How to repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable and .NET Framework

Windows 11 and 10 come with .NET Framework 4, which does not run programs built for versions 1.1 to 3.5. That is why old programs ask for 3.5 separately.

To check for version 4.8 or later, open PowerShell and run the command below. True means it is installed.

(Get-ItemPropertyValue -LiteralPath 'HKLM:SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full' -Name Release) -ge 528040

.NET Framework 3.5 is installed when the value Install equals 1 in the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v3.5.

• The Visual C++ installer stops with an error. Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator. Close all running programs, or restart the PC to release locked files, and try again.
• It says an older version cannot be removed (error 1714). Uninstall that older Microsoft Visual C++ entry in Programs and Features, then run the latest installer again. See Uninstall a program or app in Windows.
• .NET Framework 3.5 fails with 0x800f0906, 0x800f0907, 0x800f081f or 0x800F0922. Check the internet connection and Windows Update, then repair system files with Run DISM and SFC to repair Windows system files and try again.
• Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28000) or later. .NET Framework 3.5 is not in the Windows Features list there. Microsoft offers it as a separate installer: Microsoft: Install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 11.
• The program still does not start. The fault is then in the program itself. Repair or reinstall it: How to repair or reset an app in Windows.

A repair changes nothing you need to undo. To remove .NET Framework 3.5 again, open Turn Windows features on or off and clear its check box. Do not uninstall Visual C++ entries to tidy up the list: programs that need them stop working.

The .NET Framework Repair Tool saves a log file named FixDotNet*.cab to your desktop. You can delete it when everything works.