Steps to enable DotNet Framework in Windows 11

If you’re running Windows 11 and need to install software that depends on the .NET Framework—especially older apps that require .NET Framework 3.5—you might need to enable it manually. By default, Windows 11 comes with .NET Framework 4.8 pre-installed, but earlier versions like 3.5 are optional features you have to turn on.

Here’s a straightforward guide to enabling .NET Framework in Windows 11.

✅ Method 1: Use Windows Features

This is the most direct way to enable .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.

Step 1: Open Windows Features

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type optionalfeatures and hit Enter.
• This opens the Windows Features window.

Step 2: Enable .NET Framework

• Check .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).
• Also make sure .NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Services is checked.
• Click OK.

Step 3: Let Windows Install the Files

• Windows will download and apply the changes.
• Restart your PC if prompted.

✅ Method 2: Use Command Prompt (Admin)

If you prefer using commands:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

• Click Start, search for cmd, then right-click and choose Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run the DISM Command

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:D:\sources\sxs

Replace D:\ with the actual drive letter of your Windows installation media if you’re offline. If you’re online, you can remove /LimitAccess /Source from the command.

Step 3: Wait for the Process to Finish

• Once complete, you’ll see a “The operation completed successfully” message.

✅ Method 3: Use Windows PowerShell

This works similarly to Command Prompt.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Admin

• Right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Run the PowerShell Command

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName NetFx3

Step 3: Reboot

• Restart your PC after the installation finishes.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Error 0x800F081F: This usually means Windows can’t find the files. Try using installation media as your source.
• No Internet? Use a bootable USB with Windows setup files and point DISM to the sources\sxs folder.
• Already installed? .NET might already be enabled. Some programs might not detect it right away—try a system restart.

Final Thoughts

Enabling .NET Framework on Windows 11 is usually quick, whether you do it through the GUI, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. If you’re working with legacy apps, knowing how to toggle these features gives you the flexibility to keep your system compatible and your tools working.