Is it possible to remove all .Net framework versions from Windows servers (2012,2016,2019)?

Question

Hi,

I would like to know is it possible to remove all .Net framework versions (1.x to 4.x) from Windows servers (2012,2016,2019).
We are removing the EOL versions of .Net core (1.x,2.x,3.0) so we would like to know can we remove all the .Net Framework versions from the server.
I found in some articles where it mentioned that .Net Framework is a part of Windows OS and should not be removed as it may cause some issues on the dependent applications.

If it is possible to remove what older versions can be removed ? and how to remove it ?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

You cannot remove all versions of .NET as Windows (and many apps) rely on it. It is part of the OS but what versions depends upon what you installed. Basically 4.x is required. Previous versions can be removed provided no apps rely on them. To remove them use the standard Add & Remove Programs feature as they'll show up there. The version that shipped with the OS will not show up.

.NET Core is not like .NET Framework so don't try to apply any global rules to it by using the rules for .NET Framework. They are completely different platforms. It would be like saying that you have Android SDKs installed on your machine so you should be able to follow the same rules you follow for .NET SDKs. You can't.

.NET Core is not shipped as part of the OS so, again assuming you don't have any apps that rely on it, you can remove it.