.NET Framework 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0)
v3.5 SP1Free
For old apps and games that ask for .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0 or 3.5 on Windows 10/11. By Microsoft Corporation
- Windows
By the ToolsBharat teamLink checked 30 Oct 2026How we check
Quick answer
.NET Framework 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0) is free software for Windows from Microsoft Corporation. For old apps and games that ask for .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0 or 3.5 on Windows 10/11. Download it only from dotnet.microsoft.com. The latest version we track is 3.5 SP1. ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- 3.5 SP1
- Publisher:
- Microsoft Corporation
- Official site:
- learn.microsoft.com
- Licence:
- Free — Proprietary — free
- Requirements:
- Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server
Our verdict
Very old software, including some billing, GST and government utilities and older games, still targets .NET 3.5, which Windows 10 and 11 don't switch on by default. On Windows 11 25H2 and earlier you don't download an installer: turn on '.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)' in Windows Features, or accept the pop-up that offers to download it. From Windows 11 26H1 onward Microsoft provides a standalone installer instead, linked from the same official page.
Key features
- Runs apps written for .NET Framework 1.0 to 3.5
- Enabled through Windows Features on Windows 10 and Windows 11 up to 25H2
- Standalone installer and language pack for Windows 11 26H1 and newer
- Offline install possible from matching Windows installation media (DISM)
Pros
- Pro: Official way to fix '.NET Framework 3.5 required' prompts
- Pro: No third-party 'offline installer' needed
- Pro: Clear Microsoft troubleshooting for common error codes
Cons
- Con: Usually needs an internet connection via Windows Update
- Con: Standalone installers only work on the exact Windows version they're built for
- Con: A 2008-era component; Microsoft urges vendors to move to newer .NET
What's new in 3.5 SP1
See what changed in 3.5 SP1 in the official release notes
Version history
Version 3.5 SP1Latest
date not stated- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Requirements
- OS
- Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Also needs
- Internet connection or matching Windows installation media
Licence
- Type
- Free
- Licence
- Proprietary — free
- Publisher
- learn.microsoft.com
Where these facts come from
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
How do I install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 11?
On Windows 11 25H2 or earlier: search Start for 'Windows Features', tick '.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)', click OK and restart if asked. On Windows 11 26H1 or later, use the standalone installer linked on Microsoft's .NET Framework 3.5 page.
I get error 0x800f081f or 0x800f0906. What now?
Microsoft documents fixes for 0x800f0906, 0x800f0907, 0x800f081f and 0x800F0922 in its .NET 3.5 troubleshooting article. If Windows Update can't supply the files, you can enable it from Windows installation media of the same version using DISM. Avoid unofficial '.NET 3.5 offline installer' downloads.
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Alternatives
.NET Framework 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0)
3.5 SP1 · Not stated