SQL Server 2022 install on Windows 10 fails with error that .NET is not installed, but it is installed and up to date

Question

I have installed SQL Server 2022 Developer edition successfully on a Windows 10 and 11 virtual machine. The issue is that I cannot install it on a physical machine. During the install, I get the following fatal error. I have tried to install the latest .NET Framework, and my OS says it's already installed. I tried to install 4.0 .NET and the message is that it's included with my installed version. I tried to install 2.0 .NET framework, and the installer doesn't launch. The error's help link is dead. I've attached the log file.

Component name:                SQL Server Setup Support Files
  Component error code:          -2147483648
  Component log file:            C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\160\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20230323_112030\SqlSupport_Cpu64_1.log
  Error description:             The Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or 4.0 must be installed on your computer before you can install Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Setup Support Files. Please install the .NET Framework 2.0 or 4.0 and then install Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Setup Support Files.
  Error help link:               https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?LinkId=20476&ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=setup.rll&EvtID=50000&ProdVer=16.0.1000.6&EvtType=SqlSupport.msi%40CA_ErrorPrereqDotNet20Or40%40-2147483648

Answer 1

I got it to work by right-clicking on setup.exe and running as administrator.

Answer 2

Many thanks for your quick and thorough responses! Thank you so much. I've tried everything you listed, here are the results. Sadly, none worked.

• The "unblock" option was not available to me.
• The .NET version installed is 4.8.04084
• I went through the five different ways to repair .NET Framework (except for the Powershell option, as I kept getting format errors on the command).
• I have only been installing with the SQL Server Installation Center. I missed the fact that the installer passes the .NET Framework check, and then fails with a .NET error. Feels like an installer bug to me. See the screenshot.
• The system says Windows updates are up to date, but I forced a check anyway, and there were no more updates. I'm still at a loss. Do you have any other ideas?

Answer 3

Hi @MJ Skeet,

Please try to install .Net Framework v.4.8

Here is the link: https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/visual-studio-sdks

Answer 4

Since you've already tried installing different versions of .NET Framework, it's possible that the installation is getting blocked by a Windows security feature. To resolve the issue, try the following:

1. Right-click the SQL Server 2022 setup file and choose "Properties."
2. In the "General" tab, click "Unblock" if it's available, then click "Apply" and "OK."
3. Re-run the SQL Server 2022 setup.

This should allow the installation to proceed without the .NET Framework error.

Answer 5

Hi @MJ Skeet ,

Here are some suggestions:

Check the version of .NET Framework installed: Make sure that you have installed the correct version of .NET Framework required by SQL Server 2022. SQL Server 2022 requires .NET Framework 4.6 or later. You can check the version of .NET Framework installed by opening the Registry Editor (regedit) and navigating to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full. The version number should be displayed under the "Version" key.

Repair .NET Framework: https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-repair-net-framework/

Restart the computer: Sometimes, simply restarting the computer can resolve issues related to the installation of .NET Framework.

Use the SQL Server Installation Center: Instead of running the setup.exe directly, try using the SQL Server Installation Center to install SQL Server 2022. This tool can automatically detect and install any missing prerequisites, including .NET Framework.

Check Windows updates: Ensure that your Windows 10 operating system is up to date with the latest updates. You can check for updates by going to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" and clicking "Check for updates".

Best regards,

Seeya

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