Upgrading an old .NET app doesn’t have to mean chasing broken builds and cryptic errors. Yet for many developers, a simple version bump turns into hours of dependency conflicts and manual fixes.Modernization isn’t just about staying current. Older frameworks can introduce security risks, slow performance, and block cloud adoption. Upgrading unlocks modern APIs, better tooling, and cloud-native features like automated scaling and secure identity management.That’s where GitHub Copilot app modernization comes in. Think of it as your modernization assistant, guiding you through every step, automating the heavy lifting, and helping you move from “this might take weeks” to “done in hours.”What you’ll learnBy the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:Analyze your .NET projects and generate a clear upgrade planApply changes automatically with GitHub CopilotFix build issues and validate tests in real timeReview a detailed summary reportPrepare your app for Azure migration and deploymentBefore you beginTo follow along, make sure you have:Visual Studio 2026 (or Visual Studio 2022 version 17.14.17 or newer)A GitHub Copilot license (Pro, Pro +, Business or Enterprise).NET desktop development workload with the following optional components enabled: GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot app modernizationUpgrade your .NET appStep 1: Open your project or solutionStart by launching Visual Studio and opening your .NET project or solution.Step 2: Start an agent sessionYou can begin in two ways:Right-click your project or solution in Solution Explorer and select ModernizeOr open GitHub Copilot Chat and type @modernize followed by your requestStep 3: Choose your pathNext, decide what you want to do:Upgrade to a newer .NET version for better performance and securityMigrate to Azure to unlock cloud-native capabilitiesExplore more modernization options if you have additional goalsStep 4: Assess and planCopilot assesses your code and dependencies, then:Asks a few questions about your goals to tailor the planGenerates a Markdown upgrade plan for transparencyLets you review and edit the plan before moving forwardYou can edit the plan to add context, reorder steps, or exclude certain projects before approving.Step 5: Apply changes and resolve errorsOnce you approve the plan, Copilot will:Upgrade files, adjust imports, and fix syntax issues automaticallyHandle build errors in a fix-and-test loop to ensure stabilityTrack progress in the Upgrade Progress Details document for visibilityCommit each major step to Git for easy rollback if neededIf Copilot encounters a problem it can’t fix automatically, it pauses and asks for your input, keeping you in control.Step 6: Review the resultsAfter completion, Copilot provides:A detailed report with Git commit hashes for traceabilityA Next Steps section for post-upgrade actions like updating CI/CD pipelines or running integration testsMake your app cloud readyModernization doesn’t stop at upgrading your code. Making your app cloud-ready unlocks scalability, security, and operational efficiency. Here’s how Copilot helps:Step 1: Run a cloud readiness assessmentStart by selecting Migrate to Azure from the GitHub Copilot app modernization UI.Copilot will:Scan your project for framework compatibility and configuration gapsIdentify authentication and identity issues for cloud environmentsHighlight dependency vulnerabilities that need attentionWhen the assessment finishes, you’ll see a detailed report along with:A list of migration tasks in the chat windowCriticality ratingsRecommended actionsStep 2: Approve and execute the migration planSimilar to the upgrade process, Copilot creates a migration plan that will:Highlight dependency updates for Azure compatibilityList configuration changes for cloud services to ensure smooth deploymentInclude security enhancements for complianceOnce you approve the plan, Copilot will:Update your configuration and codeAdd required Azure SDKs and authentication adaptersStep 3: Validate and secureAfter code remediation, Copilot will:Run automated CVE scans on all updated dependenciesPropose safe version replacements if vulnerabilities are foundConfirm all tests pass and build integrity is maintainedStep 4: Deploy to AzureFinally, deployment is fully automated. Copilot handles:Provisioning resources without manual scriptingConfiguring monitoring and logging for observabilitySecuring identities for safe accessFrom code to cloud in minutes, without writing infrastructure scripts.Try GitHub Copilot app modernization todayReady to modernize your .NET apps faster? Whether you’re upgrading frameworks or planning a cloud migration, GitHub Copilot app modernization helps you analyze large codebases, automate fixes, and save hours of manual work. Learn more and try it out today.