# Semantic Kernel python-1.45.0: what's new, verdict & setup Canonical: https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/semantic-kernel · Released: 2026-10-06 · Last verified: 2026-10-25 · Evidence: Reported (not run by us) · Vendor: Microsoft · Official site: https://github.com/microsoft/semantic-kernel > Microsoft's model-agnostic SDK for building AI agents; its README calls Microsoft Agent Framework the enterprise-ready successor. ## Verdict **Microsoft's model-agnostic SDK for building AI agents; its README calls Microsoft Agent Framework the enterprise-ready successor.** Good for: - Existing .NET and Azure shops already on Semantic Kernel Skip if: - You are starting new agent work and want Microsoft's recommended path (Agent Framework) Status: Reported. Written from official release notes and docs; we have not run this release ourselves. Full test log (commands, versions, raw output): [Semantic Kernel 1.45.0: our test log](https://theagenticweekly.com/tests/semantic-kernel) Pricing: Official page, dated. Open-source library; costs come from the model APIs you call. (checked 2026-10-25) ## Best for - [Best AI tool for agent building](https://theagenticweekly.com/best/agent-building) (#-): Microsoft SDK for AI agents in .NET, Python and Java; successor is Microsoft Agent Framework. ## Key facts The Semantic Kernel README says Microsoft Agent Framework (MAF) is the enterprise-ready successor and is at version 1.0 with stable APIs. The repository is still MIT-licensed and active, with python-1.45.0 released Oct 6, 2026. - License: MIT (per GitHub) - Platforms: .NET, Python and Java - Pricing model: Free and open source - Free tier: Free to self-host - Paid plans: None listed for the library - GitHub: microsoft/semantic-kernel: 28,695 stars on 2026-10-25, last push 2026-10-23 - Latest release we saw: python-1.45.0, 2026-10-06 - How to start: Install the Semantic Kernel package for your language and follow the README; check the Agent Framework page for new projects. - python-1.45.0 (2026-10-06): the newest release listed on the official page or repository when we read it on 2026-10-25. ## How to set it up: Get started with Semantic Kernel These steps come from the vendor's own pages as read on 2026-10-25. We tried Semantic Kernel on 2026-10-25; it only partly worked in our test (see /tests/semantic-kernel), so it is not marked Tested. 1. **Get access.** Install the Semantic Kernel package for your language and follow the README; check the Agent Framework page for new projects. 2. **Check the limits and costs first.** Free to self-host. Open-source library; costs come from the model APIs you call. ## Pros and cons Pros: - MIT license - Multi-language Cons: - Successor product exists - Our own run only partly worked: Semantic Kernel 1.45.0 returned an empty reply with our standard prompt (0 of 3) but worked once the prompt used its plugin-prefixed tool name (3 of 3); a naming trap with small models. See /tests/semantic-kernel ## Alternatives - [AutoGen](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/autogen): Microsoft's open-source multi-agent framework; its README now says the project is in maintenance mode and points to Microsoft Agent Framework. - [LangChain](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/langchain): Open-source framework for building LLM applications and agents in Python and JavaScript, from the team behind LangGraph and LangSmith. - [LlamaIndex](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/llamaindex): Open-source data framework for retrieval-augmented generation and document-centred agents, with a hosted document platform alongside. - [Langflow](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/langflow): MIT-licensed visual builder for AI agents and MCP servers with a very large GitHub following. - [Botpress](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/botpress): Customer-support AI agent platform with a free plan and conversation-based paid plans. - [Gumloop](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/gumloop): Agent builder for teams; plans start at $37 per month with 20k included credits. - [Lindy](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/lindy): AI 'employee' builder that connects to your tools; Free plan with $50 in credits that last 7 days, then credit-based plans. - [Microsoft Copilot Studio](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/copilot-studio): Microsoft's platform for creating and managing custom agents, workflows and apps with no code. - [Pydantic AI](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/pydantic-ai): Python agent framework built on Pydantic types, covering agents, realtime voice, image generation and embeddings. - [Relevance AI](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/relevance-ai): Platform for specialist AI agents for sales, customer success, marketing and HR, with an embedded deployment team. - [Voiceflow](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/voiceflow): Platform for chat and voice AI agents for customer experience teams. - [LangGraph](https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/langgraph): Low-level framework for building long-running, stateful agents as graphs. ## FAQ ### What is Semantic Kernel? The Semantic Kernel README says Microsoft Agent Framework (MAF) is the enterprise-ready successor and is at version 1.0 with stable APIs. The repository is still MIT-licensed and active, with python-1.45.0 released Oct 6, 2026. ### Is Semantic Kernel free? Free to self-host. Open-source library; costs come from the model APIs you call. Checked 2026-10-25; prices change, so confirm on the vendor's page. ### What license is Semantic Kernel under? Its license: MIT (per GitHub). Read from the project's own pages on 2026-10-25. ## What we have not verified - Migration timeline - Anything beyond the attempt in /tests/semantic-kernel: we ran it once on a local 3B model and it did not complete our task, so it stays Reported ## Sources - [Semantic Kernel README](https://github.com/microsoft/semantic-kernel) (fetched 2026-10-25) ## How to cite Agentic Weekly, "Semantic Kernel python-1.45.0: what's new, verdict & setup", last updated 2026-10-25, https://theagenticweekly.com/tools/semantic-kernel Keep the Reported or Tested label when you quote the verdict.