NuGet Error NU1016

Managing packages with project.json is deprecated. Migrate to PackageReference.

Issue

Managing packages with project.json is deprecated. Migrate to PackageReference.

Solution

Migrate your project from project.json to PackageReference.

Visual Studio 2026 or later:

Your project.json project will be automatically migrated to PackageReference when you open the solution. Visual Studio will create a backup of the original files in a Backup folder in the project directory.

Visual Studio 2022:

You need to use the built-in migrator:

1. Open your project.json project in Visual Studio
2. In Solution Explorer, find the project's Dependencies node
3. Right-click and select Migrate project.json to PackageReference...

For detailed migration guidance, see the project.json reference documentation.

For more information about package management formats, see Package references in project files.