NuGet Support Policy

Introduction

NuGet is committed to providing users with up-to-date, secure, and well-maintained versions of their tools and packages. To ensure informed decision-making about package dependencies, NuGet has established the NuGet Support Policy. This policy outlines the support status of NuGet.exe and NuGet Client SDK packages available on nuget.org.

Supported Distribution Vehicles

The support for NuGet tooling in Visual Studio and the .NET SDK follows the policies of those distributions. However, NuGet wants to ensure that the community is aware of the support policy for other distribution vehicles, such as NuGet.exe and NuGet Client SDK packages.

NuGet Distribution Vehicle Support Policy

• Visual Studio for Windows: Aligns with Visual Studio Product Lifecycle and Servicing policies.
• .NET SDK: Aligns with .NET and .NET Core Support Policy.
• NuGet Client SDK packages: Support is based on Microsoft Modern Lifecycle Policy.

Current Support Status

The current versions of NuGet.exe and NuGet Client SDK packages are fully supported.

Future Support Plans

• Full Support for Current Version: NuGet will fully support the most recent version of NuGet.exe and NuGet Client SDK packages.
• Security Patch Releases: Patched versions will be released exclusively for critical security fixes required for long-term support (LTS) versions of Visual Studio or .NET SDK.
• Package Deprecation: Older versions of NuGet Client SDK packages not tied to an LTS version of Visual Studio or .NET will be deprecated by January 31, 2024. NuGet will follow the Deprecating packages guidance on nuget.org to ensure a smooth transition.
• Alignment with .NET Package Maintenance: Going forward, NuGet's deprecation approach will likely align with the .NET Package Maintenance guidance.

Leveraging the NuGet Support Policy

Users can effectively leverage the NuGet Support Policy by following these steps:

1. Use the latest versions of NuGet.exe and NuGet Client SDK packages.
2. Keep an eye out for unlisted NuGet.exe versions in tool.json.
3. Check your projects for dependencies on deprecated NuGet Client SDK packages.

The NuGet Support Policy aims to provide users with the necessary information and tools to make informed decisions regarding their NuGet dependencies.