Components created with .NET framework 3.5 works fine in windows 11 even though no .NET Framework 3.5 in windows 11 default

Question

We have some of the components built on .Net framework 3.5 and executing as part of 64 bit MFC application. I see it works fine even though windows 11 default support starts with .NET Framework version 4.0 and later.

Windows 11 system is without .NET framework version 3.5.

Could you please clarify how .NET framework 3.5 components work fine for above case?

Answer 1

Hello

The .NET Framework 3.5 components are working fine on your Windows 11 system because .NET Framework 3.5 is backward compatible and supports applications built for .NET Framework versions 2.0 through 3.5.

Even though Windows 11 comes with .NET Framework 4.8 by default, it can still run applications that were built with older .NET Framework versions. This is because different .NET Framework versions can coexist on the same system.

If .NET Framework 3.5 is not pre-installed on your Windows 11 system, it can be enabled through the Windows Control Panel. When an application that requires .NET Framework 3.5 is run, Windows will also prompt to install it.

So, even if .NET Framework 3.5 is not pre-installed, your Windows 11 system can download and install it as needed to run applications that require it. This is likely why your .NET Framework 3.5 components are working fine.