.NET framework is a very popular choice among software developers, evident from the fact that most third-party apps that you install these days have the .NET framework listed as a pre-requisite. .NET helps applications run faster using the built-in NGEN engine, making many users prefer it for developing their applications.
If you are a developer, you might find the need to install multiple versions of the .NET framework during the process of app development. When you do not have the framework installed you get the Windows Features error with the following error message:
‘An app on your PC needs the following Windows feature: .NET Framework x.x’
Also read: .NET Runtime Optimization high CPU usage
.NET Offline Installers
Windows 10 comes with the latest iteration of the .net framework preinstalled. As of writing, this is .net framework version 4.8. However, there are some apps that may require multiple versions of .NET installed on your computer, like the older v3.5 SP1 as well.
In fact, the .NET framework 4.8 runs like an update for the .NET framework 4.0 but runs side by side with the .NET framework 3.5. However, scouring the Windows downloads page can be time-consuming when you are looking for a specific version of the framework.
Here is a tabulated list of the download location of the previous iterations of the Microsoft .net framework offline installer:
.NET Framework Version | Download |
.NET Framework 1.1 | Download link |
.NET Framework 2.0 | Download link |
.NET Framework 3.5 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.0 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.5 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.5.2 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.6 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.6.2 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.7 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.7.2 | Download link |
.NET Framework 4.8 | Download link |
How To Install .NET Framework On Windows 10 Without An Internet Connection?
There is another utility that you can use to install .net framework without an internet connection. This involves extracting the .net framework files from the installation media using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.
Usually, the Windows installation media contains the .NET offline installer v3.5 SP1, as the framework is required for running many apps on the Windows platform. You can use this fact to extract these files and install them on your computer without an internet connection.
Follow these steps to install the .NET framework from the installation media:
- First, you will require the installation files on your hard drive. To do this, obtain a copy of the installation disc or the ISO file.
- Mount this disc on your PC. Windows Explorer now has native support for mounting disc image files. Simply right-click on the disc image and select Mount from the context menu.
- Take a note of the drive letter assigned to the mounted Windows ISO file. You will require this to direct the utility in the next step.
- Open an elevated command prompt. To do so, open a Run dialog (Win + R), type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt with admin privileges.
- Enter the following command to install .net framework v3.5 without network connection:
DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:E:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
Now simply wait for the utility to install the framework on your computer.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it. We hope you found the information you were looking for about the .NET offline installer using the data provided above. Comment below if you found this useful, and to discuss further the same.