g., to v10 or higher). These incremental updates can be managed as part of regular site maintenance, reducing the need for major migrations.
    
    
• The Transition to .NET Core
  • The upgrade from Umbraco 8 involves a shift from the older .NET Framework to the newer .NET Core technology. This transition makes the upgrade from v8 to v10 more complex because it’s a full migration rather than a simple update.
  • While the initial migration requires:
    • Manual adjustments to custom code and integrations.
    • Additional testing to ensure compatibility.
  • Once completed, your site will be on a modern, scalable platform, making future upgrades far smoother and less time-intensive.
    
    
• Benefits of the New LTS Release Cycle
  • The LTS release cycle delivers significant advantages to businesses:
    • Predictability: Regular, scheduled updates allow for better planning and budgeting.
    • Stability and Security: Long-term support ensures your site remains secure and compliant.
    • Access to Innovation: New features and enhancements are more straightforward to adopt.
    • Reduced Technical Debt: Staying aligned with the 3-year LTS lifecycle avoids outdated technology and costly migrations.

Once your site is upgraded to an Umbraco LTS version (e.g., v10 or v13), you can expect to perform minor, incremental upgrades every 2–3 years. By default, these upgrades are manageable, predictable, and part of regular maintenance. The initial migration from Umbraco 8 to the .NET Core versions is the most significant step, but it paves the way for a smoother, more reliable upgrade process.

1. Umbraco 13: The Long-Term Supported Version
   Umbraco 13 is the current Long Term Supported (LTS) version, offering:
   • Stability: It’s a well-established, feature-rich version that has been out for some time.
   • Support: As an LTS version, Umbraco 13 will receive 3 years of updates, including security patches and fixes.
   • Compatibility: A safer option for sites with legacy integrations, as packages are more likely to be supported.
     
     Upgrading to v13 is the most reliable choice for most businesses because it balances stability and modern features.
     
     
2. Umbraco 15: The Latest Version
   Umbraco 15 is the most recent release and is classified as a short-term support version. Key considerations include:
   • New Features: Umbraco 15 includes advancements like a completely rewritten back office, making it more modern and flexible.
   • Shorter Lifecycle: Unlike LTS versions, short-term releases have limited support and require a faster upgrade to future versions.
     
     If your project requires cutting-edge features and you’re confident in managing shorter upgrade cycles, v15 may be worth considering.
     
     
3. Case-by-Case Considerations
   Choosing between Umbraco 13 and 15 depends on your website’s unique setup
   • Integrations and Packages: Assess whether all third-party packages and custom functionalities will work with your chosen version. Older or unsupported packages may need replacing.
   • Future Upgrade Plans: If you upgrade to v13 now, moving to v15 later will be a much more minor, incremental upgrade.
   • Project Goals: If stability is a priority, choose v13. If you’re ready to embrace the newest features and can manage a shorter upgrade cycle, v15 could be the right choice.

• Stay as You Are
• Technically, you can remain on Umbraco 8. Your website will not stop working on February 24th, 2025. However:
  • There will be no security updates or support.
  • This approach requires a risk assessment to evaluate your exposure to cyber threats, data breaches, or compliance risks.
  • Staying on an unsupported version might seem manageable in the short term, but it’s not recommended for long-term stability or security.
    
    
• Upgrade to Umbraco 13 or 15
  Upgrading to a newer, supported version (like Umbraco 13 or 15) ensures:
  • Access to modern features, improved performance, and better scalability
  • Enhanced security with ongoing patches and updates
  • While the upgrade process is not always straightforward, it’s the most future-proof solution, delivering long-term benefits.
    
    
• Extended Long-Term Support (LTS)
  If you need more time to plan your upgrade, you can opt for Umbraco’s Extended Long-Term Support Package. This option:
  • Provides temporary security patching for 6 or 12 months.
  • Must be arranged through an Umbraco Partner agency, like Fresh Egg
  • It functions like an insurance package, allowing you to stay compliant while preparing for an upgrade.
  • While it’s a paid option, it can make sense for businesses needing extra time.
    
    
• Content Migration and Modernisation
  If you’re looking to optimise your site as part of the upgrade, you have two pathways:
  • Straight Migration into Umbraco 13:
    We can extract and import your content from Umbraco 8 into Umbraco 13, providing:
    • Access to the new editing experience and modern content structures.
    • A more component-based architecture (e.g., hero banners, call-to-action blocks, accordions).
  • Rebuild with a Modern Headless CMS Approach:
    If your website is over five years old, this may be the perfect time to consider a headless setup. A Headless CMS solutions offer:
    • More flexibility for content delivery across multiple platforms.
    • Provide better performance and scalability compared to traditional builds.

Key Factors That Influence the Upgrade Complexity

• Integrations and Custom Features
  • Your site's complexity depends on the number of third-party integrations, custom data types, and micro-packages used.
  • Highly integrated sites with custom functionality are more challenging and may require agency expertise.
    
    
• Team Skills and Experience
  • In-house teams with experience in Umbraco development and familiarity with migration processes may be able to manage the upgrade.
  • If your team lacks experience with newer versions or hasn't previously handled upgrades, they might benefit from agency guidance, particularly during planning and execution.
    
    
• Sequential Upgrade Path
  • Upgrades from Umbraco 8 typically follow a step-by-step approach:
  • First, move to Umbraco 10 (a key transition point due to technology updates).
  • Then, proceed to higher versions like Umbraco 13 or 15.
  • This stepwise approach is essential because significant changes to the underlying .NET framework and architecture occur at version 10.
    
    
• Tools to Support the Upgrade Process
  • The Umbraco community offers excellent tools to assist with upgrades. While these tools can automate much of the process, they often require technical knowledge to use effectively:
    • Community Tools: For example, uSync Migrations can handle a significant portion of data migration (around 90%). However, they may require hands-on configuration and troubleshooting.
    • Manual Adjustments: Some elements, such as custom front-end code or outdated packages, may require manual work, mainly if specific versions are unsupported in newer Umbraco releases.
      
      
• When Should You Involve an Agency?
  • If your site is highly customised or heavily integrated
  • If your team lacks experience with .NET upgrades, sequential migrations, or specific Umbraco tools
  • If you want to reduce risks and ensure a smooth, timely upgrade.
    
    
• Agencies like Fresh Egg can support the process through:
  • Initial consultations to assess upgrade complexity.
  • Providing a hybrid approach, where your in-house team handles parts of the upgrade while the agency offers guidance and troubleshooting.
  • Full project ownership if required.

While in-house teams can manage an Umbraco upgrade with the right skills and tools, the project's complexity, particularly moving from Umbraco 8 to 10 and then onward, often benefits from agency support. The key is understanding your team's capabilities, the intricacies of your current setup, and the risks involved.

If unsure, consider scheduling a call with an agency partner to discuss your upgrade path and options.

• How Custom the Functionality Is
  • Custom functionalities, such as Trustpilot reviews or third-party tool integrations, can vary in complexity.
  • If a feature was built specifically for your website using older versions of Umbraco, adjustments may be required during the migration to ensure compatibility with the newer platform.
    
    
• Third-Party Packages
  • Earlier versions of Umbraco (v6, v7, v8) used various community-built packages for custom features.
  • As Umbraco matured, the need for third-party packages decreased with more functionality integrated into the core platform.
  • Why This Matters:
    • Moving away from third-party packages to core functionalities ensures long-term support and easier future upgrades.
    • We recommend replacing custom or unsupported packages with Umbraco’s out-of-the-box features where possible.
      
      
• Migration Strategy
  • The migration process usually involves:
    • Reviewing Your Custom Features: Identify what is custom, what is essential, and what can be replaced with core Umbraco features.
    • Refactoring or Rebuilding: Some custom code may need rewriting or updating to align with changes in Umbraco’s architecture.
    • Testing Integrations: Validate that all third-party tools and custom integrations work seamlessly after the migration.
      
      
• The Benefit of Modern Umbraco Versions
  • While the process might take some effort, upgrading custom functionalities comes with significant benefits:
  • Access to improved performance and modern tools.
  • Greater compatibility with future Umbraco releases.
  • Reduced reliance on third-party packages, minimising risk.

Migrating custom functionalities and integrations to newer versions of Umbraco is entirely possible, but the ease of the process depends on the complexity of your setup. A thorough review of your custom features and leveraging Umbraco’s core platform will ensure a smoother migration and a future-proof site.

We can assess your setup and recommend the best action if you're unsure where to start.

• Your URL Structure Will Not Change
  • Upgrading to a newer version of Umbraco (e.g., from 8 to 13 or 15) does not inherently change your URL structure.
    • The upgrade process preserves the existing URLs so the SEO foundations remain intact.
  • However, it’s always good practice to:
    • Review URL settings post-upgrade to ensure trailing slashes, redirects, and canonical settings haven’t been inadvertently altered.
    • Conduct a pre- and post-upgrade audit of your site to check for any unexpected changes.
      
      
• Performance Boosts That Benefit SEO
  • One of the key advantages of upgrading to the latest version of Umbraco is the performance improvements you gain from using newer technology:
    • Faster page load speeds, which align with Google’s Core Web Vitals.
    • Improved server response times and rendering.
  • Since site performance is a ranking factor for SEO, these improvements can positively impact your search engine visibility.
    
    
• Steps to Safeguard Your SEO During an Upgrade
  • To ensure a smooth upgrade without SEO disruption, follow these best practices:
  • Benchmark Your Site Before Upgrading:
    • Run a full SEO audit, checking page speed, URL structures, metadata, and internal linking.
    • Tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, or Sitebulb can help capture the pre-upgrade state.
      
      
• Test Post-Upgrade:
  • After the upgrade, perform another audit to validate that:
    • All URLs remain intact.
    • Metadata, alt tags, and structured data are unaffected.
    • Page load speeds have improved or stayed stable.
    • Check for Redirects:
      • Ensure any existing 301 redirects are still in place and functioning correctly.

• Enhanced Security and Long-Term Support
  • The primary reason to upgrade is to ensure your website remains secure and fully supported:
    • Newer versions receive regular security patches and updates.
    • Moving away from unsupported versions (like Umbraco 8 post-February 2025) reduces exposure to cyber risks.
    • For industries that require critical security, such as finance, healthcare, and insurance, ongoing enhancements are a non-negotiable business need.
      
      
• Improved Performance and Scalability
  • Upgrading to modern versions of Umbraco (e.g., 13 or 15) gives you access to the latest technology stack:
    • Faster page load speeds improve user experience and SEO rankings (aligned with Google's Core Web Vitals).
    • The platform becomes more scalable, making it easier to grow your website as business needs evolve.
      
      
• Future-Proof Your Technology
  • Upgrading allows you to take advantage of newer Umbraco features:
    • The Content Delivery API makes exploring headless architecture with decoupled content and presentation layers easier.
    • A headless setup delivers greater flexibility, improved front-end performance, and added layers of security.
    • Modernising your technology stack prevents technical debt and ensures the site is ready for future innovations.
      
      
• Improved Accessibility and Sustainability
  • An upgrade is the perfect opportunity to align your site with new standards:
    • The European Accessibility Act will soon require websites to meet higher accessibility standards. This upgrade is a chance to ensure your site complies.
    • Rebuilding or optimising your site can also reduce its carbon footprint, making it more sustainable. This aspect is a growing priority for businesses reporting on their environmental impact.
      
      
• Optimised User and Editor Experience
  • Upgrading brings enhancements to the content editor experience:
    • Modern versions offer a more intuitive, block-based editing structure that simplifies content management.
    • Editors benefit from better tools for efficiently organising, creating, and publishing content.
    • The features improve productivity and user satisfaction for your internal teams.
      
      
• Opportunity for Additional Enhancements
  • You can pair an upgrade with other improvements, such as:
    • Adding new functionalities (e.g., personalisation, automation, or integrations).
    • Redesigning your front end for a fresh, modern user experience.

Upgrading Umbraco isn't just about "keeping the lights on." It's an opportunity to secure your website and enhance performance, scalability, and accessibility. It also provides a platform to align with sustainability goals and improve workflows for your teams and customers.

While a straightforward upgrade is possible, businesses that use this as a chance to modernise will see long-term benefits and a higher ROI. If you're building a business case, consider discussing your goals and priorities with an Umbraco Partner agency, which can provide tailored insights and solutions.

• Key Improvements in the Content Editing Experience.
  • Component-Based Editing
    • A more modern, block-level editing experience approach exists in newer Umbraco versions. You’ll be able to:
    • Build pages linearly using modular components (e.g., hero sections, call-to-action blocks, accordions).
    • Visually organise content to mirror how it will appear on the live website.
• This approach makes editing more intuitive and aligns with modern site-building practices.