How to install .net framework on win1125H2

Question

How to install .net framework on win1125H2

Connie Beach 0

I have an application that needs .net framework 4.6.2, however my win11 25H2 will not let me install it. How do I resolve this?

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Hello @Connie Beach , and thank you for reaching out. Here is how to resolve your issue:

Install the .NET Framework 4.6.2 Developer Pack (not the Runtime)
Open the project’s .csproj file and set <TargetFramework>net462</TargetFramework>.

To be more specific on how to do that: If it starts with <Project Sdk=, set

<PropertyGroup> 
<TargetFramework>net462</TargetFramework> 
</PropertyGroup>

otherwise, use

<PropertyGroup> 
<TargetFrameworkVersion>v4.6.2</TargetFrameworkVersion> 
</PropertyGroup>

Save -> restore and rebuild the application.

To elaborate on why you had the error: .NET Framework runtime 4.8 or 4.8.1 is preinstalled on Win11 25H2. If you were trying to install the .NET Framework 4.6.2 runtime, this is not possible because an earlier .NET Framework 4.x runtime cannot be installed alongside or over a later version. To target .NET Framework 4.6.2 for development, install the Developer Pack instead, and specify the target framework version in the project file (.csproj).

If you found my response helpful or informative, I would greatly appreciate it if you could follow this guide for your confirmation. Thank you.

Answer 2

Windows 11 25H2 already includes .NET Framework 4.8 or 4.8.1, and .NET Framework 4.x versions are in-place updates. Only one 4.x version can exist on the machine, so .NET Framework 4.6.2 cannot be installed side-by-side or downgraded onto Windows 11 25H2.

To resolve this:

Use the app with the built-in .NET Framework 4.8/4.8.1 if the app supports it.
If the app installer explicitly blocks because it checks for 4.6.2, update the app or installer to support later .NET Framework 4.x versions.
If the app is being developed in Visual Studio and needs to target 4.6.2, install the .NET Framework 4.6.2 Developer Pack or Targeting Pack. That enables targeting 4.6.2 for development, but it does not install the 4.6.2 runtime over the OS-provided 4.8/4.8.1.
If the app requires .NET Framework 3.5 or older components, install .NET Framework 3.5 separately. It can be installed alongside .NET Framework 4.x.

Key point: on Windows 11 25H2, the fix is not to force-install 4.6.2 runtime. The fix is to run against the included 4.8/4.8.1 runtime, or update the application/installer logic.