Update release notes format (#6100)

* Update release notes * Update release notes * Update .NET 6 releae notes * Update table * Update links * Update release table * Update 2.1 * Update table * Update links * Add linux packages doc * Add link to packages doc * Update Arch instructions * Add statement about globalization invariant mode * Apply suggestions from code review Co-authored-by: Michael Simons <msimons@microsoft.com> Co-authored-by: Matt Thalman <mthalman@microsoft.com> * Update per feedback * Update link * Add buster * Update heading * Cleanup wording * Update per feedback * Update per feedback * Apply suggestions from code review Co-authored-by: Maira Wenzel <mairaw@microsoft.com> * Update perf feedback * Update release-policies.md Co-authored-by: Maira Wenzel <mairaw@microsoft.com> Co-authored-by: Michael Simons <msimons@microsoft.com> Co-authored-by: Matt Thalman <mthalman@microsoft.com> Co-authored-by: Maira Wenzel <mairaw@microsoft.com>
2021-03-31 15:18:03 -07:00 · 2021-03-31 15:18:03 -07:00 · d05daa63ee
parent d393abbab2
commit d05daa63ee
18 changed files with 533 additions and 135 deletions
--- a/microsoft-support.md
+++ b/microsoft-support.md
@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Microsoft support for .NET

-Microsoft supports .NET on multiple operating systems, per the [Microsoft Modern Lifecycle](https://support.microsoft.com/help/30881/modern-lifecycle-policy).
+[Microsoft supports .NET](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/platform/support/policy) on multiple operating systems, per the [Microsoft Modern Lifecycle](https://support.microsoft.com/help/30881/modern-lifecycle-policy).

 Support is provided for: .NET SDK, .NET runtime, ASP.NET Core, and EF Core.

@ -13,8 +13,9 @@ You can also request community support on GitHub (for free), but there is no gua

 Support is conditional on using the latest .NET patch update and a supported operating system, as defined by:

+* [Microsoft support policy](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/platform/support/policy)
+* [.NET releases](releases.md)
 * [.NET release policies](release-policies.md)
-* [.NET release lifecycle](releases.md)
-* [Operating system lifecycle](os-lifecycle-policy.md).
+* [.NET supported operating system lifecycle](os-lifecycle-policy.md).

 Knowing key dates for a product lifecycle helps you make informed decisions about when to upgrade or make other changes to your software and computing environment.
--- a/os-lifecycle-policy.md
+++ b/os-lifecycle-policy.md
@ -1,19 +1,21 @@
 # .NET Supported OS Policy

-.NET is [supported by Microsoft](microsoft-support.md) on multiple operating systems, defined per .NET version.
+.NET is [supported by Microsoft](microsoft-support.md) on multiple operating systems.

-Each supported operating system has a lifecycle defined by its sponsor organization (for example, Microsoft, Red Hat, Debian, or Apple). The .NET team applies each of those lifecycle schedules to inform adding and removing support for operating system versions.
+A more restrictive policy is used for [.NET container images](https://github.com/dotnet/dotnet-docker/blob/main/documentation/supported-platforms.md).

-When an operating system version goes out of "mainstream" or "free" support, we stop testing that version and providing support for that version. This means that users will need to move forward to a supported operating system version to get support.
+## Supported .NET versions

-The following documents define currently supported operating system versions for supported .NET Core versions:
+The following documents describe supported operating systems:

-* [.NET 6 supported OS versions](release-notes/6.0/6.0-supported-os.md)
+* [.NET 6 supported OS versions](release-notes/6.0/supported-os.md)
 * [.NET 5 supported OS versions](release-notes/5.0/5.0-supported-os.md)
 * [.NET Core 3.1 supported OS versions](release-notes/3.1/3.1-supported-os.md)
 * [.NET Core 2.1 supported OS versions](release-notes/2.1/2.1-supported-os.md)

-The following documents define (historical) operating system support for out-of-support .NET Core versions:
+## Out-of-support .NET versions
+
+The following documents describe (historical) supported operating systems:

 * [.NET Core 3.0 supported OS versions](release-notes/3.0/3.0-supported-os.md)
 * [.NET Core 2.2 supported OS versions](release-notes/2.2/2.2-supported-os.md)
@ -22,13 +24,14 @@ The following documents define (historical) operating system support for out-of-

 ## Change Process

-Operating system versions are added and go out of support on a regular basis. We record these changes in two places:
+Operating system versions are added and go out of support on a regular basis. We record these changes in three places:

 * The support documents listed above
 * [Monthly Update Announcements](https://github.com/dotnet/announcements/labels/Monthly-Update)
+* [OS support tracking issues](https://github.com/dotnet/core/labels/os-support)

-## Exceptions to the supported platform policy
+## Lifecycle Policy

-Occasionally, we may choose to offer support on an OS platform that is out of support. Or we may choose to exclude a supported platform for specific reasons.
+Each supported operating system has a lifecycle defined by its sponsor organization (for example, Microsoft, Red Hat, Debian, or Apple). The .NET team applies each of those lifecycle schedules to inform adding and removing support for operating system versions. Support is typically removed when an operating system goes out of mainline support, at which point we stop testing and supporting it, and support documents are updated to match.

-One example is Windows 7 SP1. Windows 7 SP1 is out of support, but enterprise customers can buy [Extended Security Updates](https://docs.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-7-eos-faq/windows-7-extended-security-updates-faq), and many do. Given the widespread use of Windows 7 in the .NET ecosystem we chose to include Windows 7 SP1 (with Extended Security Updates installed) as a supported platform for .NET 5.0. Another example is Windows Server 2012. Windows Server 2012 is currently in support but not included in the supported platform list for .NET 5.0 because a newer version is available in the Server 2012 family - Server 2012 R2.
+Operating system policies and schedules do not always align well with the annual .NET schedule. We have sometimes supported both [Windows](https://docs.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-7-eos-faq/windows-7-extended-security-updates-faq) and Linux versions after mainline (and possibly free) support has lapsed as a service to users to provide more time to transition to newer releases. The previous support documents are kept up to date and provide accurate information you can use to make your own support decisions.
--- a/release-notes/2.1/README.md
+++ b/release-notes/2.1/README.md
@ -1,40 +1,44 @@
 # .NET Core 2.1 Releases

-Important: .NET Core 2.1 is scheduled to go out of support on August 21, 2021. You should consider moving your usage to a later release.
+> Important: [.NET Core 2.1 is scheduled to go out of support on August 21, 2021](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-2-1-will-reach-end-of-support-on-august-21-2021/). You should consider moving your applications to a later release.

-[.NET Core 2.1](https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/dotnet/2018/05/30/announcing-net-core-2-1) was released on May 30th, 2018. The release was a collaborative effort by many [contributors](2.1.0-contributor.md). .NET Core 2.1 is [supported by Microsoft](../../microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](2.1-supported-os.md).
+[.NET Core 2.1](https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/dotnet/2018/05/30/announcing-net-core-2-1) is an [LTS release](../../release-policies.md) and will be supported for (a little more than) three years, from May 2018 to August 2021. It is [supported by Microsoft](../../microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](2.1-supported-os.md).

-Release notes and download information is provided for each update, in the follow table. You must be on the latest update to be supported.
+- [Downloads](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) (also see [Releases](#releases))
+- [Installation docs](https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/core/install/)
+- [Containers](https://hub.docker.com/_/microsoft-dotnet)
+- [Supported operating systems](2.1-supported-os.md)
+- [Known Issues](2.1-known-issues.md)
+- [Contributors](2.1.0-contributor-list.md)

-| Release Date | Description | Download |
-| :-- | :-- | :--: |
-| 2021/03/09 | [2.1.26](2.1.26/2.1.26.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2021/02/09 | [2.1.25](2.1.25/2.1.25.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2021/01/12 | [2.1.24](2.1.24/2.1.24.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/10/13 | [2.1.23](2.1.23/2.1.23.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/09/08 | [2.1.22](2.1.22/2.1.22.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/08/11 | [2.1.21](2.1.21/2.1.21.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/07/14 | [2.1.20](2.1.20/2.1.20.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/06/09 | [2.1.19](2.1.19/2.1.19.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/05/12 | [2.1.18](2.1.18/2.1.18.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/03/24 | [2.1.17](2.1.17/2.1.17.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/02/18 | [2.1.16](2.1.16/2.1.16.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2020/01/14 | [2.1.15](2.1.15/2.1.15.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2019/11/19 | [2.1.14](2.1.14/2.1.14.md) | [download](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) |
-| 2019/09/10 | [2.1.13](2.1.13/2.1.13.md) | [download](2.1.13/2.1.13-download.md) |
-| 2019/07/09 | [2.1.12](2.1.12/2.1.12.md) | [download](2.1.12/2.1.12-download.md) |
-| 2019/05/14 | [2.1.11](2.1.11/2.1.11.md) | [download](2.1.11/2.1.11-download.md) |
-| 2019/04/09 | [2.1.10](2.1.10/2.1.10.md) | [download](2.1.10/2.1.10-download.md) |
-| 2019/03/12 | [2.1.9](2.1.9/2.1.9.md) | [download](2.1.9/2.1.9-download.md) |
-| 2019/02/12 | [2.1.8](2.1.8/2.1.8.md) | [download](2.1.8/2.1.8-download.md) |
-| 2019/01/08 | [2.1.7](2.1.7/2.1.7.md) | [download](2.1.7/2.1.7-download.md) |
-| 2018/11/13 | [2.1.6](2.1.6/2.1.6.md) | [download](2.1.6/2.1.6-download.md) |
-| 2018/10/02 | [2.1.5](2.1.5/2.1.5.md) | [download](2.1.5/2.1.5-download.md) |
-| 2018/09/11 | [2.1.4](2.1.4/2.1.4.md) | [download](2.1.4/2.1.4-download.md) |
-| 2018/08/21 | [2.1.3](2.1.3/2.1.3.md) | [download](2.1.3/2.1.3-download.md) |
-| 2018/07/10 | [2.1.2](2.1.2.md) | [download](../download-archives/2.1.2-download.md) |
-| 2018/06/19 | [2.1.1](2.1.1.md) | [download](../download-archives/2.1.1-download.md) | 
-| 2018/05/30 | [2.1.0](2.1.0.md) | [download](../download-archives/2.1.0-download.md) |
-| 2018/05/07 | [2.1.0 RC1](Preview/2.1.0-rc1.md) | [download](../download-archives/2.1.0-rc1-download.md) |
-| 2018/04/10 | [2.1.0 Preview 2](Preview/2.1.0-preview2.md) | [download](../download-archives/2.1.0-preview2-download.md) |
-| 2018/02/27 | [2.1.0 Preview 1](2.1.0-preview1.md) | [download](../download-archives/2.1.0-preview1-download.md) |
+## Releases
+
+| Date | Release |
+| :-- | :-- |
+| 2021/03/09 | [2.1.26](2.1.26/2.1.26.md) |
+| 2021/02/09 | [2.1.25](2.1.25/2.1.25.md) |
+| 2021/01/12 | [2.1.24](2.1.24/2.1.24.md) |
+| 2020/10/13 | [2.1.23](2.1.23/2.1.23.md) |
+| 2020/09/08 | [2.1.22](2.1.22/2.1.22.md) |
+| 2020/08/11 | [2.1.21](2.1.21/2.1.21.md) |
+| 2020/07/14 | [2.1.20](2.1.20/2.1.20.md) |
+| 2020/06/09 | [2.1.19](2.1.19/2.1.19.md) |
+| 2020/05/12 | [2.1.18](2.1.18/2.1.18.md) |
+| 2020/03/24 | [2.1.17](2.1.17/2.1.17.md) |
+| 2020/02/18 | [2.1.16](2.1.16/2.1.16.md) |
+| 2020/01/14 | [2.1.15](2.1.15/2.1.15.md) |
+| 2019/11/19 | [2.1.14](2.1.14/2.1.14.md) |
+| 2019/09/10 | [2.1.13](2.1.13/2.1.13.md) |
+| 2019/07/09 | [2.1.12](2.1.12/2.1.12.md) |
+| 2019/05/14 | [2.1.11](2.1.11/2.1.11.md) |
+| 2019/04/09 | [2.1.10](2.1.10/2.1.10.md) |
+| 2019/03/12 | [2.1.9](2.1.9/2.1.9.md) |
+| 2019/02/12 | [2.1.8](2.1.8/2.1.8.md) |
+| 2019/01/08 | [2.1.7](2.1.7/2.1.7.md) |
+| 2018/11/13 | [2.1.6](2.1.6/2.1.6.md) |
+| 2018/10/02 | [2.1.5](2.1.5/2.1.5.md) |
+| 2018/09/11 | [2.1.4](2.1.4/2.1.4.md) |
+| 2018/08/21 | [2.1.3](2.1.3/2.1.3.md) |
+| 2018/07/10 | [2.1.2](2.1.2.md) |
+| 2018/06/19 | [2.1.1](2.1.1.md) |
+| 2018/05/30 | [2.1.0](2.1.0.md) |
--- a/release-notes/3.1/3.1-supported-os.md
+++ b/release-notes/3.1/3.1-supported-os.md
@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # .NET Core 3.1 - Supported OS versions

-The tables below provide OS version information supported by .NET Core 3.1.
+[.NET Core 3.1](README.md) is supported on multiple operating systems per their [lifecycle policy](../../os-lifecycle-policy.md).

 ## Keys used in the tables

--- a/release-notes/3.1/README.md
+++ b/release-notes/3.1/README.md
@ -1,29 +1,31 @@
-# .NET Core 3.1 Releases
+# .NET Core 3.1

-[.NET Core 3.1](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-3-1/) was released on December 3rd, 2019. The release was a collaborative effort by many contributors. .NET Core 3.1 is [supported by Microsoft](../../microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](3.1-supported-os.md). [Known Issues](3.1-known-issues.md) are recorded and updated, as appropriate, with each update.
+[.NET Core 3.1](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-3-1/) is a [Long Term Support (LTS) release](../../release-policies.md) and will be supported for three years, from December 2019 to December 2022. It is [supported by Microsoft](../../microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](3.1-supported-os.md).

-Release notes and download information is provided for each update, in the follow table. You must be on the latest update to be supported.
+- [Downloads](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/3.1) (also see [Releases](#releases))
+- [Installation docs](https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/core/install/)
+- [Containers](https://hub.docker.com/_/microsoft-dotnet)
+- [Supported OSes](3.1-supported-os.md)
+- [Known Issues](3.1-known-issues.md)
+- [Contributors](3.1-contributor-list.md)

-Install the latest [.NET 3.1](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/3.1)
+## Releases

-| Release Date | Description | 
-| :-- | :-- | 
-| 2021/03/09 | [3.1.13](./3.1.13/3.1.13.md) | 
-| 2021/02/09 | [3.1.12](./3.1.12/3.1.12.md) | 
-| 2021/01/12 | [3.1.11](./3.1.11/3.1.11.md) | 
-| 2020/11/10 | [3.1.10](./3.1.10/3.1.10.md) | 
-| 2020/10/13 | [3.1.9](./3.1.9/3.1.9.md) | 
-| 2020/09/08 | [3.1.8](./3.1.8/3.1.8.md) | 
-| 2020/08/11 | [3.1.7](./3.1.7/3.1.7.md) | 
-| 2020/07/14 | [3.1.6](./3.1.6/3.1.6.md) | 
-| 2020/06/09 | [3.1.5](./3.1.5/3.1.5.md) | 
-| 2020/05/19 | [3.1.300](./3.1.4/3.1.300-sdk.md) | 
-| 2020/05/12 | [3.1.4](./3.1.4/3.1.4.md) | 
-| 2020/03/24 | [3.1.3](./3.1.3/3.1.3.md) | 
-| 2020/03/16 | [3.1.200](./3.1.2/3.1.200-sdk.md) | 
-| 2020/02/18 | [3.1.2](./3.1.2/3.1.2.md) | 
-| 2020/01/14 | [3.1.1](./3.1.1/3.1.1.md) | 
-| 2019/12/03 | [3.1.0](./3.1.0/3.1.0.md) | 
-| 2019/11/14 | [3.1.0 Preview 3](./preview/3.1.0-preview3.md) | 
-| 2019/11/04 | [3.1.0 Preview 2](./preview/3.1.0-preview2.md) | 
-| 2019/10/15 | [3.1.0 Preview 1](./preview/3.1.0-preview1.md) | 
+| Date | Release |
+| :-- | :-- |
+| 2021/03/09 | [3.1.13](./3.1.13/3.1.13.md) |
+| 2021/02/09 | [3.1.12](./3.1.12/3.1.12.md) |
+| 2021/01/12 | [3.1.11](./3.1.11/3.1.11.md) |
+| 2020/11/10 | [3.1.10](./3.1.10/3.1.10.md) |
+| 2020/10/13 | [3.1.9](./3.1.9/3.1.9.md) |
+| 2020/09/08 | [3.1.8](./3.1.8/3.1.8.md) |
+| 2020/08/11 | [3.1.7](./3.1.7/3.1.7.md) |
+| 2020/07/14 | [3.1.6](./3.1.6/3.1.6.md) |
+| 2020/06/09 | [3.1.5](./3.1.5/3.1.5.md) |
+| 2020/05/19 | [3.1.300](./3.1.4/3.1.300-sdk.md) |
+| 2020/05/12 | [3.1.4](./3.1.4/3.1.4.md) |
+| 2020/03/24 | [3.1.3](./3.1.3/3.1.3.md) |
+| 2020/03/16 | [3.1.200](./3.1.2/3.1.200-sdk.md) |
+| 2020/02/18 | [3.1.2](./3.1.2/3.1.2.md) |
+| 2020/01/14 | [3.1.1](./3.1.1/3.1.1.md) |
+| 2019/12/03 | [3.1.0](./3.1.0/3.1.0.md) |
--- a/release-notes/5.0/5.0-supported-os.md
+++ b/release-notes/5.0/5.0-supported-os.md
@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # .NET 5 - Supported OS versions

-[Microsoft supports](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/microsoft-support.md) .NET 5 with multiple operating systems, in alignment with official operating system lifecycle and distribution.
+[.NET 5](README.md) is supported on multiple operating systems per their [lifecycle policy](../../os-lifecycle-policy.md).

 ## Windows

--- a/release-notes/5.0/README.md
+++ b/release-notes/5.0/README.md
@ -1,12 +1,17 @@
-# .NET 5.0 Release
+# .NET 5

-[.NET 5.0](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-5-0/) was released on November 10th, 2020. The release was a collaborative effort by many [contributors](5.0-contributor-list.md). .NET 5.0 is [supported by Microsoft](../../microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](5.0-supported-os.md). [Known Issues](5.0-known-issues.md) are recorded and updated, as appropriate, with each update.
+[.NET 5](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-5-0/) is a [Current release](../../release-policies.md) and will be supported for fifteen months, from November 2020 to February 2022. It is [supported by Microsoft](../../microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](5.0-supported-os.md).

-Release notes and download information is provided for each update, in the follow table. You must be on the latest update to be supported.
+- [Downloads](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/5.0) (also see [Releases](#releases))
+- [Installation docs](https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/core/install/)
+- [Containers](https://hub.docker.com/_/microsoft-dotnet)
+- [Supported OSes](5.0-supported-os.md)
+- [Known Issues](5.0-known-issues.md)
+- [Contributors](5.0-contributor-list.md)

-Install the latest [.NET 5.0](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/5.0)
+## Releases

-| Release Date | Description |
+| Date | Release |
 | :-- | :-- |
 | 2021/03/09 | [5.0.4](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/5.0.4/5.0.4.md) |
 | 2021/03/02 | [5.0.200](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/5.0.3/5.0.200-sdk.md) |
@ -14,13 +19,3 @@ Install the latest [.NET 5.0](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/5.0)
 | 2021/01/12 | [5.0.2](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/5.0.2/5.0.2.md) |
 | 2020/12/08 | [5.0.1](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/5.0.1/5.0.1.md) |
 | 2020/11/10 | [5.0.0](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/5.0.0/5.0.0.md) |
-| 2020/10/13 | [5.0.0 RC 2](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-rc.2.md) |
-| 2020/09/14 | [5.0.0 RC 1](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-rc.1.md) |
-| 2020/08/25 | [5.0.0 Preview 8](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.8.md) |
-| 2020/07/21 | [5.0.0 Preview 7](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.7.md) |
-| 2020/06/25 | [5.0.0 Preview 6](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.6.md) |
-| 2020/06/10 | [5.0.0 Preview 5](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.5.md) |
-| 2020/05/19 | [5.0.0 Preview 4](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.4.md) |
-| 2020/04/23 | [5.0.0 Preview 3](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.3.md) |
-| 2020/04/02 | [5.0.0 Preview 2](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.2.md) |
-| 2020/03/16 | [5.0.0 Preview 1](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/5.0/preview/5.0.0-preview.1.md) |
--- a/release-notes/6.0/README.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/README.md
@ -1,10 +1,18 @@
-# .NET 6.0 Release
+# .NET 6

-Placeholder for .NET 6 release information.
+> Note: .NET 6 is currently in `Preview` and is currently not supported.

-Install the latest [.NET 6 Preview](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/6.0)
+[.NET 6](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-6-preview-2/) will be an [LTS release](../../release-policies.md) and will be supported for three years, from November 2021 to November 2024. It is [supported by Microsoft](../../microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](supported-os.md).

-| Release Date | Description |
+- [Downloads](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/6.0) (also see [Releases](#releases))
+- [Containers](https://hub.docker.com/_/microsoft-dotnet)
+- [Supported OSes](supported-os.md)
+- [Known Issues](known-issues.md)
+- [Installation instructions](install.md)
+
+## Releases
+
+| Date | Release |
 | :-- | :-- |
 | 2021/03/11 | [6.0.0 Preview 2](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/6.0/preview/6.0.0-preview.2.md) |
 | 2021/02/17 | [6.0.0 Preview 1](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/6.0/preview/6.0.0-preview.1.md) |
--- a/release-notes/6.0/install-linux.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/install-linux.md
@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+# .NET 6 installation instructions for Linux
+
+The following instructions demonstrate installing .NET 6 on Linux. These instructions augment the more general [.NET install instructions](install.md), including installing with `.tar.gz` files, that work on multiple operating systems.
+
+[Linux package dependencies](linux-packages.md) describes the set of packages required to run .NET on Linux.
+
+## Distributions
+
+The following distributions are available for Linux:
+
+- .NET SDK: includes tools for building and testing applications, and includes the runtime distributions that follow.
+- .NET Runtime: includes the .NET runtime and libraries, enabling running console applications.
+- ASP.NET Core Runtime: includes the .NET and ASP.NET Core runtimes, enabling running console, and web applications.
+
+We recommend you install the .NET SDK to develop and build applications, and to install one of the runtimes packages (like ASP.NET Core) to exclusively run applications.
+
+## Downloads
+
+Each of the distributions can be downloaded from:
+
+- [Microsoft .NET website](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/6.0)
+- [.NET 6 release notes](README.md)
+
+[Container images](https://hub.docker.com/r/microsoft/dotnet/) are provided for Linux (Alpine, Debian, and Ubuntu).
+
+## Install using deb/rpm packages
+
+Preview release installers are not available from the Microsoft package repositories. The steps below provide an easy way to install .NET 6 using your Distro package manager.
+
+**Note:** `curl` must be available on the system before running the following steps. Once you have confirmed that `curl` is available, complete the steps to download and install the latest .NET 6 Preview SDK and Runtime.
+
+1. Create a directory to use for the download location and change into that directory. For example, `mkdir $HOME/dotnet_install && cd $HOME/dotnet_install`
+2. Run `curl -L https://aka.ms/install-dotnet-preview -o install-dotnet-preview.sh`
+3. Run the script with `sudo bash install-dotnet-preview.sh`
+
+Here's what the script does.
+
+* Detects the distribution and version. The script supports platforms and versions listed in [.NET 6.0 - Supported OS versions](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/release-notes/6.0/6.0-supported-os.md).
+* Determines if additional system dependencies or utilities are needed to successfully complete and install them. For example, `tar` is used to unpack that installer packages.
+* Downloads the tar.gz containing the .NET preview installer packages for the detected distribution.
+* Downloads the system dependency installer, if needed.
+* Expands the tar.gz into ./dotnet_packages
+* Attempts to install the contents of ./dotnet_packages using `rpm` or `dpkg`, as appropriate, for the detected distribution.
+
+## Install using Snap
+
+You can use Snap is to install and try .NET Previews on [Linux distributions that support Snap](https://docs.snapcraft.io/installing-snapd/6735).
+
+After configuring Snap on your system, run the following command to install the latest .NET Core SDK.
+
+`sudo snap install dotnet-sdk --channel=6.0/beta --classic`
+
+When .NET Core is installed using the Snap package, the default .NET Core command is `dotnet-sdk.dotnet`, as opposed to just `dotnet`. The benefit of the namespaced command is that it will not conflict with a globally installed .NET Core version you may have. This command can be aliased to `dotnet` with:
+
+`sudo snap alias dotnet-sdk.dotnet dotnet`
+
+**Note:** Some distributions require an additional step to enable access to the SSL certificate. If you experience SSL errors when running `dotnet restore`, see [Linux Setup](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/Documentation/linux-setup.md) for a possible resolution.
+
+## Installing from a binary archive
+
+You can install .NET with a binary archive. This option is required if you want to install .NET for a single user. It is also recommended if you want to install .NET temporarily.
+
+The following workflow demonstrates downloading, unpacking, configuring, and running the .NET SDK from the command line. You may choose to do some of these tasks via the browser and functionality provided by your operating system.
+
+```bash
+~# curl -o dotnet.tar.gz https://download.visualstudio.microsoft.com/download/pr/25c7e38e-0a6a-4d66-ac4e-b550a44b8a98/49128be84b903799259e7bebe8e9d969/dotnet-sdk-6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3-linux-x64.tar.gz
+~# mkdir dotnet
+~# tar -C dotnet -xf dotnet.tar.gz
+~# rm dotnet.tar.gz
+~# export DOTNET_ROOT=~/dotnet
+~# export PATH=$PATH:~/dotnet
+~# dotnet --version
+6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3
+```
+
+The `DOTNET_ROOT` environment variable is required to launch an application with their executables (like `myapp.exe`). The executables look for this environment variable to find the runtime if it isn't installed in its regular location. The `PATH` environment variable must be updated if you want to use `dotnet` without absolute paths to its location. Setting both of these environment variables is optional.
+
+You can add your .NET install location permanently to your path if you'd like.
--- a/release-notes/6.0/install-macos.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/install-macos.md
@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+# .NET 6 installation instructions for macOS
+
+The following instructions demonstrate installing .NET 6 on macOS. These instructions augment the more general [.NET install instructions](install.md), including installing with `.tar.gz` files, that work on multiple operating systems.
+
+## Distributions
+
+The following distributions are available for Linux:
+
+- .NET SDK: includes tools for building and testing applications, and includes the runtime distributions that follow.
+- .NET Runtime: includes the .NET runtime and libraries, enabling running console applications.
+- ASP.NET Core Runtime: includes the .NET and ASP.NET Core runtimes, enabling running console, and web applications.
+
+We recommend you install the .NET SDK to develop and build applications, and to install one of the runtimes packages (like ASP.NET Core) to exclusively run applications.
+
+## Downloads
+
+Each of the distributions can be downloaded from:
+
+- [Microsoft .NET website](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/6.0)
+- [.NET 6 release notes](README.md)
+
+[Container images](https://hub.docker.com/r/microsoft/dotnet/) are provided for Linux (Alpine, Debian, and Ubuntu).
+
+## Install using PKG
+
+You can install any of the distributions with PKG. The following image demonstrates installing the .NET SDK. After launching the PKG, click "Continue" and you will be taken through the process of installing the SDK.
+
+![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/2608468/112776700-355d5280-8ff5-11eb-979c-8cab273f5f97.png)
+
+## Installing from a binary archive
+
+You can install .NET with a binary archive. This option is required if you want to install .NET for a single user. It is also recommended if you want to install .NET temporarily.
+
+The following workflow demonstrates downloading, unpacking, configuring, and running the .NET SDK from the command line. You may choose to do some of these tasks via the browser and functionality provided by your operating system.
+
+```bash
+~# curl -o dotnet.tar.gz https://download.visualstudio.microsoft.com/download/pr/25c7e38e-0a6a-4d66-ac4e-b550a44b8a98/49128be84b903799259e7bebe8e9d969/dotnet-sdk-6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3-linux-x64.tar.gz
+~# mkdir dotnet
+~# tar -C dotnet -xf dotnet.tar.gz
+~# rm dotnet.tar.gz
+~# export DOTNET_ROOT=~/dotnet
+~# export PATH=$PATH:~/dotnet
+~# dotnet --version
+6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3
+```
+
+The `DOTNET_ROOT` environment variable is required to launch an application with their executables (like `myapp.exe`). The executables look for this environment variable to find the runtime if it isn't installed in its regular location. The `PATH` environment variable must be updated if you want to use `dotnet` without absolute paths to its location. Setting both of these environment variables is optional.
+
+You can add your .NET install location permanently to your path if you'd like.
--- a/release-notes/6.0/install-windows.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/install-windows.md
@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+# .NET 6 installation instructions for Windows
+
+The following instructions demonstrate installing .NET 6 on Windows. These instructions augment the more general [.NET install instructions](install.md), including installing with `.zip` files, that work on multiple operating systems.
+
+## Distributions
+
+The following distributions are available for Windows:
+
+- .NET SDK: includes tools for building and testing applications, and includes the runtime distributions that follow.
+- .NET Runtime: includes the .NET runtime and libraries, enabling running console applications.
+- .NET Desktop Runtime: includes the .NET runtime and Windows desktop libraries, enabling running console, Windows Forms, and Windows Presentation Framework (WPF) applications.
+- ASP.NET Core Runtime: includes the .NET and ASP.NET Core runtimes, enabling running console, and web applications.
+- ASP.NET Core Hosting Bundle: includes the ASP.NET Core runtime and IIS support (for running both in- and out-of-process with IIS).
+
+We recommend you install the .NET SDK to develop and build applications, and to install one of the runtimes packages (like ASP.NET Core) to exclusively run applications.
+
+## Downloads
+
+Each of the distributions can be downloaded from:
+
+- [Microsoft .NET website](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/6.0)
+- [.NET 6 release notes](README.md)
+
+[Container images](https://hub.docker.com/r/microsoft/dotnet/) are provided for Windows (Nano Server and Server Core) and Linux (Alpine, Debian, and Ubuntu).
+
+## Install using MSI
+
+You can install any of the distributions with MSI. The following image demonstrates installing the .NET SDK. After launching the MSI, click "Install" and you will be taken through the process of installing the SDK.
+
+![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/2608468/112773547-4a34e880-8feb-11eb-8671-59fffceffd42.png)
+
+## Windows Server Hosting with IIS
+
+You should install the Hosting Bundle MSI if you want to enable hosting ASP.NET Core with IIS.
+
+## Installing from a binary archive
+
+You can install .NET with a binary archive. This option is required if you want to install .NET for a single user. It is also recommended if you want to install .NET temporarily.
+
+The following workflow demonstrates downloading, unpacking, configuring, and running the .NET SDK from the command line. You may choose to do some of these tasks via the browser and functionality provided by your operating system.
+
+```console
+C:\>curl -o dotnet.zip https://download.visualstudio.microsoft.com/download/pr/5b31ca8e-f684-4de7-9889-c53ce6cf9a3c/e85b1ef8dc6004c5f5bd0019771b21c5/dotnet-sdk-6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3-win-x64.zip
+C:\>tar -C dotnet -xf dotnet.zip
+C:\>del dotnet.zip
+C:\>set DOTNET_ROOT=C:\dotnet
+C:\>set PATH=%PATH%;C:\dotnet
+C:\>dotnet --version
+6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3
+```
+
+The `DOTNET_ROOT` environment variable is required to launch an application with their executables (like `myapp.exe`). The executables look for this environment variable to find the runtime if it isn't installed in its regular location. The `PATH` environment variable must be updated if you want to use `dotnet` without absolute paths to its location. Setting both of these environment variables is optional.
+
+You can add your .NET install location permanently to your path if you'd like.
--- a/release-notes/6.0/install.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/install.md
@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+# .NET 6 installation instructions
+
+Concise install instructions are provided in this document and may be augmented in [release notes](README.md) for a given update. Complete [.NET installation instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux](https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/core/install/) are provided for supported releases in [.NET documentation](https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet).
+
+Operating system specific instructions:
+
+- [Linux](install-linux.md)
+- [macOS](install-macos.md)
+- [Windows](install-windows.md)
+
+## Distributions
+
+The following distributions are available for all operating systems:
+
+- .NET SDK: includes tools for building and testing applications, and includes the runtime distributions that follow.
+- .NET Runtime: includes the .NET runtime and libraries, enabling running console applications.
+- ASP.NET Core Runtime: includes the .NET and ASP.NET Core runtimes, enabling running console, and web applications.
+
+We recommend that you install the .NET SDK to develop and build applications, and to install one of the runtimes packages (like ASP.NET Core) to (exclusively) run applications.
+
+## Downloads
+
+Download links are provided for each of the distributions at:
+
+- [Microsoft .NET website](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/6.0)
+- [.NET 6 release notes](README.md)
+
+[Container images](https://hub.docker.com/r/microsoft/dotnet/) are provided for Windows (Nano Server, and Server Core) and Linux (Alpine, Debian, and Ubuntu).
+
+## What's installed?
+
+You can determine what is installed on your machine (assuming .NET is installed) using the following approach, with `dotnet --info`.
+
+```console
+C:\>dotnet --info
+.NET SDK (reflecting any global.json):
+ Version:   6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3
+ Commit:    1a9103db2d
+
+Runtime Environment:
+ OS Name:     Windows
+ OS Version:  10.0.17763
+ OS Platform: Windows
+ RID:         win10-x64
+ Base Path:   C:\Program Files\dotnet\sdk\6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3\
+
+Host (useful for support):
+  Version: 6.0.0-preview.2.21154.6
+  Commit:  3eaf1f316b
+
+.NET SDKs installed:
+  6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3 [C:\Program Files\dotnet\sdk]
+
+.NET runtimes installed:
+  Microsoft.AspNetCore.App 6.0.0-preview.2.21154.6 [C:\Program Files\dotnet\shared\Microsoft.AspNetCore.App]
+  Microsoft.NETCore.App 6.0.0-preview.2.21154.6 [C:\Program Files\dotnet\shared\Microsoft.NETCore.App]
+  Microsoft.WindowsDesktop.App 6.0.0-preview.2.21154.2 [C:\Program Files\dotnet\shared\Microsoft.WindowsDesktop.App]
+```
+
+If you have the .NET SDK installed, you can also use `dotnet --version` as demonstrated in the following example:
+
+```console
+C:\>dotnet --version
+6.0.100-preview.2.21155.3
+```
--- a/release-notes/6.0/6.0-known-issues.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/6.0-known-issues.md
--- a/release-notes/6.0/linux-packages.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/linux-packages.md
@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+# Linux package dependencies
+
+.NET 6 has several dependencies that must be satisfied to run .NET apps. The commands to install these libraries are listed for multiple Linux distributions.
+
+Feel free to contribute packages for distributions not (yet) listed in this document, including ones not supported by the .NET Team.
+
+Tips:
+
+- [runtime-deps container images](https://github.com/dotnet/dotnet-docker/tree/main/src/runtime-deps) installs these same packages. You can look at those dockerfiles.
+- [pkgs.org](https://pkgs.org/) is a useful site for searching for packages, to find the one for your distribution.
+
+## Packages
+
+.NET depends on the following packages.
+
+- [GNU C Library (glibc)](https://www.gnu.org/software/libc/libc.html)
+- [GNU C++ Library](https://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/libstdc++/)
+- [GCC low-level runtime library](https://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/gccint/Libgcc.html)
+- [ICU](http://site.icu-project.org/)
+- [Kerberos](http://web.mit.edu/kerberos/)
+- [Open SSL](https://www.openssl.org/)
+- [zlib compression library](https://www.zlib.net/)
+
+You do not need to install ICU if you [enable globalization invariant mode](https://github.com/dotnet/runtime/blob/main/docs/design/features/globalization-invariant-mode.md#enabling-the-invariant-mode).
+
+If your app relies on `https` endpoints, you'll also need to install `ca-certificates`.
+
+## Alpine 3.13
+
+```bash
+sudo apk add \
+    krb5-libs \
+    libgcc \
+    libintl \
+    libssl1.1 \
+    libstdc++ \
+    zlib
+```
+
+## Debian 11 "Bullseye"
+
+```bash
+sudo apt-get update \
+    && sudo apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
+    libc6 \
+    libgcc1 \
+    libgssapi-krb5-2 \
+    libicu67 \
+    libssl1.1 \
+    libstdc++6 \
+    zlib1g
+```
+
+## Debian 10 "Buster"
+
+```bash
+sudo apt-get update \
+    && sudo apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
+    libc6 \
+    libgcc1 \
+    libgssapi-krb5-2 \
+    libicu63 \
+    libssl1.1 \
+    libstdc++6 \
+    zlib1g
+```
+
+## Ubuntu 20.04 "Focal"
+
+```bash
+sudo apt-get update \
+    && sudo apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
+    libc6 \
+    libgcc1 \
+    libgssapi-krb5-2 \
+    libicu66 \
+    libssl1.1 \
+    libstdc++6 \
+    zlib1g 
+```
+
+Note: Add [noninteractive](https://github.com/dotnet/dotnet-docker/blob/c0e8be8a44b47b1dcc2a5b4b2ebd92022087ac0b/src/runtime-deps/3.1/focal/arm64v8/Dockerfile#L4) for non-interactive installation.
+
+## Ubuntu 18.04 "Bionic"
+
+```bash
+sudo apt-get update \
+    && sudo apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
+    libc6 \
+    libgcc1 \
+    libgssapi-krb5-2 \
+    libicu60 \
+    libssl1.1 \
+    libstdc++6 \
+    zlib1g \
+```
+
+## Community supported distros
+
+The following distros are not supported by the .NET team. The following package information is provided on an as-is basis. Feel free contribute package information for the distro you use .NET with if it isn't listed.
+
+### Arch Linux
+
+```bash
+pacman -Sy \
+    glibc \
+    gcc \
+    krb5 \
+    icu \
+    openssl \
+    libc++ \
+    zlib
+```
+
+This set of packages was tested on the Arch and Manjaro.
--- a/release-notes/6.0/6.0-supported-os.md
+++ b/release-notes/6.0/6.0-supported-os.md
@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-# .NET 6.0 - Supported OS versions
+# .NET 6 Support

-.NET 6.0 is [supported](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/microsoft-support.md) on multiple operating systems, in alignment with official operating system lifecycle and distribution.
+[.NET 6](README.md) is supported on multiple operating systems per their [lifecycle policy](../../os-lifecycle-policy.md).

 ## Windows

@ -65,25 +65,25 @@ OS                                    | Version               | Architectures

 ## macOS

-OS                            | Version                       | Architectures  |
------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------|
-[macOS][macOS]                | 10.14+                        | x64, Arm64     |
+OS                            | Version                   | Architectures     |
+------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------|
+[macOS][macOS]                | 10.14+                    | x64, Arm64        |

 [macOS]: https://support.apple.com/macos

 ## Android

-OS                            | Version                       | Architectures  |
------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------|
-[Android][Android]                | API 21+                        | x64, Arm32, Arm64     |
+OS                            | Version                 | Architectures     |
+------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------|
+[Android][Android]            | API 21+                 | x64, Arm32, Arm64 |

 [Android]: https://support.google.com/android

 ## iOS / tvOS

-OS                            | Version                       | Architectures  |
------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------|
-[iOS][iOS]                | 10.0+                        | x64, Arm32, Arm64     |
+OS                            | Version                 | Architectures     |
+------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------|
+[iOS][iOS]                    | 10.0+                   | x64, Arm32, Arm64 |

 [iOS]: https://support.apple.com/ios

--- a/release-notes/README.md
+++ b/release-notes/README.md
@ -1,14 +1,21 @@
-# .NET Core Release Notes
+# .NET Release Notes

 The following [.NET releases](../releases.md) are currently supported:

-* [.NET 6.0](6.0/README.md)
-* [.NET 5.0](5.0/README.md)
-* [.NET Core 3.1](3.1/README.md)
-* [.NET Core 2.1](2.1/README.md)
+|  Version  | Release Date | Support | Latest Patch Version | End of Support |
+| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
+| [.NET 6](6.0/README.md) | [November, 2021](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-6-preview-2/) | [Preview][policies] | [6.0 Preview 2][6.0 Preview 2] | November, 2024 |
+| [.NET 5](5.0/README.md) | [November 10, 2020](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-5-0/) | [Current][policies] | [5.0.4][5.0.4] | February, 2022 |
+| [.NET Core 3.1](3.1/README.md) | [December 3, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-3-1/) | [LTS][policies] | [3.1.13][3.1.13] | December 3, 2022 |
+| [.NET Core 2.1](2.1/README.md) | [May 30, 2018](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-2-1/) | [LTS][policies] | [2.1.26][2.1.26] | August 21, 2021 |

 You can find release notes for all releases, including out-of-support releases, in the [release-notes](.) directory.

+[6.0 Preview 2]: 6.0/preview/6.0.0-preview.2.md
+[5.0.4]: 5.0/5.0.4/5.0.4.md
+[3.1.13]: 3.1/3.1.13/3.1.13.md
+[2.1.26]: 2.1/2.1.26/2.1.26.md
+
 ## Release Information

 * [Download .NET](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet)
@ -17,3 +24,4 @@ You can find release notes for all releases, including out-of-support releases,
 * [Installation docs](https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/core/install/)

 [releases-index.json]: https://dotnetcli.blob.core.windows.net/dotnet/release-metadata/releases-index.json
+[policies]: ../release-policies.md
--- a/release-policies.md
+++ b/release-policies.md
@ -8,16 +8,17 @@ New major .NET versions are released annually in November. .NET 5.0 was the firs

 ## Release types

-Each .NET release is defined (prior to initial release) as either **Long Term Support (LTS)** or **Current**. The difference is support time frame, as defined below:
+Each .NET release is defined (prior to initial release) as either **Preview**, **Current**, or **Long Term Support (LTS)**. The difference is support time frame, as defined below:

-* **LTS** releases are supported for three years. They are intended for users that want the stability and lower cost of maintaining an application on a single (major.minor) .NET version for an extended period.
+* **Preview** releases are not supported but are offered for public testing. A Preview or Release Candidate release may be considered "go live" and have its own specific ad-hoc support terms that aren't covered by this general policy.
 * **Current** releases are supported for (typically) fifteen months. They are intended for users that want to take advantage of the newest features and improvements and to stay on the leading edge of .NET innovation. Current release users need to upgrade to later .NET releases more often to stay in support.
+* **LTS** releases are supported for three years. They are intended for users that want the stability and lower cost of maintaining an application on a single (major.minor) .NET version for an extended period.

 LTS and Current releases have many similarities. The .NET team follows the same software engineering and release processes for both release types, including for security, compatibility, and reliability. Both releases may contain major new features and breaking changes. The .NET team aspires to enable straightforward migration from one release to another (LTS or Current, in either direction), and has processes in place to achieve that intention.

-## Servicing periods
+## Servicing

-.NET Core releases are supported -- during the servicing period -- according to the following policies. Servicing policies are the same for LTS and Current releases.
+.NET releases are supported -- during the servicing period -- according to the following policies. Servicing policies are the same for LTS and Current releases.

 A single "bug bar" is used to decide if a change is warranted and safe for servicing updates. A given fix is often applied to multiple [servicing branches](https://github.com/dotnet/core/blob/main/daily-builds.md#servicing-releases), independent of release type. Breaking changes are not accepted during servicing, except (in the very rare case) to resolve a security vulnerability.

@ -38,20 +39,17 @@ Functional improvements are typically very targeted, and may address the followi

 During the maintenance support period, .NET releases are updated to mitigate security vulnerabilities, only.

+* Current releases are supported for fifteen months, the last three months of which is maintenance.
+* LTS releases are supported for three years, the last year of which is maintenance.
+
+After the maintenance period ends, the release is out of support.
+
 ### End of support

 "End of support", "out of support", or "end of life" refers to the date after which fixes, updates, or technical assistance are no longer provided. As the end of support nears for a given .NET version, we recommend that you move to a newer .NET version, and reduce/remove your use of the given .NET version. After support ends, we recommend that you uninstall a given .NET version if you are no longer using it, or install the latest patch, and accelerate your plans to remove your use of that .NET version.

 Your use of out-of-support .NET versions may put your applications, application data, and computing environment at risk. You are strongly recommended to not use out-of-support software.

-## Support Policies
-
-The following policies are used to determine support length and kind.
-
-* LTS releases are supported for three years. They receive full support for the first two years and are in maintenance for the third year. After that time, the release will be out-of-support.
-* Current releases are typically supported for fifteen months. They receive full support for the first twelve months and are in maintenance for the last three months. After that time, the release will be out-of-support.
-* A Current release will be supported for a shorter period if a new release (LTS or Current) is released within twelve months of that Current release. In that case, the Current release will immediately transition to three months of maintenance support. After that time, the release will be out-of-support.
-
 ## Vendor support

 [Microsoft offers support](microsoft-support.md) for in-support releases. Updates are provided at [dotnet.microsoft.com](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet) and [Microsoft Update](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-updates-coming-to-microsoft-update/).
--- a/releases.md
+++ b/releases.md
@ -1,23 +1,41 @@

 # .NET Releases

-The .NET team releases new major versions of .NET annually, each November. Releases are either Long Term Support (LTS) or Current, the two .NET release types, and transition from full support, to maintenance and finally to end-of-life on a defined schedule, per [.NET release policies](release-policies.md). .NET releases are [supported by Microsoft](microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](os-lifecycle-policy.md) and hardware architectures.
+The .NET team releases new major versions of .NET annually, each November. Releases are either Long Term Support (LTS) or Current, the two .NET release types, and transition from full support, to maintenance and finally to end-of-life on a defined schedule, per [.NET release policies][policies]. .NET releases are [supported by Microsoft](microsoft-support.md) on [multiple operating systems](os-lifecycle-policy.md) and hardware architectures.
+
+All .NET versions can be downloaded from the [.NET website](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet) or [.NET release notes](release-notes/README.md).
+
+## Supported .NET versions

 The following table lists in-support .NET releases.

-|  Version  |  Original Release Date | Support Level | Supported Patch Version | End of Support |
+|  Version  | Release Date | Support | Latest Patch Version | End of Support |
 | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
-| [.NET 6](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/6.0) | [November, 2021](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-6-preview-2/) | Preview | [Preview 2](release-notes/6.0/README.md) | November, 2024 |
-| [.NET 5](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/5.0) | [November 10, 2020](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-5-0/) | Current | [5.0.4](release-notes/5.0/README.md) | February, 2022 |
-| [.NET Core 3.1](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/3.1) | [December 3, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-3-1/) | LTS | [3.1.13](release-notes/3.1/README.md) | December 3, 2022 |
-| [.NET Core 2.1](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.1) | [May 30, 2018](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-2-1/) | LTS | [2.1.26](release-notes/2.1/README.md) | August 21, 2021 |
+| [.NET 6](release-notes/6.0/README.md) | [November, 2021](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-6-preview-2/) | [Preview][policies] | [6.0 Preview 2][6.0 Preview 2] | November, 2024 |
+| [.NET 5](release-notes/5.0/README.md) | [November 10, 2020](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-5-0/) | [Current][policies] | [5.0.4][5.0.4] | February, 2022 |
+| [.NET Core 3.1](release-notes/3.1/README.md) | [December 3, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-3-1/) | [LTS][policies] | [3.1.13][3.1.13] | December 3, 2022 |
+| [.NET Core 2.1](release-notes/2.1/README.md) | [May 30, 2018](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-2-1/) | [LTS][policies] | [2.1.26][2.1.26] | [August 21, 2021](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-2-1-will-reach-end-of-support-on-august-21-2021/) |

-The following table lists out-of-support releases.
+[6.0 Preview 2]: release-notes/6.0/preview/6.0.0-preview.2.md
+[5.0.4]: release-notes/5.0/5.0.4/5.0.4.md
+[3.1.13]: release-notes/3.1/3.1.13/3.1.13.md
+[2.1.26]: release-notes/2.1/2.1.26/2.1.26.md

-|  Version  |  Release Date | Support Level | Final Patch Version | End of Support |
+## End-of-life .NET versions
+
+The following table lists end-of-life releases.
+
+|  Version  |  Release Date | Support | Final Patch Version | End of Support |
 | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
-| [.NET Core 3.0](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/3.0) | [September 23, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-3-0/) | Current | [3.0.3](release-notes/3.0/README.md) | [March 3, 2020](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-3-0-end-of-life/) |
-| [.NET Core 2.2](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.2) | [December 4th, 2018](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-2-2/) | Current | [2.2.8](release-notes/2.2/README.md) | [December 23, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-2-2-will-reach-end-of-life-on-december-23-2019/) |
-| [.NET Core 2.0](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/2.0) | [August 14th, 2017](https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/dotnet/2017/08/14/announcing-net-core-2-0/) | Current | [2.0.9](release-notes/2.0/README.md) | [October 1, 2018](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-2-0-will-reach-end-of-life-on-september-1-2018/) |
-| [.NET Core 1.1](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/1.1) | [November 16th, 2016](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-1-1/) | LTS | [1.1.13](release-notes/1.1/README.md) | [June 27, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-1-0-and-1-1-will-reach-end-of-life-on-june-27-2019/) |
-| [.NET Core 1.0](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/1.0) | [June 27th, 2016](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-1-0/) | LTS | [1.1.16](release-notes/1.0/README.md) | [June 27, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-1-0-and-1-1-will-reach-end-of-life-on-june-27-2019/) |
+| [.NET Core 3.0](release-notes/3.0/README.md) | [September 23, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-3-0/) |  [Current][policies] | [3.0.3][3.0.3] | [March 3, 2020](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-3-0-end-of-life/) |
+| [.NET Core 2.2](release-notes/2.2/README.md) | [December 4th, 2018](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-2-2/) | [Current][policies] | [2.2.8][2.2.8] | [December 23, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-2-2-will-reach-end-of-life-on-december-23-2019/) |
+| [.NET Core 2.0](release-notes/2.0/README.md) | [August 14th, 2017](https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/dotnet/2017/08/14/announcing-net-core-2-0/) | [Current][policies] | [2.0.9][2.0.9] | [October 1, 2018](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-2-0-will-reach-end-of-life-on-september-1-2018/) |
+| [.NET Core 1.1](release-notes/1.1/README.md) | [November 16th, 2016](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-1-1/) | [LTS][policies] | [1.1.13][1.1.13] | [June 27, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-1-0-and-1-1-will-reach-end-of-life-on-june-27-2019/) |
+| [.NET Core 1.0](release-notes/1.0/README.md) | [June 27th, 2016](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/announcing-net-core-1-0/) | [LTS][policies] | [1.0.16][1.0.16] | [June 27, 2019](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/net-core-1-0-and-1-1-will-reach-end-of-life-on-june-27-2019/) |
+
+[3.0.3]: release-notes/3.0/3.0.3/3.0.3.md
+[2.2.8]: release-notes/2.2/2.2.8/2.2.8.md
+[2.0.9]: release-notes/2.0/2.0.9.md
+[1.1.13]: release-notes/1.1/1.1.13/1.1.13.md
+[1.0.16]: release-notes/1.0/1.0.16/1.0.16.md
+[policies]: release-policies.md