Install the .NET Framework on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

The .NET Framework is required to run many applications on Windows. You can use the following instructions to install it. You may have arrived on this page after trying to run an application and seeing the following dialog on your machine.

This application could not be started

These instructions will help you install the .NET Framework versions you need. .NET Framework 4.8 is the latest version. It is supported on Windows Server 2012 but is not supported on Windows 8. It's included with Windows 11 and in Windows 10 starting with the May 2019 Update.

.NET Framework 4.8

.NET Framework 4.8 is supported on Windows Server 2012. It is not supported on Windows 8.

.NET Framework 4.8 can be used to run applications built for .NET Framework 4.0 or later.

.NET Framework 4.6

The .NET Framework 4.6 is the latest supported .NET Framework version on Windows 8.

The .NET Framework 4.6 supports apps built for .NET Framework 4.0 through 4.6.

.NET Framework 3.5

Follow the instructions to install the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

The .NET Framework 3.5 supports apps built for .NET Framework 1.0 through 3.5.

Help

You can contact Microsoft for help if you cannot get the correct version of the .NET Framework installed.

See also