If your website is still running on an older version of Umbraco, whether that’s Umbraco 4, 6, 7, 8, or even 10+, the best time to upgrade is before it becomes a risk to your business.

At Simon Antony, we regularly speak to business owners who are reluctant to upgrade because “the site works fine”, “we don’t want to introduce risk.” or "we can't afford it". The truth is that delaying an upgrade usually increases both cost and risk. New versions of Umbraco are designed not just for developers but for businesses: faster, more secure, and easier to manage.

Here’s why upgrading is worth serious consideration now.

Security: the most important reason

Older versions of Umbraco no longer receive regular patches or fixes. That means:

• Security vulnerabilities remain unpatched, leaving your site open to attack.

• Hosting providers and third-party services stop supporting older frameworks.

• Your website could quickly fall foul of compliance requirements (GDPR, ISO, or internal IT policies).

• Older versions of Umbraco also rely on outdated CSS and JavaScript frameworks, which may no longer be supported in modern browsers — leaving your site looking broken or behaving unpredictably for users.

By upgrading to a supported version such as Umbraco 13 (LTS) or Umbraco 17 (LTS from November 2025), you protect customer data, reduce risk, and keep your business compliant.

At Simon Antony, we automatically handle all patching and updates for clients on our support retainers, giving you peace of mind while you focus on running your business.

Features that make life easier

Every new Umbraco release adds tools that make managing your site simpler:

• Block editor (formerly Grid Editor): build flexible, mobile-first layouts without worrying about breaking design.

• Media management: better handling of images and assets, including automated responsive crops.

• Improved workflows: schedule content, roll back changes, and manage approvals directly in the dashboard.

These may sound small, but together they mean less time fighting your CMS and more time publishing content that drives results.

A better experience for your team

Modern versions of Umbraco are fully responsive. That means your team can:

• Edit and publish content from a laptop, tablet, or mobile.

• Preview how pages will look on different devices.

• Update urgent content on the move, no need to wait until you’re back at the office.

When content changes are easier, they happen faster — which keeps your website fresh and relevant.

Lower development costs

Sticking with an old version often costs more in the long run. Here’s why:

• Older builds can’t run the latest Umbraco packages and integrations.

• Developers often have to create time-consuming “workarounds.”

• Simple improvements can take days instead of hours.

By upgrading, you reduce ongoing maintenance overheads, access modern packages, and cut down on custom code. That directly lowers development costs over time.

When should you upgrade?

The short answer: now.

• If you’re still on Umbraco 4, 6, 7 or 8, your site is already out of support and exposed. It's extremely high risk running these websites.

• If you’re on Umbraco 9 or 10, you’re approaching end-of-life and should plan the move to Umbraco 13 (LTS) or 17.

• If you’re on Umbraco 11 or 12, mapping out your upgrade path early will save time and cost later.

Upgrading today means you can take advantage of the new features immediately, while spreading the cost and effort rather than waiting until it becomes urgent.

Ready to upgrade?

Upgrading Umbraco doesn’t have to be complex. As a certified Umbraco Silver Partner, Simon Antony offers:

• Upgrade planning and audits

• Migration of content, templates, and integrations

• Hosting, support, and ongoing maintenance packages

👉 Book a free consultation today to discuss your upgrade options: Schedule with us on cal.com

Or email us at hello@simonantony.co.uk — we’ll help you plan a smooth, cost-effective upgrade to Umbraco 13 or 17.

Final thought

Waiting might feel safe, but in reality it adds risk, cost, and frustration. Upgrading your Umbraco site is an investment in security, efficiency, and long-term business growth.

Don’t let an outdated CMS hold your business back. Let’s future-proof your website together.