SocketTools 11 components support all modern Windows desktop and server platforms. We recommend you install the latest security updates from Windows Update and the current network drivers available for your system. At this time, the only version of SocketTools eligible for technical support is SocketTools 11 Build 2130 or later.
The following Windows desktop and server operating systems are supported by SocketTools 11:
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8
- Windows 7 SP1
- Windows Server 2025
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2008 R2
SocketTools includes both 32-bit and 64-bit components. We recommend development on 64-bit versions of Windows, however for the broadest compatibility with most end-user systems, we currently recommend targeting your project for the x86 (32-bit) platform.
Targeting the x86 platform will ensure your application will work on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. A 32-bit application can run on 64-bit Windows under WoW64; however, a 64-bit application cannot run on 32-bit versions of Windows.
Windows 11
Microsoft released Windows 11 on October 5, 2021 and SocketTools 11 is fully supported on the platform. It is recommended you update Windows 11 to version 23H2, which was released on October 31, 2023, or a more recent version with the latest security updates. Some security options, including support for TLS 1.3, require Windows 11 or Windows Server 2022. If you are using a version of SocketTools prior to Version 11 Build 2148, you should update to the current version.
Windows 10
SocketTools 11 supports Windows 10, however some earlier versions are no longer supported by Microsoft. It is recommended you update Windows 10 to version 22H2 which was released on October 18, 2022. Some functionality in SocketTools will depend on which specific version of Windows 10 your application is using. If you are using a version of SocketTools prior to Version 10 Build 1430, you should update to the current version.
Microsoft no longer supports versions of Windows 10 prior to Build 1909 (19H2), with the exception of Build 1809 in the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) which will be supported until 2029. SocketTools supports both standard and LTSC builds, however we always recommend you update to the current build and install all security updates.
Windows 8
SocketTools continues to support both Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, however we recommend you update to Windows 8.1 Update 1 (6.3.9600) if possible. Windows 8 has already reached end of support, including security updates, as of January 10, 2023. This means that technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided by Microsoft for this version of Windows.
Windows 7
SocketTools will continue to provide support for Windows 7, although it reached its end of support on January 14, 2020. Because of its widespread adoption, we have extended support so developers can continue to deploy to the platform as end-users transition to Windows 11.
The minimum supported version of Windows 7 is 6.1.7601 (SP1). It is important that all security updates be installed, including KB4474419 (September 2019) which includes updates to SHA-2 code signing.
Windows XP and Windows Vista
Microsoft discontinued support for Windows XP in 2014, and support for Windows Vista ended in 2017. Neither of these platforms receive security updates and they do not support modern cryptographic algorithms and security protocols.
We continued to support SocketTools on these platforms after they reached end-of-support to assist developers with their transition to the current version of Windows. SocketTools 10 is the last version which provides binary support for Windows XP and Vista. SocketTools 11 requires Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 or later versions.
See Also
Supported Versions of Visual Studio
Windows and Supported TLS Versions
Support for TLS 1.2 on Windows XP