Umbraco 8 is end of life.
Since 24 February 2025, Umbraco 8 has officially reached end of life.
What does that mean for your website?
That means no more security updates, bug fixes or technical support from Umbraco HQ. Sites still running on this version are now entirely unsupported, increasing the burden of risk and responsibility for maintenance and security.
Umbraco’s lifecycle
Umbraco follows a predictable release lifecycle: active support with new features, followed by a security-only phase, and finally, end of life. This applies to all versions, which means that even newer releases will eventually reach the same point. It’s important to consider when planning your next major CMS upgrade.
Staying on Umbraco 8 after EOL
Technically, you can continue to run Umbraco 8 after EOL behind a WAF or within an internal environment. However, maintenance and security risks will gradually increase as support resources disappear and expertise becomes harder to find.
Shifting to version 9 is not just an update
Upgrading from Umbraco 8 to a later version is not a standard update. As of version 9, Umbraco has been rebuilt on .NET Core instead of .NET Framework, introducing a completely different technical foundation.
A complete rebuild is required, including rewritten backend logic, content migration, and, in many cases, redevelopment of integrations. In practice, you are building a new site from scratch, both technically and financially, as your current CMS version is no longer supported.
Why many organisations switch away from Umbraco
If you are already facing a rebuild, it’s worth considering other CMS options, especially if you want to reduce future migration costs and avoid repeating the same pattern.
The cost of rebuilding is similar to, or higher than, creating a brand new site in WordPress or Qala.
Switching CMS at the end of Umbraco 8’s lifecycle is often a more cost-effective and sustainable choice.
Why WordPress is a stronger alternative
WordPress offers a more sustainable long-term model, particularly in opinionated versions developed by enterprise-focused agencies.
A structured WordPress solution like Qala from Angry Creative removes common barriers for larger organisations looking to fully use WordPress, with predictable costs and without unnecessary complexity.
A different approach to updates
Unlike Umbraco, WordPress runs on continuous, backwards-compatible updates. Major releases rarely require rebuilding or reinstalling your site. This makes the platform easier and more predictable to maintain over time, and particularly appealing to organisations looking to avoid major rebuilds with every upgrade cycle.
An open platform with a broad developer base
WordPress has one of the world’s largest developer communities. This means you’ll have access to expertise, ready-made modules and documentation regardless of your project’s size or complexity.
The platform is also open and free from vendor lock-in, giving you full control over your codebase and future development, even if your internal setup or agency relationships change.
Qala – for organisations with more complex needs
For teams that originally chose Umbraco for its strong suite of developer-friendly features and well-structured database schema, Qala offers a practical alternative. Qala is a structured WordPress solution designed to meet the demands of large-scale web projects without limiting flexibility.
Qala has a stable foundation that supports multilingual sites, custom user roles, performance optimisation, and reusable design components. You get a framework that’s easy to extend, simple to keep updated and structured enough to stay in control as your organisation grows.
Time to leave Umbraco?
If you’re looking for a more flexible and sustainable way to manage your site, Angry Creative can help.
We are a leading WordPress agency with experience in building future-proof websites on WordPress designed for long-term stability, low maintenance, and complete editorial control.
Whether your priority is international growth, complex integrations or simply making content work easier for your team, we’ll help you start fresh with a solution that fits.
Get in touch today to explore how WordPress, or our packaged solution Qala, can support your next chapter.