[Fix] Can’t Install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 and Later

We know that Windows 8 and later operating systems don’t come with Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 but there are many 3rd party software programs which require .NET Framework 3.5 installed in Windows. So people use online or offline methods to install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 or later as given in following tutorial:

How to Install .NET Framework 3.5 Offline in Windows 8 and Later

But there are a few people who have faced problems while installing .NET Framework 3.5. When they try to install it, they receive error messages such as the source files could not be found or downloaded, etc. These error messages contain different error codes such as 0x800F081F or 0x800F0906.

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Error_Message_NET_Framework_Installation_Windows_8.png

To fix these problems, we posted a troubleshooting article which allows you to install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 and later without receiving any error messages:

[Fix] 0x800F0906/81F Errors While Installing .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 and Later

The above mentioned guide helped a lot of people and fixed the error messages but still there were a few people who were not able to install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 and later. Then an AskVG reader Patrik posted a different solution which worked for those people.

Patrik: I have three Surface Pro 3 with Windows Pro 8.1 that have the same issue. .NET Framework 3.5 will not install. I’ve tried both via DISM, Programs and Features and via full install setup. I have tried to uninstall every single Windows update on the machine and then install via DISM, but that didn’t help either. I even tried to install all three KB-updates (KB2966826-8) to see if I can uninstall them to get rid of potential dll-files that could be interfere with the .Net 3.5 setup. So I then decided to wipe it clean via Windows own restore system guide. But it didn’t even work after I have done a clean Windows install. Immediately after Windows installed I tried to enable the .NET 3.5 feature, and of course DISM didn’t work either. I have called MS support to get some assistance, but I guess they will call back in a few days or so. Finally, I have solved the issue after many hours. I found a setting in the local computer policy.

Today in this article, we are going to share the solution given by our reader Patrik so that all Windows 8 and later users can install .NET Framework 3.5 without any problem.

This solution should work for all devices whether its a Desktop PC, laptop or Surface tablet running on Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 operating systems.

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If you are also facing problems while installing .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 or later, check out following method to fix the issue:

1. Type gpedit.msc in RUN or Start search box and press Enter. It’ll open Group Policy Editor.

2. Now go to:

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System

3. In right-side pane, look for “Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair” option.

Specify_Settings_Optional_Components_Installation_Repair_Windows_8.png

4. The option would be set to Not Configured. Double-click on it, set it to Enabled and enable “Contact Windows Update directly to download repair content instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)” option.

Contact_Windows_Update_Download_Repair_Content_Instead_WSUS.png

That’s it. Now try to install .NET Framework 3.5 again using Control Panel -> Programs and Features or by using DISM command and now you’ll not face any problem.

NOTE: Sometimes you may also need to run gpupdate /force command in RUN dialog box or Command Prompt to refresh policy changes and restart your computer.

Published in: Troubleshooting Guides, Windows 8

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. THANKS ALLOT to those who made this available and you buddy for your effort – only you helped me apart from 1000 other articles about this – including clever Microsoft

  2. Dear Admin,

    Thank you so much 🙂

    For all, after you follow this tutorial : add this step

    1. gpupdate /force
    2. make sure your internet connection run properly (if you use proxy or not)
    3. try again if failed to download .net framework

    i am try to install this on windows 8.1 pro and running well

  3. THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT WORKED!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Most of the other solutions did not take into account the WSUS aspect of it. As soon as I saw what you were driving at with the group policy editor here, it suddenly made so much sense. Thanks for this! Surf Wisely.

  4. Oh yeah, one more thing. I used this method on Windows 10 and it got me past the logjam. Thanks again! Surf Wisely.

  5. OMG thank you so much, what a PITA that was with zero help from MS + multiple other sites seemingly wildly out of date. Would not have found that in many hours without your help – thanks!!

  6. Are you a c.zy wizard or something? I have spent hours!!! trying to fix this vortex of a problem to no avail and here you come with this simple solution. You deserve a cup of coffee and a doughnut along with my many thanks.

  7. Thank you so much omarion this has been bothering me for a few days and i tried everything but gpupdate /force showed a error message telling me i had to enable the

    “Windows Management Instrumentation” Service

    which i had previously culled because Windows 10 has too much crap

  8. Wow, this solved it for me like for so many others! I was hesitant at first but it actually did it!

  9. Didn’t work for me. Not even the full download of the dot net 3.5 software would install. Every attempt to install it, from DISM to Control Panel/Programs/Windows Features failed with the error code 0X800F0950. Tried the GPEDIT hack – Same thing. Can’t understand it since it WAS installed and working just fine. Suddenly just disappeared and now CANNOT be reinstalled no matter what I try??

  10. This worked. You people seem to be the only ones that know what you are doing. Microsoft support has no clue. Thanks

  11. i tried to install net framework 3.5 in windows 10 but it keeps prompting i need the same net framework 3.5 to install it

  12. None of this worked on a pristine Windows 10 Pro install. Being that Microsoft has their own rigid take on this, maybe vendors should rewrite and patch their lousy software to work in new environments. Will continue to look for other means to install this.

  13. New computer with Windows 10 build 2004. Attempted to install some older software that still works on Windows 10 but requires .Net 3.5. Searched up and down the internet and remembered this site always has the best suggestions.
    So I enabled the group policy editor via the batch script and restarted the PC. Ran gpupdate /force restarted again. Went to Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off > clicked .net 3.5 at the top of the list > Download content from Windows Update. still no luck.
    I tried EJAZ’s suggestion: Try Enabling windows update in windows service ….task manager >> services>>right click and go to services>> find windows update>>change it as automatic and turned off the antivirus.
    Went to Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off > clicked .net 3.5 at the top of the list > Download content from Windows Update and yay it worked!!!

  14. I am so grateful for this solution after many hours of distress and failed approaches. Editing the Group Policy is just what was needed. Thank you!

  15. This is the only solution that has worked after trying out so many other solutions for so long, in vain! Can’t thank you enough!!!

  16. I couldn’t install (update) Dot Net Framework on Windows 8.1 – untill i installed updates in the following order:
    KB2919442 -> KB2932046 -> KB2934018 -> KB2937592 -> KB2938439 -> KB2959977 -> restart -> KB2919355 -> restart -> kb4054530 (.NET Framework 4.7.2) -> restart -> kb4486105 (.NET Framework 4.8) 

    Been installing updates manually (not via Update Center). Also Im quite sure that after 2919355 it’s possible to install straight up the last .NET 4.8 (skipping 4.7.2 that is)…

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