How to Enable .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8

By default, .NET Framework 4.5 comes pre-installed on Windows 8 but that doesn’t means it includes .Net Framework 3.5 as well. One needs to explicitly install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8 for applications built for versions 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5. There are couple of ways to install .Net 3.5. You can either install it manually by downloading .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (Full Package) or by enabling the integrated package from Windows features in Control Panel. Both options require an Internet connection.

Enabling Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 in Windows 8 RTM –

Note: This one is a better option as it doesn’t takes much time, compared to when downloading and installing the complete .Net 3.5 package.

1. Open Control Panel (use Win + X in Desktop mode) > Programs and Features. Click the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ option from the left-side pane.

2. In Windows Features dialog box, tick mark the checkbox for “.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .Net 2.0 and 3.0)”.

3. Then select Ok. A new windows will pop-up, select ‘Download files from Windows Update’. Windows will now download all the required files.

4. Upon completion, hit Close. That’s it, you’re done!

Now install you favorite applications that require .Net 3.5 Framework like Live Writer.