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Should my PC be running Microsoft .NET 3.5 AND 4.8?

Anonymous
2022-03-13T18:30:03+00:00

I originally installed 3.5 because I was using a program that required me to do so, however, I have had occasional issues where some programs I use freeze for just a second or two and resume since I did this, for about 2 months on and off.

I am unsure if installing and enabling 3.5 did this, but would it be safe to turn off? Is it recommended that I should be running both or just the latest one? I can't seem to find a clear answer on this.

Thanks in advance!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-03-13T18:42:39+00:00

    If you're very sure that none of your software applications relies on .Net 3.5 then you can safely uninstall it. If you're not sure, leave it be.

    Programs can occasionally freeze for a second or two for a virtually unlimited number of reasons. You need to be very sure that .Net 3.5 is causing that before you think of uninstalling it.

    The issue here is that many well-meaning users make changes to their computers that they don't really understand, and when their computer seems to keep on running they figure no harm done. But frequently harm has been done, only it doesn't show up until later, like the next time Windows tries to install an update and 'suddenly' their computer is crashing.

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  1. DaveM121 869K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-03-13T19:03:35+00:00

    Hi Throwaway_626,

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    By default Windows needs the .Net Framework versions 4.0 and above.

    The only time you need to install .Net Framework 3.5 or earlier, is if you install software that needs that version.

    It usually is safe to run more than 1 version of the framework, you can if you wish, temporarily disable the 3.5 version to see if that fixes the problem, however, the software that needs that will not work in the meantime.

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