.NET Framework 3.5 missing from Windows 10 [FIX]

Ivan Jenic
by Ivan Jenic
Troubleshooting Expert
35 Comments
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  • Do you have problems installing .NET Framework 3.5 or turning this feature on? It is a crucial part of many applications running on Windows platforms so learn from our guide below how to do that.
  • If you want to know more about .NET Framework, please find all our articles about this topic.
  • System errors are pretty common but you will most likely find a solution in our System Errors hub.
  • For any other Windows 10 errors don't look further. Check out our Windows 10 errors hub.
net framework missing windows 10

.NET Framework 3.5 is an important feature for running many Windows applications, but some users reported that this feature isn’t turned on in Windows 10, or that they have some problems installing it.

The .NET Framework is a crucial part of many applications running on Windows platforms. This feature provides the necessary functionality for these apps to run normally.

Logically, before installing these apps we need to enable .NET Framework on our computer.

Dot NET Framework 3.5 is an important component of Windows, and if the Dot NET Framework is missing you might experience certain issues.

Speaking of .NET Framework, users reported the following problems:

  • Microsoft  Dot NET Framework 3.5 offline installer – In order to install Dot NET Framework 3.5, you need to have an active Internet connection, but you can also install this framework using the offline installer.
  • NET Framework 3.5 error 0x800f0906, 0x800f0922, 0x800f081f – Sometimes you might not be able to install .NET Framework due to various errors. We already covered common .NET Framework 3.5 errors in one of our older articles, so be sure to check it out.
  • Dot NET Framework 3.5 The following feature couldn’t be installed, The source files could not be found – Sometimes you won’t be able to install .NET Framework due to these messages. However, you might be able to solve that problem by using one of our solutions.
  • .NET Framework 3.5 unable to install – In some cases, you might not be able to install NET Framework at all. This is is most likely caused by your settings or corrupted files, but you can easily fix that.

What can I do if .NET Framework 3.5 is missing on Windows 10?

1. Install .NET Framework 3.5 as a Windows feature

  1. Press Windows key and R at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run command box and press Enter or click OK.
    Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 offline installer
  2. In the Programs and Features window, click on the link Turn Windows features on or off.
    NET Framework 3.5 error 0x800f0906
  3. Check if the .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) option is available in it. If yes, then enable it and then click on OK.
    NET Framework 3.5 The following feature couldn't be installed, The source files could not be found
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions, complete the installation and restart the computer, if the process requests that from you.

After doing that, the .NET Framework should start working again without any problems.

You can also get .NET Framework 3.5 from Microsoft.

Check out this article to find out more info on how to download and install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10.

2. Install .NET Framework 3.5 on-demand

Besides installing .NET Framework 3.5 through the Control Panel, you can also install it on-demand.

If a certain app requires the .NET Framework 3.5, but this feature isn’t enabled in your computer, the installation wizard will display the prompt for installing .NET Framework 3.5 on demand.

To install .NET Framework 3.5, in this prompt choose the option Install this feature, and .NET Framework 3.5 will be automatically installed on your computer.

3. Use DISM command to install .NET Framework 3.5

  1. Press Windows key and R at the same time. Type cmd in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
    .NET Framework 3.5 unable to install
  2. And enter the following line in the Command Prompt: DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:X:sourcessxs
    Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 offline installer

In order to run this command, you’ll need to replace X with the letter that represents the drive with installation media.

After running this command, you should be able to install .NET Framework 3.5 on your PC without any problems.

Keep in mind that you might get a message saying that you need administrative privileges to run this command.

If that happens, you need to start Command Prompt as administrator and run this command again.

To see how to do that, be sure to check Step 1 in Solution 5.

Some users have reported that they get a certain error message after they try to install .NET Framework 3.5 through the Control Panel or on-demand.

To avoid this error, try to install .NET Framework 3.5 with the Command Prompt. Before you can do that, you might need a Windows 10 installation media.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look on this guide.

FAQ: Read more about .NET Framework

  • How do I get .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10?
You could always try downloading it from our website, as the links have been tested to work and are 100% safe.
  • Can not install .NET Framework 3.5 Windows 10?

.NET Framework 3.5 can be installed just like any executable. You don’t even need Administrator rights in order to do so, as long as you have this dedicated tool.

  • Do I have .NET Framework 3.5 installed?

If your .Net Framework is blocked on Windows 10, then it may also prevent your PC from detecting it as installed.

Editor’s note: The article continues on the next page with more solutions on how to fix .NET Framework 3.5 missing. Need more guides? Check out the Windows 10 Error Troubleshooting hub.

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  • i have installed all .net framework and NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) option is checked but .net application not working and does not getting any error

    Reply

  • Error: 740

    Elevated permissions are required to run DISM.
    Use an elevated command prompt to complete these tasks.

    Reply

  • There’s no need to be rude.. Just because a certain command prompt happened to work for a certain problem I had, doesn’t mean you can get angry at me about it.
    In other words: Kindly grow up.

    Reply

  • Thank you so much, using the command prompt “DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:installationMediaDrive:sourcessxs” worked perfectly for me and helped solve my problem.
    Note; I had the error code 80071a90

    Reply

  • i am trying to install dot net 3.5using the second option and i am getting the following error,, please assist

    Reply

  • My Windows is installed on Local disk E. It doesn’t make much difference. When I tried to do so(the second one) the cmd gives the following error and message.

    Reply

  • I have Following error :
    DISM is not recongnizeed as an internal or external command, operable programe or

    batch file

    Reply

  • I tryed to instal .net 3.5 in 8.1 that diden´t work than later i got windows 10, and tryed it one more time to instal it but that diden´t work. so if i count all the time i tryed to instal this darn program. ihave more than 57 and 31 is from windows 8.1. microsoft is make me crasy.

    Reply

  • this does not work for me, I keep getting the error that basically says it cant connect to the database or something. I have tried lots of times or the course of upgrading to windows 10 and NOTHING so far has worked, a lot of games I play need dotnet 2.5 or 3.5 and I’m basically screwed cause I cant add it, yes I tried both methods and I’m still looking for answers.

    Reply

  • I tried installing via my Windows 10 programmes, but that gave an error. I then found this post and tried via the command prompt, and got this error: “Elevated permissions are required to run DISM. Use an elevated command prompt to complete these tasks.” How do I do that?

    Reply