Windows applications developed in .NET Framework 3.5 or lower versions like 3.0 or 2.0 requires relevant .NET Framework installed or enabled on Windows to run properly. Starting from Windows 8, .NET 4.0 is already a part of the OS and do not require manual installation except the updates.

But if you want to run a software that is programmed in .NET 3.5 on Windows 10 or 8, you need to install .NET 3.5 on the system. Without it, you can’t run the software. To enable or install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10 and 8 you need to install it from “Turn Windows features on or off utility”. And this will ask you to install it by downloading – which requires internet connection.

If you are on a PC that is not connected to internet, or you have limited bandwidth, you may find difficulties installing it that way. Fortunately .NET Framework 3.5 installation packages are included in Windows 8 and 10 setups and you can use a DOS command in CMD console window to offline install .NET 3.5 on your system. Presuming that your Windows 10/8 installation media is F:, following is the CMD command you need to use to install.NET Framework 3.5 without internet connection:

Dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /source:F:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess

This is a manual method and you may make mistakes while typing this on console. That’s why I made a simple portable tool named .NET Framework 3.5 Offline Installer that can automatically install .NET 3.5 from your existing Windows 10/8 installation media for you. This makes use of the the above command I showed.

How to Use .NET Framework 3.5 Offline Installer

  1. Insert the Windows installation DVD (or if have the ISO file, right-click on it and Mount). Now checkout the Drive letter.
    Note the Installation Drive letter
  2. Run .NET Framework 3.5 Offline Installer.
  3. Under Easy Install tab, chose the drive from media selection drop-down menu. If the program finds the source, it would say, “Found”. Click on Install button thenHit Install button
  4. A CMD console window will run to show you the progress.
    .NET installer CMD console
  5. Once the installation is done, it should automatically close and show you a success message.
    Installation Success dialog
  6. That’s it.

Advanced Options

Advanced Installer part of .NET Framework Installer

I’ve made an Advanced Install tab which you can use to debug or control the commands. But most users should use the Easy Install tab.

You can leave me comments if you encounter any problem with the tool.

[Download .NET Framework 3.5 Offline Installer]

Author: 

Jaber is a Programmer and Tech Enthusiast Geek from Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is the founder and Chief-Editor of TechGainer. While he is away from his keyboard, either he's fishing or messing with wildlife. In case, you can contact him at rijans[at]techgainer[dot]com.