MSDN Documentation

.NET Framework Getting Started

Installing the .NET Framework

Welcome to the .NET Framework installation guide. This page will walk you through the necessary steps to get the .NET Framework up and running on your development machine.

System Requirements

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

  • Supported Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.
  • Hardware: A PC with a Pentium II 400 MHz or faster processor, 64 MB of RAM, and 4.5 GB of available hard disk space.
  • Administrator privileges are required for installation.

Download the .NET Framework Installer

You can download the latest recommended version of the .NET Framework directly from the official Microsoft website. For this guide, we'll focus on .NET Framework 4.8.

Note: Newer .NET versions (like .NET 6, 7, 8) are recommended for new development, but .NET Framework 4.8 remains widely used and supported for legacy applications.

Installation Steps

Follow these steps to install the .NET Framework:

1

Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded installer file (e.g., ndp48-x86-x64-allversions.exe) and double-click it to start the installation process.

2

Accept License Terms: Read the license agreement and click "I Agree" to proceed.

3

Choose Installation Type: Typically, the "Typical" installation is recommended for most users. This installs the .NET Framework with default components.

4

Wait for Completion: The installer will extract files and install the necessary components. This may take a few minutes. You might be prompted to restart your computer.

5

Restart Your Computer: If prompted, restart your computer to complete the installation and ensure all changes take effect.

Verifying the Installation

You can verify that the .NET Framework has been installed successfully using a few methods:

  • Control Panel: Navigate to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features". Look for entries related to ".NET Framework".
  • Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command: reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP" /s Look for the version number under the Client or Full keys. For .NET Framework 4.8, you'd expect to see a 4.8.XXXXX version.
  • Visual Studio: If you have Visual Studio installed, you can check the project properties to see which .NET Framework versions are available as target frameworks.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems during installation, consider the following:

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
  • Run the installer as an administrator.
  • Temporarily disable your antivirus software (remember to re-enable it afterward).
  • Check the official Microsoft .NET Framework documentation for specific error codes or known issues.

For more advanced troubleshooting, please refer to the Support Page.