Troubleshooting .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8
Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, I have been seeing this problem since I installed Windows 8. Windows 8 is supposed to come with .NET Framework 4.5 but when I try to run something that needs .NET Framework 3.5 or even lower, it gives me an error saying that I need to install it to continue. How do I run stuff that needs .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8..” – Rebecca M., USA
Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:
- Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
- Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
- Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.
Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.
Wally’s Answer: Windows 8 comes with .NET Framework 4.5 already installed. So, software that needs .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 should work fine but older versions are disabled, and in most cases, they can easily be re-enabled.
Problem
Software that needs .NET Framework 3.5 is not running or cannot be installed in Windows 8.
- error code 0x800736B3
- error code 0x800F0906
- error code 0x800F081F
- error code 0x800F0907
Cause
They are disabled by default.
Solution
- Enable it from the Control Panel.
- Enable it from the Command-Line.
- Do a repair installation if neither of the first two solutions works.
Fixing .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 (Control Panel)
The first and easiest thing that you can do is enabling .NET Framework 2 and 3 from Windows Features in Control panel. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows Key and typing control panel, then pressing Enter. (If you are using a touch display then swipe the screen from the right side and select the Search icon, type control panel and select it from the search results.)
- In the Control Panel window, select the search bar and type windows features, and click the link titled Turn Windows features on or off.
- Select the check-box next to .NET Framework 3.5 and select OK.
Fixing .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 (Command Line)
- Insert the Windows 8 DVD in the DVD drive.
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows Key and typing command prompt, then pressing Enter. (If you are using a touch display then swipe the screen from the right side and select the Search icon, type command prompt and select it from the search results.)
- Run the following command (replace <drive> with the DVD’s drive letter e.g. E:\):
Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source::\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
Fixing .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 (Repair Installation)
There is a chance that some files in your Windows 8 installation are corrupt or damaged. Windows 8 has a handy feature to repair the installation but it will require you to backup your data and run the setup as outlined here.
After doing that, repeat the control panel or command line fix given above, and then try running that application again. Hopefully this time it’ll run/install and you will not encounter any more errors. Using software that protects your computer’s system files and registry can help you keep out of messes like this in the future.
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Is Your PC Healthy?
I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.
Happy Computing! 
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About the Author
Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.
