.NET Framework & Windows OS versions

Article
04/24/2024

Each version of .NET Framework contains the common language runtime (CLR), the base class libraries, and other managed libraries. This article describes the key features of .NET Framework by version, provides information about the underlying CLR versions and associated development environments, and identifies the versions that are installed by the Windows operating system (OS).

Each new version of .NET Framework adds new features but retains features from previous versions.

Note

.NET Framework is serviced monthly with security and reliability bug fixes. .NET Framework will continue to be included with Windows, with no plans to remove it. You don't need to migrate your .NET Framework apps, but for new development, use .NET 6 or later.

The CLR is identified by its own version number. The .NET Framework version number is incremented at each release, but the CLR version is not always incremented. For example, .NET Framework 4, 4.5, and later releases include CLR 4, but .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 include CLR 2.0. (There was no version 3 of the CLR.)

Tip

For a complete list of supported operating systems, see System requirements.
For downloads, see Install .NET Framework for developers.
For information about determining which versions of .NET Framework are installed on a computer, see How to determine which .NET Framework versions are installed.

Version information

The tables that follow summarize .NET Framework version history and correlate each version with Visual Studio, Windows, and Windows Server. Visual Studio supports multi-targeting, so you're not limited to the version of .NET Framework that's listed.

The check mark icon ✔️ denotes OS versions on which .NET Framework is installed by default.
The plus sign icon ➕ denotes OS versions on which .NET Framework doesn't come installed but can be installed.
The asterisk * denotes OS versions on which .NET Framework (whether preinstalled or not) must be enabled in Control Panel or, for Windows Server, through the Server Manager.

Jump to:

.NET Framework 4.8.1
.NET Framework 4.8
.NET Framework 4.7.2
.NET Framework 4.7.1
.NET Framework 4.7
.NET Framework 4.6.2
.NET Framework 4.6.1
.NET Framework 4.6
.NET Framework 4.5.2
.NET Framework 4.5.1
.NET Framework 4.5
.NET Framework 4
.NET Framework 3.5
.NET Framework 3.0
.NET Framework 2.0
.NET Framework 1.1
.NET Framework 1.0

.NET Framework 4.8.1

New features
New accessibility features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Windows	✔️ October 2023 Release (Version 22631) ✔️ September 2022 Release (Version 22621) ➕ 11 October 2021 Release (Version 22000) ➕ 10 November 2021 Update ➕ 10 May 2021 Update ➕ 10 October 2020 Update
Windows Server	➕ Windows Server 2022

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

533320 (Windows 11 September 2022 Release and Windows 11 October 2023 Release)
533325 (all other OS versions)

For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.8

New features
New in accessibility
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Windows	✔️ 11 October 2021 Release (Version 22000) ✔️ 10 November 2021 Update ✔️ 10 May 2021 Update ✔️ 10 October 2020 Update ✔️ 10 May 2020 Update ✔️ 10 November 2019 Update ✔️ 10 May 2019 Update ➕ 10 October 2018 Update (Version 1809) ➕ 10 April 2018 Update (Version 1803) ➕ 10 Fall Creators Update (Version 1709) ➕ 10 Creators Update (Version 1703) ➕ 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) ➕ 8.1 ➕7
Windows Server	✔️ Windows Server 2022 ➕ Windows Server 2019 ➕ Windows Server, version 1809 ➕ Windows Server, version 1803 ➕ 2016 ➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

528449 (Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022)
528372 (Windows 10 May 2020 Update and Windows 10 October 2020 Update and Windows 10 May 2021 Update)
528040 (Windows 10 May 2019 Update and Windows 10 November 2019 Update)
528049 (all other OS versions)

For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.7.2

New features
New in accessibility
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Included in Visual Studio	2019†
Windows	✔️ 10 October 2018 Update (Version 1809) ✔️ 10 April 2018 Update (Version 1803) ➕ 10 Fall Creators Update (Version 1709) ➕ 10 Creators Update (Version 1703) ➕ 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) ➕ 8.1 ➕7
Windows Server	✔️ Windows Server 2019 ✔️ Windows Server, version 1809 ✔️ Windows Server, version 1803 ➕ Windows Server, version 1709 ➕ 2016 ➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1

†Requires installing the .NET desktop development, ASP.NET and web development, Azure development, Office/SharePoint development, Mobile development with .NET, or .NET Core cross-platform development workloads.

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

.NET Framework 4.7.1

New features
New in accessibility
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Windows	✔️ 10 Fall Creators Update (Version 1709) ➕ 10 Creators Update (Version 1703) ➕ 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) ➕ 8.1 ➕7
Windows Server	➕ Windows Server, version 1803 ✔️ Windows Server, version 1709 ➕ 2016 ➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

461308 (Windows 10 Creators Update and Windows Server, version 1709)
461310 (all other OS versions)

For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.7

New features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Windows	✔️ 10 Creators Update (Version 1703) ➕ 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) ➕ 8.1 ➕7
Windows Server	➕ 2016 ➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

460798 (Windows 10 Creators Update)
460805 (all other OS versions)

For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.6.2

New features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Windows	✔️ 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) ➕ 10 November Update (Version 1511) ➕ 10 ➕ 8.1 ➕ 7
Windows Server	✔️ 2016 ➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1 ➕ 2008 SP2

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

394802 (Windows 10 Anniversary Update and Windows Server 2016)
394806 (all other OS versions)

For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.6.1

New features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Included in Visual Studio	2017¹
Windows	✔️ 10 November Update (Version 1511) ➕ 10 ➕ 8.1 ➕ 8 ➕ 7
Windows Server	➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1

¹ Requires installing the .NET desktop development, ASP.NET and web development, Azure development, Office/SharePoint development, Mobile development with .NET, or .NET Core cross-platform development workloads.

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

394254 (Windows 10 November Update)
394271 (all other OS versions)

For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.6

New features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Included in Visual Studio	2015
Windows	✔️ 10 ➕ 8.1 ➕ 8 ➕ 7 ➕ Vista
Windows Server	➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1 ➕ 2008 SP2

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

393295 (Windows 10)
393297 (all other OS versions)

For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.5.2

New features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Windows	➕ 8.1 ➕ 8 ➕ 7 ➕ Vista
Windows Server	➕ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1 ➕ 2008 SP2

To determine the installed .NET version, use Release DWORD 379893. For more information, see instructions.

.NET Framework 4.5.1

New features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Included in Visual Studio	2013
Windows	✔️ 8.1 ➕ 8 ➕ 7 ➕ Vista
Windows Server	✔️ 2012 R2 ➕ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1 ➕ 2008 SP2

To determine the installed .NET version, use the following Release DWORD:

378675 (Windows 8.1)
378758 (all other Windows versions)

For more information, see instructions.

Important

Starting with Visual Studio 2022, Visual Studio no longer includes .NET Framework components for .NET Framework 4.0 - 4.5.1 because these versions are no longer supported. Visual Studio 2022 and later versions can't build apps that target .NET Framework 4.0 through .NET Framework 4.5.1. To continue building these apps, you can use Visual Studio 2019 or an earlier version.

.NET Framework 4.5

New features
Release notes

	Versions
CLR	4
Included in Visual Studio	2012
Windows	✔️ 8 ➕ 7 ➕ Vista
Windows Server	✔️ 2012 ➕ 2008 R2 SP1 ➕ 2008 SP2

To determine the installed .NET version, use Release DWORD 378389. For more information, see instructions.

Important

.NET Framework 4

New features

	Versions
CLR	4
Included in Visual Studio	2010
Windows	➕ 7 ➕ Vista
Windows Server	➕ 2008 R2 SP1 ➕ 2008 SP2 ➕ 2003

To determine installed .NET version: See instructions.

Important

.NET Framework 3.5

New features:

LINQ
Expression trees
Improved ASP.NET support for AJAX development
HashSet collections
DateTimeOffset
WCF and WF integration
Peer-to-Peer networking
Add-ins for extensibility

	Versions
CLR	2.0
Included in Visual Studio	2008
Windows	✔️ 10* ✔️ 8.1* ✔️ 8* ✔️ 7 ➕ Vista
Windows Server	➕ Windows Server, version 1803* ➕ Windows Server, version 1709* ➕ 2016* ➕ 2012 R2* ➕ 2012* ✔️2008 R2 SP1* ➕ 2008 SP2 ➕ 2003

To determine installed .NET version: See instructions.

.NET Framework 3.0

New features:

Windows Presentation Foundation
Windows Communication Foundation
Windows Workflow Foundation
Windows CardSpace

	Versions
CLR	2.0
Windows	✔️ Vista
Windows Server	✔️ 2008 R2 SP1* ✔️ 2008 SP2* ➕ 2003

To determine installed .NET version: See instructions.

.NET Framework 2.0

New features:

Generics
Debugger edit and continue
Improved scalability and performance
ClickOnce deployment
In ASP.NET 2.0, new controls and support for a broad array of browsers
64-bit support

	Versions
CLR	2.0
Included in Visual Studio	2005
Windows	N/A
Windows Server	✔️ 2008 R2 SP1 ✔️ 2008 SP2 ✔️ 2003

To determine installed .NET version: See instructions.

.NET Framework 1.1

New features:

ASP.NET mobile controls
Side-by-side execution
IPv6 support

	Versions
CLR	1.1
Included in Visual Studio	2003
Windows	N/A
Windows Server	✔️ 2003

To determine installed .NET version: See instructions.

.NET Framework 1.0

	Versions
CLR	1.0
Included in Visual Studio	Visual Studio .NET
Windows	N/A
Windows Server	N/A

To determine installed .NET version: See instructions.

Note

.NET Framework must be enabled on this operating system through Control Panel (for Windows) or the Server Manager (for Windows Server).
In general, you should not uninstall any versions of .NET Framework that are installed on your computer, because an application you use may depend on a specific version and may break if that version is removed. You can load multiple versions of .NET Framework on a single computer at the same time. This means that you can install .NET Framework without having to uninstall previous versions. For more information, see Getting Started.

Remarks for version 4.5 and later

.NET Framework 4.5 is an in-place update that replaces .NET Framework 4 on your computer, and similarly, .NET Framework 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.7, 4.7.1, 4.7.2, and 4.8 are in-place updates to .NET Framework 4.5. In-place update means that they use the same runtime version, but the assembly versions are updated and include new types and members. After you install one of these updates, your .NET Framework 4, .NET Framework 4.5, .NET Framework 4.6, or .NET Framework 4.7 apps should continue to run without requiring recompilation. However, the reverse is not true. We do not recommend running apps that target a later version of .NET Framework on an earlier version. For example, we do not recommend that you run an app the targets .NET Framework 4.6 on .NET Framework 4.5.

The following guidelines apply:

In Visual Studio, you can choose .NET Framework 4.5 as the target framework for a project (this sets the GetReferenceAssemblyPaths.TargetFrameworkMoniker property) to compile the project as a .NET Framework 4.5 assembly or executable. This assembly or executable can then be used on any computer that has .NET Framework 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.7, 4.7.1, 4.7.2, or 4.8 installed.
In Visual Studio, you can choose .NET Framework 4.5.1 as the target framework for a project to compile it as a .NET Framework 4.5.1 assembly or executable. Only run this assembly or executable on computers that have .NET Framework 4.5.1 or later installed. An executable that targets .NET Framework 4.5.1 will be blocked from running on a computer that only has an earlier version of .NET Framework, such as .NET Framework 4.5, installed. The user will be prompted to install .NET Framework 4.5.1. In addition, .NET Framework 4.5.1 assemblies should not be called from an app that targets an earlier version of .NET Framework, such as .NET Framework 4.5.
Note
.NET Framework 4.5.1 and .NET Framework 4.5 are used here only as examples. The principle described applies to any app that targets a later version of .NET Framework than the one installed on the system on which it's running.

Some changes in .NET Framework may require changes to your app code; see Application Compatibility before you run your existing apps with .NET Framework 4.5 or later versions. For more information about installing the current version, see Install the .NET Framework for developers. For information about support for the .NET Framework, see .NET Framework official support policy on the .NET website.

Remarks for older versions

.NET Framework versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 are built with the same version of the CLR (CLR 2.0). These versions represent successive layers of a single installation. Each version is built incrementally on top of the earlier versions. It's not possible to run versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 side by side on a computer. When you install version 3.5, you get the 2.0 and 3.0 layers automatically, and apps that were built for versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 can all run on version 3.5. However, .NET Framework 4 ends this layering approach, and it and later releases (.NET Framework 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.7, 4.7.1, 4.7.2, and 4.8) also represent successive layers of a single installation. Starting with .NET Framework 4, you can use in-process, side by side hosting to run multiple versions of the CLR in a single process. For more information, see Assemblies and Side-by-Side Execution.

In addition, if your app targets version 2.0, 3.0, or 3.5, your users may be required to enable .NET Framework 3.5 on a Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 computer before they can run your app. For more information, see Install the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8.

Important

Next steps

If you're new to the .NET Framework, see the overview for an introduction to key concepts and features.
For new features and improvements in the .NET Framework 4.5 and its point releases, see What's new in the .NET Framework.
For information about migrating your app to a newer version of the .NET Framework, see the migration guide.
For information about determining which versions or updates are installed on a computer, see How to: Determine Which .NET Framework Versions Are Installed and How to: Determine Which .NET Framework Updates Are Installed.

FAQs

Is the .NET Framework part of Windows OS? ›

Users of applications built with the .NET Framework need to have .NET Framework installed. In most cases, .NET Framework is already installed with Windows.

Keep Reading ›

Can you have two versions of .NET Framework? ›

NET Framework version than the one you installed. It is safe to install multiple versions of the . NET Framework on your computer.

Get More Info Here ›

What version of .NET Framework comes with Windows 10 21H2? ›

NET Framework 4.8. 1 for Windows 10 version 21H2, Windows 10 version 22H2, Windows 11 version 21H2, Windows Server 2022 (Desktop, Azure Editions), Azure Stack 21H2 and Azure Stack 22H2 (KB5011048) Note: NET Framework 4.8.

Tell Me More ›

Which version of the .NET Framework comes with Windows 10? ›

Client operating systems

Operating system	Compatible editions	Preinstalled with the OS
Windows 10 November Update (version 1511)†	32-bit and 64-bit	.NET Framework 4.6.1
Windows 10 (version 1507)†	32-bit and 64-bit	.NET Framework 4.6
Windows 8.1†	32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM	.NET Framework 4.5.1
Windows 7 SP1†	32-bit and 64-bit	--

15 more rows

Apr 26, 2024

Find Out More ›

Which versions of the .NET Framework are included with Windows 10? ›

Windows 10 (all editions) includes the . NET Framework 4.6 as an OS component, and it is installed by default. It also includes the . NET Framework 3.5 SP1 as an OS component that is not installed by default.

Learn More ›

What versions of the .NET Framework are installed? ›

To check what version of .Net installed on the machine, follow steps below:

Run command "regedit" from console to open Registry Editor.
Look for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP.
All installed .NET Framework versions are listed under NDP drop-down list.

Learn More Now ›

Which versions of .NET Framework are obsolete? ›

NET Framework 4.5. 2, 4.6, and 4.6. 1 retired on April 26, 2022. These specific releases were previously signed using Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA-1) certificates.

Keep Reading ›

Which .NET Framework should I install? ›

We recommend that all new product development uses .NET 6 or later. These newer .NET versions are cross-platform, support more application types, and deliver high performance. You should only download .NET Framework if one of the following is true: An application you're building requires .NET Framework.

Get More Info ›

Do you need all .NET versions? ›

Each release version of . NET can be installed side-by-side, and furthermore, if an app is built for . NET 7, it won't run unless you have 7 installed (usually), even if you have 8 installed.

Learn More ›

What is the difference between .NET and .NET Framework? ›

NET framework helps you build web apps, desktop apps, and web services. It works only on the Windows operating system. On the other hand, . NET core is for creating cross-platform cloud apps that run on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Get More Info Here ›

Is the .NET Framework backwards compatible? ›

NET Framework 4.5 and later versions are backward-compatible with apps that were built with earlier versions of the . NET Framework. In other words, apps and components built with previous versions will work without modification on the . NET Framework 4.5 and later versions.

Is .NET Framework 4.8 compatible with Windows 10? ›

Supported operating systems

NET Framework 4.8 (Offline Installer) supports the following operating system: Windows 10 Version 1809. Windows 10 Version 1803. Windows 10 Version 1709.

See Details ›

How do I know what .NET Framework is installed Windows 10? ›

NET Framework version on Windows 10, use these steps:

Open File Explorer.
Browse the following path: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework.
Enter the folder with the latest version – for example, v4. 0.30319.
Right-click any of the ". ...
Click the Details tab.
Under the "Product version" section, confirm the version of .

May 11, 2021

Get More Info Here ›

What version of the .NET Framework comes with Windows 11? ›

. NET Framework 4.8 is included with Windows 11, and runs any . NET Framework 4.

Discover More Details ›

How to change .NET Framework version in Windows 10? ›

Enable .NET Framework 3.5 in Control Panel

on your keyboard, type "Windows Features", and press Enter. The Turn Windows features on or off dialog box appears. Select the .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) check box, select OK, and reboot your computer if prompted.

Is .NET Framework part of Windows Update? ›

. NET updates are cumulative updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and improvements for the . NET Framework and related technologies. They are usually released monthly and can be installed manually or automatically through Windows Update.

.NET Framework & Windows OS versions - .NET Framework (2024)

Version information

.NET Framework 4.8.1

.NET Framework 4.8

.NET Framework 4.7.2

.NET Framework 4.7.1

.NET Framework 4.7

.NET Framework 4.6.2

.NET Framework 4.6.1

.NET Framework 4.6

.NET Framework 4.5.2

.NET Framework 4.5.1

.NET Framework 4.5

.NET Framework 4

.NET Framework 3.5

.NET Framework 3.0

.NET Framework 2.0

.NET Framework 1.1

.NET Framework 1.0

Remarks for version 4.5 and later

Remarks for older versions

Next steps

See also

FAQs

Is the .NET Framework part of Windows OS? ›

Is the .NET Framework backwards compatible? ›