Microsoft Has Released .NET 11 Release Candidate 2
The latest pre-release build introduces go-live support ahead of the final version scheduled for November 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Software
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Microsoft has released .NET 11 Release Candidate 2, marking the penultimate development stage for the platform update. The build includes a go-live license for production environments and is now available for developer testing.
Why it matters
This release marks the final stabilization phase for .NET 11, allowing developers to integrate new runtime, SDK, and library updates into their production workflows ahead of the platform's full launch.
The update spans across core components including the runtime, SDK, MSBuild, NuGet, F#, ASP.NET Core, .NET MAUI, and Windows Forms. The release candidate is validated for use within Visual Studio 2026 Insiders and Visual Studio Code equipped with the C# Dev Kit.
The players
Microsoft
A global technology company that develops the .NET platform, a widely used framework for building web, mobile, and desktop applications.
The details
Microsoft has issued the second release candidate to allow for final integration testing before the platform enters the stable channel. The build provides compatibility with current developer tools, ensuring that libraries and runtime enhancements can be verified against existing projects within the Visual Studio ecosystem.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: .NET 11 Release Candidate 2 became available for download.
November 2026: The stable release of .NET 11 is scheduled for distribution.
The Tech Race
This release follows the established annual development schedule for the .NET platform, moving from early preview to a production-ready candidate. It maintains the competitive pace for Microsoft against other cross-platform runtime environments.
Developers can now deploy applications using the go-live support license provided with this release candidate. The build is immediately compatible with Visual Studio 2026 Insiders and Visual Studio Code.
The takeaway
Developers should begin testing their current production workloads against this candidate to prepare for the transition to the stable version in November 2026. Watch the Microsoft developer portal for the final build announcement next month.
What happens next
The stable release of .NET 11 is scheduled for November 2026.
Further reading
For broader trends in enterprise development, explore the Software section.
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Is it worth using a release candidate version of software for your production applications?
