.NET 3.5 framework isn’t going away anytime soon. Some older apps still require it to function, and until all apps update .NET 3.5 requirements, we’ll still be using it to support these legacy applications. The new Windows 11 will also have .NET packages available and ready to install when needed. Windows 11 will come with many new features and enhancements that will work great for some while adding some learning challenges for others. Some things and settings have changed so much that folks will have to learn new ways to learn manage Windows. Even though Windows 11 has many new features and functionalities, it still hasn’t removed .NET from its code base. It will support legacy applications that still require it to function. To get started installing .NET 3.5 framework in Windows 11, follow the steps below:
Install .NET framework via Windows features
There are many ways to install .NET and enable it in Windows 11. One of the fastest ways to get .NET 3.5 in Ubuntu is via Windows add/remove features. To get the Windows features pane, click on Start and search for “Turn Windows features on or off”. Then click on the relevant link as shown in the image below: When the Windows features pane opens, select and check the box next to .NET frame 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0). Once chosen, click OK to be installing. When prompted with the screen below, select “Let Windows Update download the files for you” and continue with the installation. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, the required file should be downloaded and installed in no time. .NET 3.5 framework should be installed and ready to use. You may want to reboot as well.
Download and Install .NET 3.5 Framework in Windows 11
Another way to install .NET 3.5 Framework in Windows 11 is to download the package and install it. If you can’t get to the Windows features above, then simply go and download .NET 3.5 packages and install them. To do that, click on the link below: Download .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 | Free official downloads (microsoft.com) On the site above, click on the download link to download the package and install it. Once downloaded, click on dotnetfx35.exe to run the installer. When prompted, choose the option to “Download and install this feature” and continue. Windows Update will fetch and download all the required packages and install them on your system. Wait until all is downloaded and installed, then reboot to complete the installation. After a brief moment, DOT NET 3.5 should be installed and ready to use. You may have to reboot to complete the installation.
Install .NET 3.5 Framework in Windows 11 from Command Prompt
Yet another way to install .NET 3.5 framework in Windows 11 is via the Command Prompt. To do that, open the command prompt as administrator by searching and right-clicking the app and selecting Run as administrator shown below: When the Command Prompt app opens, run the commands below to install .NET 3.5 framework. The command above will initial .NET 3.5 installation. After the installation, you will see a message similar to the one below.
Install .NET 3.5 via PowerShell in Windows 11
Finally, another way to install .NET 3.5 in Windows 11 is via Windows PowerShell. Open PowerShell as administrator by searching for it and right-clicking and selecting to run as administrator. When Windows PowerShell opens, run the commands below to install .NET 3.5.
How to install .NET 3.5 framework offline in Windows 11
In some cases, you may have to install .NET 3.5 framework offline using Windows 11 installer ISO image.
This option does not use an internet connection to install .NET and can be useful if you are unable to install .NET Framework 3.5 using any of the other options above.
First, download Windows 11 ISO. Once downloaded, mount the ISO file in File Explorer.
Next, open the command prompt as administrator.
Then run the commands below to install .NET Framework 3.5.
Replacing the
