On February 24, 2025, Umbraco 8 officially reached its End of Life (EOL). This means that businesses and agencies still using Umbraco 8 must act immediately to ensure the security, performance, and long-term viability for their projects. 

As an agency owner or company managing Umbraco projects, staying on an unsupported version can lead to security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and increased maintenance costs. In this blog, we’ll explore why upgrading is essential and how to transition smoothly to a supported version of Umbraco. 

What Does Umbraco 8 End of Life Mean for Your Business? 

EOL signifies that Umbraco 8 no longer receives official support, updates, or security patches from the Umbraco team. Without these critical updates, businesses and agencies using Umbraco 8 face increasing risks, including security threats, compliance issues, and reduced website performance. 

Key Implications of EOL: 

• No More Security Updates – Your website will become more vulnerable to cyber threats. 

• Lack of Technical Support – Official support is no longer available from Umbraco HQ. 

• Compatibility Issues – Future integrations, extensions, and third-party tools may not work properly. 

• Performance Degradation – Older software tends to slow down over time and struggle with modern web requirements. 

Why Agencies and Companies Must Upgrade from Umbraco 8 

1. Protect Your Clients from Security Risks 

Without security updates, websites built on Umbraco 8 become easy targets for hackers. If your agency manages multiple client websites, failing to upgrade could result in data breaches, malware attacks, and loss of client trust. 

2. Avoid High Maintenance Costs 

Operating an outdated CMS requires more maintenance effort to fix issues, apply custom patches, and keep integrations functional. Upgrading reduces the need for constant fixes and future-proofs your website. 

3. Ensure Compliance with Regulations 

Industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce must adhere to strict data security laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). Using an unsupported CMS may lead to compliance violations and potential legal issues. 

4. Improve Website Performance and Scalability 

Upgrading to the latest version of Umbraco unlocks better performance, faster load times, and improved scalability—crucial for businesses managing high-traffic websites. 

5. Stay Competitive with New Features 

Umbraco’s newer versions introduce better content management tools, cloud support, and AI-driven enhancements. Sticking with an outdated version limits your ability to innovate and compete effectively. 

Benefits of Upgrading to the Latest Umbraco Version 

Enhanced Security 

Umbraco regularly releases security patches for supported versions. Upgrading ensures your website is protected from emerging threats. 

Better User Experience & Admin Features 

The latest Umbraco versions come with an improved back-office interface, advanced workflows, and a more intuitive content editor, making life easier for content managers and developers. 

Seamless Integrations & Cloud Readiness 

Modern Umbraco versions are optimized for cloud environments, offering better support for integrations with third-party services, APIs, and marketing automation tools. 

Long-Term Support & Community Backing 

Upgrading to a supported version means access to Umbraco’s expert support team, active developer community, and continuous feature updates. 

How to Upgrade from Umbraco 8 

If your agency or company has projects running on Umbraco 8, here’s how to ensure a smooth transition: 

1. Audit Your Current Websites 

• Identify all existing features, plugins, and customizations. 

• Check for compatibility issues with newer Umbraco versions. 

2. Choose the Right Upgrade Path 

• Direct Upgrade – If your site has minimal customization, a direct upgrade may be possible. 

• Rebuild & Migrate – Heavily customized sites may require a fresh build on the latest Umbraco version. 

3. Test in a Staging Environment 

• Deploy the upgrade in a test environment to identify potential issues. 

• Fix broken integrations and optimize performance before going live. 

4. Train Your Team & Clients 

• Ensure your developers, designers, and content managers understand the new version’s features. 

• Provide training to clients on managing content in the updated CMS. 

5. Go Live & Monitor 

• Deploy the upgraded website and closely monitor performance. 

• Regularly update and maintain the site to keep it secure and efficient. 

Conclusion 

Now that Umbraco 8 has officially reached End of Life, delaying an upgrade is no longer an option. Agencies and businesses must act now to protect their websites, ensure compliance, and take advantage of modern CMS features. 

By upgrading to the latest Umbraco version, you secure your digital assets, enhance website performance, and future-proof your business for long-term success. 

Need help with your Umbraco upgrade? Contact us today and let our experts guide you through a seamless transition!