Going from Umbraco 13 to 17

Which path is right for you? 

If you are looking to move your own projects or that of your clients from Umbraco 13 LTS to Umbraco 17 LTS, there are 2 realistic upgrade paths to consider:

1. Upgrade the existing solution and run the required migrations in the upgraded instance

2. Prepare a fresh Umbraco 17 solution and move content and schema using Umbraco Deploy import/export

Both routes can work well. The right choice depends on the shape of the current solution, the amount of legacy in the implementation, and whether this is simply a version upgrade or a chance to modernize the delivery and hosting setup around it.

For many with older backoffice patterns, custom extensions, or legacy data structures, Path 2 can be especially relevant for moving from Umbraco 13 to 17. This is partly because Umbraco 14 introduced a new backoffice architecture and extension model, creating a natural moment to modernise parts of the solution.

Whether you follow Path 1 or Path 2, a major upgrade is also an ideal time to consider Umbraco Cloud. If they are already investing in the move to Umbraco 17, it is a natural moment to evaluate Umbraco Cloud, the platform managed by Umbraco HQ. It gives you a clearer operational setup, includes Umbraco Deploy as part of the platform, and adds Umbraco Support around your migration journey and beyond.

Thus, Umbraco Cloud can help make the migration journey smoother, while give you a stable, secure platform for the long haul.

A major version upgrade is rarely “just” a technical update

In practice, it is usually the point where you need to evaluate the full picture: custom code, package compatibility, integrations, hosting, deployment flow, and how much of the current implementation should be carried forward. That is what makes the move from Umbraco 13 to Umbraco 17 more than a version change. For most cases, it makes more sense to build fresh on Umbraco 17, and this is where the benefits of Umbraco Deploy and Umbraco Cloud come in.

Choosing path 2: Build fresh on Umbraco 17 and save time with Umbraco Deploy

This is what we’ll describe as the clean option. Instead of upgrading the full implementation, you set up a fresh Umbraco 17-ready solution on Umbraco Cloud in just a few clicks and use the Umbraco Deploy import/export feature to move content and schema across in a more structured way. For agencies, this can be especially valuable when the project has built up technical debt over time, when property editors or content structures have evolved, or when the implementation would benefit from a cleaner architecture rather than a direct continuation of the old one.

What Umbraco Deploy can help with

Umbraco Deploy adds flexibility to the standard CMS migrations. The CMS upgrade path already handles core version-to-version migrations, but Umbraco Deploy transforms legacy content and schema during import, including through custom migrators for project-specific data models. This is especially useful for older client solutions, where part of the standard migration is handled by the CMS itself, while Umbraco Deploy gives you extra control to transform legacy or custom data structures into a cleaner Umbraco 17 setup.r

It is also a very natural route when the upgrade is combined with a move to Umbraco Cloud. You can be sure of a smoother migration process and with the Umbraco Cloud support team there to answer any questions you might have during the migration, you’ll have the best setup from the very beginning.

Path 2 is often the ideal fit when:

• The existing solution has grown more complex over time (as with the jump from version 13 to 17)

• The client wants to modernize and take advantage of new features, not only upgrade

• The content is valuable, but the implementation should improve

• You want to save development time moving content and schema

• Hosting and operational setup are also being reconsidered to ensure long-term benefits

Main benefit of path 2

You get a cleaner target setup and more freedom to improve the implementation.

Main trade-off of path 2

It usually needs more planning and clearer scoping up front. But setting up a solid foundation on a stable, well-supported platform will become a long-term benefit for you and your client.

Comparison table - path 1 vs path 2

Why is it the ideal time to go Cloud?

If you are already guiding a client through a major upgrade, this is one of the most natural moments to revisit the hosting and operational setup as well. This is not (only) about using Umbraco Cloud because an upgrade can be challenging. It is about using a natural project moment to improve the operational setup around the solution.

The benefits for agencies

You stay focused on delivering the right solution for your client, while Umbraco provides the hosting and project management platform, and as a very helpful cherry on top, you have access to the Umbraco Cloud Support Team if any guidance is needed during the migration and after go-live. And remember, partner credits can be used to purchase Cloud plans. 

World-class support is here for you on Cloud

With Umbraco Cloud, your client is not only moving to a solid hosting setup, but they are also moving to a platform where you have access to Umbraco Cloud Support. Major upgrades often involve questions around package compatibility, deployment flow, migrations, environment setup, and validation. Having Umbraco Support available gives both you and your client an additional layer of confidence throughout the process - and beyond!

What if I need more time? 

Whether you're looking at path 1 or 2, the timing for upgrading from 13 to 17 might not be ideal for you or your clients. That's where Umbraco 13 Extended Long-Term-Support (XLTS) comes in. This is a temporary bridge that’ll buy you time to plan and complete an upgrade. You can extend the support period for 6,12, or 24 months - view all the Umbraco 13 XLTS details here.

What if I need a bit more guidance?

If you want to talk though your Umbraco 13 options with an Umbraco specialist, our team is ready for you.

Learn more about Umbraco 13 EOL, options and consequences, and book a call with us to help make the right plan for your projects.