How To Enable .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5 in Windows 10 and 8.1

How-To

How To Enable .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5 in Windows 10 and 8.1

Web browsingWeb browsing

Have you tried to install certain programs on Windows 8 and you get an error saying it needs .NET Framework 2.0? Here’s how to enable previous version of .NET so you can install and use those programs.

While using Windows 8 or Windows 10, I’ve found that many older programs won’t install or run correctly because they require previous versions of the .NET Framework. Here’s how to enable support for those versions of the .NET Framework.

Error MessageError Message

Some programs will want to download an older version of the .NET Framework, but this doesn’t work. You still need to enable it.

Install .NETInstall .NET

From the Windows 8 desktop, open the power user menu and select Control Panel.
Control Panel Power User menuControl Panel Power User menu

On Windows 10, hit the Windows key, type: control panel, and choose the top result.

control panel windows 10control panel windows 10

From the Control Panel, click Programs and Features.
Programs and FeaturesPrograms and Features

When the Programs and Features window comes up, click Turn Windows Features On or Off.

Run Windows Features OnRun Windows Features On

Then check .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) and click OK.

Windows FeaturesWindows Features

Next, you’ll need to download files from Windows Update.

Download UpdatesDownload Updates

Wait while the previous versions of the .NET Framework are downloaded and installed.

requied Filesrequied Files

A restart might be required. I enabled previous versions of .NET on three different Windows 8 systems, and my 32-bit version needed to be restarted.

RestartRestart

Now you can start using the programs that require the old versions of the .NET Framework.