- Troubleshooting the “.NET Framework 3.5 Downloading Required Files” Error on Windows 10
- Use Registry Editor to Adjust Windows Update Settings
- How do I install NET Framework on Windows 10?
- How do I install NET Framework on Windows 10/11?
- Verify a Valid Installation Source and Files
- Reset Existing .NET Frameworks Before Retrying Install
- How to install NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10?
- How do I know if NET 3.5 is installed on Windows 10?
- Do I need NET Framework 3.5 to run an app?
- Use Command Prompt and DISM to Force Install .NET Framework
- Utilize PowerShell to Reinstall .NET Framework 3.5
- Does Windows 10 support NET Framework 4.8?
- How do I Turn Off NET Framework 3.5?
- Conclusion
- How do I install NET 3.5?
- Which NET Framework version do I Need?
- How to install netfx3 on Windows 10?
- Does Windows 10 have a NET Framework update?
- References
Troubleshooting the “.NET Framework 3.5 Downloading Required Files” Error on Windows 10
As Windows 10 users, we’ve probably encountered our fair share of annoying error messages. One of the most frustrating is the ".NET Framework 3.5 downloading required files" error that pops up when trying to install or enable .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10. This vague error leaves you scratching your head, wondering why the installation is stuck.
Fortunately, with a bit of digging and troubleshooting, we can get past this roadblock. Let’s examine some effective solutions fellow Windows users have discovered for resolving the ".NET Framework 3.5 downloading required files" problem.
Use Registry Editor to Adjust Windows Update Settings
One common cause of the .NET Framework 3.5 error is misconfigured Windows Update settings preventing the required files from downloading properly. We can override these by using Registry Editor:
How do I install NET Framework on Windows 10?
You need to enable the Windows feature. Hit the Windows key and type “Turn Windows features on or off”. Check off the .NET Framework 3.5. This will download the necessary bits and install the framework on your machine. Take a look at the Install the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8 for more details.
How do I install NET Framework on Windows 10/11?
On Windows 10/11, you can install the .Net Framework from the Turn Windows Features on or off panel: Select .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) in the list of components, click OK; If your computer has direct Internet access, select “ Let Windows Update download the files for you”;
- Open Registry Editor and navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU. - Create or modify the
UseWUServerDWORD value and set it to 0. - Restart the computer and retry installing .NET Framework 3.5.
According to one Windows expert, adjusting the UseWUServer setting resolved the issue and allowed .NET Framework 3.5 to install correctly after a reboot.
Verify a Valid Installation Source and Files
Before pulling your hair out, check that the installation source contains the complete set of required .NET Framework 3.5 files. We can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool or PowerShell to install .NET Framework from a known good source:
- Point DISM or PowerShell commands to a network share or Windows installation media containing .NET Framework files.
- Retry the installation.
If it still fails, the problem lies elsewhere. But often, a bad or incomplete source is the culprit behind the dreaded "downloading required files" error.
Reset Existing .NET Frameworks Before Retrying Install
Another potential fix is completely removing existing .NET frameworks prior to installation. To cleanly reset .NET Framework:
How to install NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10?
1. Open a command prompt with administrator user rights (Run as Administrator). 2. To Install .NET Framework 3.5 feature files from Windows Update, use the following command: 3. On Windows 10 PCs, after installation .NET Framework 3.5 is displayed as enabled in Turn Windows features on or off in Control Panel. Keep us in the loop with the result.
How do I know if NET 3.5 is installed on Windows 10?
Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter to launch Control Panel. Click on Programs > Programs and Features. From the left pane, select Turn Windows features on or off. You’ll see . NET 3.5 at the top of the list of Windows features. If the box besides .NET 3.5 is shaded in black, it’s installed.
Do I need NET Framework 3.5 to run an app?
You may need the .NET Framework 3.5 to run an app on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8. You can also use these instructions for earlier Windows versions. The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 offline installer is available on the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 Download page and is available for Windows versions prior to Windows 10.
- Open "Turn Windows Features On or Off" and disable any enabled .NET frameworks.
- Restart the computer.
- Return to "Turn Windows Features On" and turn on .NET Framework 3.5.
- Reboot once more and test if .NET Framework now installs without errors.
According to community suggestions, wiping the slate clean before reinstalling .NET Framework can bypass the stuck "downloading required files" issue.
Use Command Prompt and DISM to Force Install .NET Framework
When all else fails, the sledgehammer approach often works. We can use the DISM tool in Command Prompt to forcibly install .NET Framework:
- Launch Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:<drive>:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess - Substitute
with your Windows drive letter. - Once finished, restart your PC and test .NET Framework.
Though blunt, DISM commands can push through a stubborn ".NET Framework stuck downloading" error by fully reinstalling the framework.
Utilize PowerShell to Reinstall .NET Framework 3.5
Similarly, PowerShell provides automation power users can leverage to install .NET Framework:
Does Windows 10 support NET Framework 4.8?
This article describes an update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 on Windows 10, version 1709, Windows 10, version 1803, Windows Server, version 1803, Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019. Please note: .NET Framework 4.8 has been refreshed with the latest servicing updates as of January 14 th, 2020.
How do I Turn Off NET Framework 3.5?
In Programs and Features go to “Turn Windows features on or off”. In the dialog that displays, “.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)” should be listed. Check that and click OK. I don’t recall if you will need to reboot at that point. That gives the same error as if I run the installer.
- Open a PowerShell window with Admin rights.
- Type
Install-WindowsFeature -name NET-Framework-Core -source <drive>:\sources\sxs - Replace
with your Windows drive letter. - Allow PowerShell to run and reboot when finished.
Like DISM, PowerShell can forceably reinstall .NET Framework as a workaround when normal installation fails.
Conclusion
The ".NET Framework downloading required files" error can stop us dead in our tracks, delaying important projects. But with a few targeted troubleshooting techniques, we can get past it and get .NET Framework installed properly. The key is methodically trying Registry tweaks, verifying sources, resetting existing frameworks, and leveraging PowerShell or DISM tools. With one of these solutions, we can banish the infamous .NET Framework 3.5 error for good.
For more Windows 10 tips and fixes, check out our comprehensive Windows 10 troubleshooting guide . Let us know in the comments if you have any other solutions for the pesky ".NET Framework stuck downloading" problem!
How do I install NET 3.5?
Try to install .NET 3.5 from the Turn Windows Features on and off dialog or through the .NET 3.5 installer (dotnetfx35.exe) provided by Microsoft. Works for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Reminder: Answers generated by Artificial Intelligence tools are not allowed on Stack Overflow.
Which NET Framework version do I Need?
The .NET Framework is required to run many applications on Windows. The instructions in this article should help you install the .NET Framework versions that you need. The .NET Framework 4.8 is the latest available version.
How to install netfx3 on Windows 10?
Run the command Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName “NetFx3”. Once it finish installing .NET Framework 3.5, you can close the command prompt or PowerShell. You are done. Also, you can install the .NET Framework 3.5 manually by downloading its installer from the Microsoft Web Site.
Does Windows 10 have a NET Framework update?
The June 8, 2021 update for Windows 10, version 2004, Windows Server, version 2004, Windows 10, version 20H2, Windows Server, version 20H2, and Windows 10 Version 21H1 includes cumulative reliability improvements in .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8. We recommend that you apply this update as part of your regular maintenance routines.
