How to Install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10/11: A Comprehensive Guide

‍Introduction

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a crucial software framework that enables Windows to run various applications developed using C, C++, and Visual Basic. While the latest version of the .NET Framework is 4.8, many applications and programs still rely on the older version, .NET Framework 3.5. In this article, we will guide you through the process of downloading and installing .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10 and Windows 11. We will explore five different methods that you can choose from based on your specific requirements.

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Section 1: Checking if .NET Framework 3.5 is Installed

Before proceeding with the installation, it is essential to check if .NET Framework 3.5 is already installed on your computer. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Control Panel by typing “control” in the Windows Search box and selecting “Control Panel” from the results.
2. Change the “View by” type to “Large icons” and select “Programs and Features.”
3. Click on “Turn Windows features on or off” from the left pane.
4. In the pop-up window, check if the box next to “.NET Framework 3.5” is shaded in black. If it is not, it means that .NET Framework 3.5 is not installed on your PC.

Section 2: Installing .NET Framework 3.5 from Windows Features

The most straightforward method to install .NET Framework 3.5 is through the Windows Features section. Follow these steps:

1. Open the “Windows Features” window by following the steps described in Section 1.
2. Select the checkbox beside “.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)” and click on “OK.”
3. Windows will start installing .NET Framework 3.5 automatically. You may need to restart your computer to complete the installation.

Section 3: Installing .NET Framework 3.5 Manually from the Official Website

If you are unable to install .NET Framework 3.5 using the Windows Features method, you can manually download it from the Microsoft official website. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Microsoft Download Center and navigate to the .NET Framework 3.5 section.
2. Click on the “Download” button and save the downloaded file to your desktop.
3. Double-click the downloaded file (NetFx35setup.exe) and click on “Yes” in the User Account Control (UAC) confirmation window.
4. Select the “Download and install this feature” link. Windows will begin downloading the required files. Once complete, restart your PC to finalize the installation.

Section 4: Installing .NET Framework 3.5 via the Offline Installer

Microsoft provides an offline installer for .NET Framework 3.5 on its dotnet website. Here’s how you can install it:

1. Visit the Microsoft Download Center and select a supported version of the .NET Framework (such as .NET Framework 3.5 SP1).
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Section 5: Installing .NET Framework 3.5 via Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell

If you prefer using Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell, you can install .NET Framework 3.5 using the following steps:

1. Type “cmd” in the Search box, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.” Confirm the UAC prompt by clicking “Yes.” If you prefer using PowerShell, type “PowerShell” instead of “cmd.”
2. In the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"NetFx3"
3. For Windows PowerShell, use the command Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "NetFx3" to install .NET Framework 3.5.

Section 6: Installing .NET Framework 3.5 via Windows Installation Media

If you have Windows installation media, such as a DVD or USB, you can use it to install .NET Framework 3.5. Follow these steps:

1. Insert your Windows installation media into your computer and note the assigned drive letter.
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator, as described in Section 5.
3. Type the following command, replacing “H” with the actual drive letter assigned to the installation media: Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:H:sourcessxs /LimitAccess
4. Wait for the process to complete, and then restart your computer to finalize the installation.

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Conclusion

Installing .NET Framework 3.5 is essential for running applications that rely on this version. In this article, we have explored five different methods to download and install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10 and Windows 11. By following these steps, you can ensure compatibility with a wide range of software that requires .NET Framework 3.5. Whether you choose to install it from Windows Features, the official website, the offline installer, Command Prompt, or Windows Installation Media, you can now easily enjoy the benefits of .NET Framework 3.5 on your Windows device.

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