Not immediately, but it’s smart to start planning, especially if you’re using older versions like 8 or 9.
The latest version of Umbraco has arrived and it’s a big one. Umbraco 17 is a milestone release that modernizes the entire platform. From a new tech foundation to smarter performance features, this version sets the stage for a faster, more flexible future for both developers and content editors.
What’s New in Umbraco 17
Built on .NET 10
Umbraco 17 runs on .NET 10, Microsoft’s newest long-term-support framework. That means better performance, improved security, and a foundation that’s built to last. It also makes it easier for developers to integrate modern tools and maintain websites without worrying about outdated dependencies.
A Completely Modern Backoffice
The old AngularJS-based backoffice is officially gone for LTS releases. In its place is a brand-new environment built with Web Components and TypeScript - faster, cleaner, and easier to extend. Editors will notice a smoother, more responsive interface, while developers get a modern structure that’s easier to customize and maintain.
Load-Balanced Backoffice Support
One of the most exciting features in this release is full load-balancing for the backoffice. For teams managing large content operations or multiple editors, that means better scalability and performance, even under heavy use.
Smarter Date and Time Handling
Content scheduling just got a lot simpler. Umbraco 17 introduces consistent UTC-based time storage and new editors for date, time, and timezone management - helping teams avoid confusion when publishing across different regions.
Streamlined Upgrade Path
If you’re already running Umbraco 13, the last LTS (long-term support) version, the move to 17 is straightforward. You can upgrade directly between LTS versions, which makes planning and testing much easier than in previous releases.

Why This Release Matters
This release is more than a set of new features and shows where Umbraco is headed next.
- Future-proof and reliable - Built on .NET 10, it’s designed for years of stability and compatibility.
- Better performance and scalability - From load-balancing to the new backoffice framework, everything runs faster and smoother.
- Improved experience for editors and developers - The cleaner interface, faster load times, and simplified codebase mean everyone gets a productivity boost.
- Less technical debt - Legacy frameworks are gone, leaving a cleaner, more maintainable platform for the future.
Getting Ready for Umbraco 17
If your site is still running on an older version, now’s a good time to start planning an upgrade. Here’s how to approach it:
- Review your setup - Take stock of custom packages, integrations, and workflows that may need updates.
- Check compatibility - Make sure any third-party tools or extensions support the new version.
- Test thoroughly - Set up a staging environment to verify performance, content models, and custom code.
- Schedule your rollout - Coordinate upgrade timing with your content and development teams to minimize disruption.
Even if you don’t upgrade right away, getting your environment “Umbraco 17-ready” will make the transition smoother when the time comes.
Final Thoughts
Umbraco 17 marks a real leap forward for the CMS. It clears away legacy code, introduces a faster, more reliable architecture, and makes life easier for the people who use it every day.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to modernize your Umbraco setup, this release is the perfect opportunity to make that move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to upgrade right away?
What’s the biggest change from previous versions?
The shift to .NET 10 and the all-new backoffice architecture are the most impactful updates, setting the stage for faster development and a better user experience.
Will my existing content work after upgrading?
Yes, but it’s important to review custom code and third-party packages for compatibility before upgrading.
Umbraco
Web Development
About the author
Alex Vilmur
Alex Vilmur is a wizard at development and also trumpet. He once auditioned for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, but found his passion for website development and Umbraco made it too hard to leave.