Installing .NET Framework 3.5 Using Command Prompt in Windows 11

.NET Framework 3.5 is a crucial component for running legacy applications on Windows systems. While Windows 11 comes with .NET Framework 4.8 preinstalled, some older applications may require version 3.5. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of installing .NET Framework 3.5 using the Command Prompt in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator: To begin the installation process, open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Right-click on the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the context menu. This ensures that you have the necessary permissions to install software components.

Step 2: Insert Windows 11 Installation Media (Optional): If you have a Windows 11 installation media (USB/DVD), insert it into your computer. This step is optional, but it can help in cases where Windows needs additional files to install .NET Framework 3.5.

Step 3: Run the Installation Command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:<drive>:\sources\sxs

Note: Replace <drive> with the drive letter of your Windows 11 installation media (if applicable). If you don’t have an installation media, you can skip the /Source parameter.

Step 4: Wait for the Installation to Complete: The installation process may take a few minutes, depending on your system’s speed and the availability of the installation source. Command Prompt will display the progress of the installation.

Step 5: Verify the Installation: Once the installation is complete, you can verify if .NET Framework 3.5 has been successfully installed. Open Command Prompt again as Administrator and type the following command:

DISM /Online /Get-Features

Look for the entry “NetFx3” in the list of installed features. If it is present, .NET Framework 3.5 is successfully installed on your Windows 11 system.

NetFx3

Step 6: Restart Your Computer (If Required): In some cases, you may be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. If prompted, save your work and restart your system.

By following these steps, you can easily install .NET Framework 3.5 using the Command Prompt in Windows 11. This enables compatibility with legacy applications that rely on this version of the framework. Remember to run Command Prompt as Administrator and, if necessary, have your Windows 11 installation media handy. Enjoy using your favorite applications that require .NET Framework 3.5 on your Windows 11 system!