How to Check .NET Framework Version Installed on Windows 11

If you use apps or games that depend on Microsoft’s .NET Framework, you’ve probably noticed that some programs require specific versions to run properly. For example, an older app may need .NET Framework 3.5, while a modern development tool might require .NET 4.8 or later.

Now, when you try to install or run such applications, you might see errors like: “This application requires .NET Framework 3.5 to run.” or “A newer version of .NET Framework is already installed.”

If you’ve ever encountered these messages, you know how important it is to check which version of .NET Framework is already installed on your Windows 11 PC or laptop.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through different ways to find your installed .NET Framework version — using simple system tools, Command Prompt, PowerShell, Registry Editor, and even File Explorer. So, without any further delay, let’s dive in!

What is .NET Framework and Why Check Its Version?

Before we get to the steps, let’s quickly understand what the .NET Framework actually is — and why knowing your installed version matters.

The .NET Framework is a software development platform by Microsoft that provides a collection of libraries, APIs, and runtime components needed to run Windows applications.

Every Windows 11 PC comes with .NET Framework 4.8 (or later) preinstalled. However, some older applications still rely on .NET Framework 2.0 or 3.5 to function correctly.

Checking your .NET version helps you:

• Ensure compatibility for older software
• Confirm successful installation of new updates
• Diagnose errors caused by missing framework components

Now that you know why it matters, let’s explore how to find out which versions of .NET Framework are currently installed on your Windows 11 system.

How to Check .NET Framework Version Installed on Windows 11

There are multiple ways to find your installed .NET Framework version in Windows 11 — from graphical interfaces to command-line methods. We’ll go over all of them below.

1. Check .NET Framework Version Using Command Prompt

The Command Prompt method is one of the fastest ways to check your installed .NET versions.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as Administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP" /s
3. You’ll see a list of installed framework versions on your system.

Look for the “Version” entry under folders like v4, v4.0, or Client and Full.
For example, it might show:

Version    REG_SZ    4.8.04161

This means .NET Framework 4.8 is installed on your Windows 11 PC.

2. Check .NET Framework Version Using PowerShell

If you prefer PowerShell, you can find your installed .NET Framework version with a single line of code.

Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP' -Recurse | Get-ItemProperty -Name Version -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Where-Object { $_.Version -match '^[0-9]' } | Select-Object PSChildName, Version
3. You’ll get a clean, formatted list of all installed .NET Framework versions.

For example:

PSChildName   Version
-----------   -------
v2.0.50727    2.0.50727.4927
v3.5          3.5.30729.4926
v4            4.8.04161

This method is perfect if you want a quick overview of all versions in one place.

3. Check .NET Framework Version Using Registry Editor

For more technical users, you can check the installed .NET Framework version directly in the Windows Registry.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type: regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full
4. On the right-hand side, look for a DWORD value named “Release.”
5. Double-click it to see the numeric value.

Now, compare the “Release” value with the following list to find your version:

Release Value	.NET Framework Version
378389	4.5
378675 / 378758	4.5.1
379893	4.5.2
393295 / 393297	4.6
394254 / 394271	4.6.1
394802 / 394806	4.6.2
460798 / 460805	4.7
461308 / 461310	4.7.1
461808 / 461814	4.7.2
528040 / 528049	4.8
533320	4.8.1

For example, if the “Release” value is 528040, it means you have .NET Framework 4.8 installed.

4. Check .NET Framework Version Using File Explorer

Another easy way to find out which .NET version is installed is by checking the file directory manually.

Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework
3. You’ll see multiple folders like: v2.0.50727 v3.0 v3.5 v4.0.30319

Each folder name represents an installed version of the .NET Framework.
You can open these folders to verify files like mscorlib.dll or System.dll, which confirm installation.

Tip: The Framework64 folder contains the 64-bit versions of the same components.

5. Check .NET Framework Version Using the “Windows Features” Tool

If you want a quick graphical check (no commands or registry), you can use the built-in Windows Features tool.

To check via Windows Features:

1. Press Windows + R, type: optionalfeatures and press Enter.
2. In the Windows Features window, look for:
   • .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)
   • .NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Services
3. If they are checked, those versions are enabled on your system.

This method is especially useful if you’re troubleshooting app compatibility issues.

6. Use a Third-Party .NET Version Detector (Optional)

If you want a simpler one-click tool, you can use the free utility .NET Version Detector by ASoft.

Steps:

1. Download the tool from https://www.asoft.be/prod_netver.html.
2. Run the executable (no installation needed).
3. It will display all installed .NET Framework and .NET Core versions in a clear, visual list.

This is a good choice for beginners who don’t want to dig into system files or registry entries.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it — all the different ways you can check the .NET Framework version installed on Windows 11.

Whether you prefer using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or just the Windows Features window, any of these methods will help you quickly identify the versions installed on your system.

Knowing your .NET version ensures smooth installation of compatible apps and helps you avoid unnecessary errors or dependency issues. So, the next time a program asks for a specific .NET version, you’ll know exactly where to look and how to verify it!