Windows 11 Drops .NET Framework 3.5 From Optional Features in Future Builds

According to Neowin, Microsoft is removing .NET Framework 3.5 from the Optional Windows Features menu in future versions of Windows 11. The change marks a shift in how legacy .NET components are delivered and maintained on modern Windows systems.

Until now, Windows users could enable .NET Framework 3.5 manually through Optional Windows Features to support older applications. Newer systems shipped with .NET Framework 4.8 enabled by default, while 3.5 remained available as an optional toggle.

With the upcoming change, Microsoft moves .NET Framework 3.5 to a standalone installation model. Users will no longer find it listed in Optional Features and must install it separately when an application requires it.

Change starts with Windows 11 Canary builds

Microsoft introduced the removal in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27965, released through the Canary Channel in October 2025. Every Windows 11 build released after that point, including future public versions, follows the same approach.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions up to 25H2 remain unaffected. Systems running those releases will continue to show .NET Framework 3.5 as an optional Windows feature.

Alongside .NET Framework 3.5, Microsoft also removed several related components from Optional Features. These include ASP.NET 3.5, .NET Extensibility 3.5, WCF HTTP Activation, and WCF non-HTTP Activation, further signaling the company’s intent to phase out legacy frameworks.

Microsoft says the decision aligns with the .NET Framework product lifecycle, which ends on January 9, 2029. The company continues to encourage developers and customers to migrate to newer, actively supported .NET versions where possible.

For users who still rely on older software, Microsoft published official documentation that explains how to install .NET Framework 3.5 using an offline installer. The guidance also covers enabling related components through PowerShell scripts, ensuring compatibility remains available when required.

In related updates, Microsoft now enforces TLS 1.2 for Azure Blob Storage connections. At the same time, KB5074105 introduces several Windows changes, including the removal of the option to delete Windows Update files through Storage Cleanup.

The same update also lifts previous App Control limitations, making it a recommended install for users running supported Windows versions.