What's New in .NET Framework

This page provides an overview of the new features, improvements, and significant changes introduced in various versions of the .NET Framework. Explore the evolution of the .NET platform and understand how each release has enhanced developer capabilities and application performance.

.NET Framework 4.8

The latest major release of the .NET Framework, focusing on accessibility, High DPI improvements, and graphics enhancements.

  • Accessibility Improvements: Enhanced UI Automation support for WPF and WinForms controls, leading to better screen reader compatibility.
  • High DPI Improvements: Better scaling and layout for applications running on displays with different DPI settings.
  • Graphics Enhancements: Updated DirectX support and improved rendering capabilities for graphics-intensive applications.
  • Security Updates: Incorporates the latest security patches and best practices.

Note: .NET Framework 4.8 is the last major version of .NET Framework. Microsoft recommends migrating to .NET (formerly .NET Core) for new development.

.NET Framework 4.7.2

Key updates in this version include advancements in cryptography, .NET Standard support, and application security.

  • Cryptography: Support for ECDiffieHellman key generation and improved TLS 1.2 support.
  • .NET Standard 2.0: Full support for .NET Standard 2.0, enabling greater code sharing between .NET Framework and .NET (Core).
  • Application Security: Updates to the Common Language Runtime (CLR) and Base Class Library (BCL) for enhanced security.
  • WPF Improvements: Enhancements to stylus support and touch interactions.

.NET Framework 4.7

This release brought significant improvements in areas like high DPI support, graphics rendering, and cryptography.

  • High DPI Support: Enhanced support for modern high-resolution displays, improving application clarity and usability.
  • Graphics and Rendering: Updates to WPF's rendering pipeline for better performance and visual fidelity.
  • Cryptography: Support for SHA3 hashing algorithms and improvements to existing cryptographic APIs.
  • Event Tracing for Windows (ETW): Enhanced ETW capabilities for more detailed application diagnostics.

.NET Framework 4.6.2

Focuses on stability, security, and developer productivity.

  • Cryptography: Support for RFC 7518 JSON Web Signature (JWS) algorithms.
  • .NET Native: Improvements for .NET Native compilation on Windows 10.
  • CLR: Enhancements to the CLR's garbage collection and memory management.
  • ASP.NET: Various bug fixes and performance improvements for ASP.NET applications.

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