Instructions for installing .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10

Windows 10 comes pre-installed with .NET framework 4.8. However, many applications developed from Windows Vista and Windows 7 require .NET Framework v3.5 version to run. Applications will not run unless you install the correct version of the .NET Framework that the application requires.

Note : You must log in with admin rights to install .NET Framework 3.5.

If you need to repair .NET Framework 3.5, you can uninstall and reinstall using the options below.

What is .NET Framework?

Microsoft .NET Framework is an open source software development framework created by Microsoft. The first version was released in 2002. It included both Command Language Runtime and Framework Class Library.

The .NET Framework was created to make it easier to design web applications and software across multiple languages. Developers can create applications for Windows, Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, and XML Web services on a single platform.

Install .NET Framework 3.5 as needed

This option requires an Internet connection to install the .NET Framework 3.5.

1. You may see the following configuration dialog if you try to run an application that requires the .NET Framework 3.5. Click Install this feature .

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2. If prompted by UAC, click Yes.

3. Windows Features will now search, download, and install the necessary files for the .NET Framework 3.5 online from Windows Update.

4. Click Close when completed and installation is successful.

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Install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows Features

This option requires an Internet connection to install the .NET Framework 3.5.

1. Open Control Panel (icon view) and click the Programs and Features icon .

2. Click the Turn Windows features on or off link on the left.

This will open the file C:WindowsSystem32OptionalFeatures.exe.

3. If prompted by UAC, click Yes.

4. Select (black square) .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) and click OK.

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5. Click Let Windows Update download the files for you.

6. Windows Features will now download and apply (install) the necessary files for .NET Framework 3.5 online from Windows Update.

7. Click Close when done.

Install .NET Framework 3.5 by downloading it

This option requires an Internet connection to install the .NET Framework 3.5.

1. Go to Microsoft's Download .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 website and click the Download .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 Runtime button on the website.

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2. Save the dotnetfx35.exe file to the desktop and run it.

3. If prompted by UAC, click Yes.

4. Click Download and install this feature .

5. Windows Features will now search, download, and install the necessary files for the .NET Framework 3.5 online from Windows Update.

6. Click Close when completed and installation is successful.

7. Now, you can delete the dotnetfx35.exe file if you want.

Install .NET Framework 3.5 in Command Prompt

This option requires an Internet connection to install the .NET Framework 3.5.

1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights.

2. Copy and paste the command below into Command Prompt, then press Enter.

Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"NetFx3"

3. Once installation is complete, you can close Command Prompt if you want.

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Install .NET Framework 3.5 in PowerShell

This option requires an Internet connection to install the .NET Framework 3.5.

1. Open PowerShell with admin rights.

2. Copy and paste the command below into PowerShell, then press Enter.

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "NetFx3"

3. Once installation is complete, you can close PowerShell if you want.

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Install .NET Framework 3.5 offline

This option does not use an Internet connection to install the .NET Framework 3.5. This can be useful if you can't install .NET Framework 3.5 using any of the other options above.

1. Do one of the following actions depending on what you want to use:

If you are not using media with the same build of Windows 10 as what is currently installed, you will get a source file not found error and .NET Framework 3.5 will not install.

A) Connect a Windows 10 installation USB of the same build as what is currently installed.

Or:

B) Mount a Windows 10 ISO of the same build as what is currently installed.

2. Open This PC in File Explorer ( Win + E ) and note down the drive letter (e.g. "G") of this USB or mounted ISO.

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3. Open Command Prompt with admin rights.

4. Enter the command below into Command Prompt and press Enter.

Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /Source::sourcessxs /LimitAccess

Replace in the command above with the actual drive letter (e.g. "G") from step 2 above for the mounted USB or ISO source.

For example:

Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /Source:G:sourcessxs /LimitAccess

5. After finishing the installation, you can close Command Prompt if you want.

Available .NET Framework versions

Although this article focuses on .NET Framework version 3.5, that is not the only version available. As of August 2021, the latest version is actually .NET Framework 4.8.

The current list of old versions includes:

1. .NET Framework 2.0
2. .NET Framework 3.0
3. .NET Framework 3.5 (installing 3.5 also installs 2.0 and 3.0)
4. .NET Framework 4.0
5. .NET Framework 4.5
6. .NET Framework 4.5.1
7. .NET Framework 4.5.2
8. .NET Framework 4.6
9. .NET Framework 4.6.2
10. .NET Framework 4.7
11. .NET Framework 4.7.1
12. .NET Framework 4.7.2

Fix installation problems

Although you usually won't encounter any problems when installing the .NET Framework, sometimes problems appear. Some of the most common problems include:

Compatibility error - If you receive a message that the .NET Framework is not compatible with your operating system, then the version you are trying to install is not compatible and will not work. If you know for sure it's supported, install the latest Windows update. This error usually occurs when trying to install a newer version on an old PC.

Invalid Windows installation - If you are not running a licensed copy of Windows, the .NET Framework may not install at all. Registering your copy or installing a valid copy is the only solution.

Problems with Windows Update - If you get errors about a specific KB number or require additional updates, install all the latest Windows updates before continuing.

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Error downloads - If you get any errors about corrupted installations, check the Add or Remove Programs section to see if anything is installed. Uninstall them if possible. Then, manually download the version you need and install it that way.

Microsoft offers more troubleshooting options for more advanced errors. Refer to:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/troubleshoot-blocked-installations-and-uninstallations

Frequently asked questions when installing the .NET Framework

1. Is it possible to install multiple versions of the .NET Framework?

Yes, you can install multiple versions of the .NET Framework. Different applications require different versions and can exist peacefully on the same PC. But be sure to only install the .NET Framework versions you really need.

2. How long are .NET Framework versions supported?

.NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is supported through October 10, 2028. This is ideal for applications that require versions 2.0, 3.0, and/or 3.5. They are supported for a long time because it is the most popular and stable older version.

Versions 4.0 to 4.5.1 are no longer supported. Versions 4.5.2 to 4.6.1 wukk will end support on April 26, 2022.

Versions 4.6.2 and later do not currently have an end of support date listed.

3. How can compatibility be checked?

If you're not sure whether your PC supports the specific version of the .NET Framework you want to install, you can easily check. Microsoft has a list of dependencies and system requirements for every version of the .NET Framework. For detailed instructions, please refer to the article: How to check the .NET Framework version on your computer.

You can now run programs that require older versions of the .NET Framework on your PC. Please share which of these Microsoft NET Framework installation methods is right for you in the comments section below!

Wish you success!

Lesley Montoya

Update 10 August 2024