How to install .NET Framework on Windows Server?
Current versions of Windows Server already include .NET Framework. However, some older applications may require .NET Framework 3.5, which can be enabled as a Windows Server feature.
Note:
Windows Server 2025 includes .NET Framework 4.8.1, while Windows Server 2022 includes .NET Framework 4.8 and supports .NET Framework 4.8.1. You normally do not need to install these versions through Server Manager.
How to install .NET Framework 3.5
- Connect to your Windows Server using RDP.
- Open Server Manager.
- Click Manage and select Add Roles and Features.
- Proceed through the wizard until you reach Installation Type.
- Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
- On the Server Selection page, select the server where you want to install the feature and click Next.
- Proceed to the Features page.
- Select .NET Framework 3.5 Features and click Next.
- Review the installation options and click Install.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
If the installation files cannot be found
Windows Server may need to download the required .NET Framework 3.5 files from Windows Update. If the files cannot be downloaded automatically, you may need to provide an alternative installation source.
In the Confirm installation selections window, click Specify an alternate source path and specify the Sources\SxS directory from compatible Windows Server installation media.
Note:
The installation source should correspond to the Windows Server version installed on your server.
After the installation is complete, applications that require .NET Framework 3.5 can use the installed Windows feature.
