How to check .NET Framework version on Windows 10 and 11

On Windows 11 (and 10), the ".NET Framework" ("dot net") is a development platform made up of programming languages, libraries, and tools for programmers to build different types of programs for desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, web apps, and games.

The .NET platform is not limited to Windows since it is open-source and cross-platform, which means it's also supported on macOS and Linux devices.

Although regular users rarely have to worry about the version of .NET installed on their devices, some apps require specific releases to install and run as properly. In addition, developers usually have to use multiple versions of the development platform to build and test their apps. As a result, knowing the version of .NET installed on the computer can come in handy in many scenarios.

Whether you are a developer or a standard user, Windows 11 (and 10) provides several methods to determine the .NET Framework version through File Explorer, Registry, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.

This how-to guide will walk you through the steps to determine the .NET Framework version installed on Windows 11.

To use File Explorer to check the .NET Framework version on Windows 11, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the file details will unveil the framework platform's version installed on Windows.

To determine the .NET Framework version through the Registry, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, you will know the releases of the Microsoft framework available on your version of Windows.

To check the version of the .NET Framework with Command Prompt on Windows 11, use these steps:

To make sure that version 4.x is installed, use this variant of the command: reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP\v4" /s

Once you complete the steps, the versions of .NET running on the computer will be revealed.

To check the .NET version with PowerShell on Windows 11, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, PowerShell will return the information for both the client and the full version of .NET installed on Windows 11 (or 10) (if applicable).

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

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Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool

Microsoft has released a tool called Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool that will help you resolve issues you may face with the .NET  Framework on your Windows 11/10 computer.

This tool troubleshoots common issues with the setup of or with updates to Microsoft .NET Framework setup installation. Additionally, this tool tries to resolve these issues by applying known fixes or by repairing the installed product.

The .NET Framework Repair Tool follows a four-step process:

Specifically, the tool will typically carry out the following tasks:

If any additional fixes need to be applied, those too will be recommended on completion of the run.

While one may need to troubleshoot .NET Frameworks Installation Issues on Windows manually, or run the .NET Framework Setup Cleanup Utility and try to install the .NET Framework again, running the new .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft should now be the first option, should you be facing any .NET Framework issues on your Windows computer.

You can download the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft.

The tool now also supports Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8, 4.7.2, 4.7.1, 4.7, and 4.6.2. Therefore, fixing and repairing are also applicable to these products.

TIP: The .NET Framework Setup Removal & Cleanup Utility will help you remove old .NET Frameworks.

Framework 13 Intel 13th Gen mainboard

Framework is a different kind of laptop manufacturer. It's very much built around the zeitgeist of the right to repair our own consumer electronics. Its ethos is about producing a device that allows you to repair, replace, and upgrade pretty much any part of it.

My first taste of the Framework 13 was with an 11th Gen Tiger Lake mainboard inside it, and in a little over 15 minutes I've pulled that apart and now have a 13th Gen Raptor Lake system up and running, with all my apps and files in place. That's many times quicker than you could replace your desktop motherboard.

In between I've had it configured with a 12th Gen mainboard, too, such is the joy of Framework's modular notebook system.

This is the top-end Framework 13th Gen mainboard, and it's as simple to upgrade as all the rest. But it's a victim of the expansion of Framework's ambitions, and certainly not the upgrade I'd be making right now, either from an existing 11th or 12th Gen system.

Core i7 1370p mainboard specs

Performance cores: 6Efficient cores: 8Threads: 20Boost clock: 5.2GHzMemory support: DDR4-3200PCIe support: PCIe 4.0Graphics: Intel XeExecution units: 96Clock speed: 1.5GHzPrice: $1,049 | £1,049

Before I first got my hands on this Framework 13 laptop I assumed the ability to do such wholesale updates would require some chonky boi slab of a notebook in which you'd ostensibly be bolting in a desktop CPU in alongside your SSD and RAM and be done.

It's not like that at all; the Framework 13 is a proper ultrabook-style 13-inch laptop with a simple style that's effortlessly easy on the eye. It's not quite Dell XPS 13 gorgeous, but I'll happily forgive it that for the fact that not everything is soldered onto an untouchable PCB entombed within that slight frame.

With the Framework 13 you just pop a handful of T5 screws using the supplied dual-ended tool—which remain in the chassis so you don't lose them—and then you can simply lift off the keyboard and trackpad faceplate which is now just attached by magnets.

From there you have unfettered access to every part of the machine, with the ability to replace everything from standard parts most laptops will let you, such as RAM and SSD, to things nothing else will. Whether it's the speakers, hinges, display, or mainboard itself, it's all replaceable.

What's more it's all easily found on Framework's Marketplace and easily installed thanks to the fact you literally just need the one tool you get supplied in the box with your laptop. That's a level of access no other mobile device will afford you in PC land outside of maybe the Steam Deck.

As part of the 2023 13th Gen upgrade kit I've tooled up this little laptop of Theseus with a new Core i7 1370P mainboard. That comes with a 14-core chip at its heart, comprised of six Performance cores and eight Efficient cores for a total of 20 threads (thanks to Hyperthreading on the six powerful Raptor Lake cores). 

You can buy this mainboard on its own to upgrade your existing Framework 13 laptop, but if you do want this top-end chip it will set you back a heady $1,049 | £1,049. That's the price of a whole new laptop on its own, though if I were to price this system's spec up as a whole new Framework 13 you're looking at twice that.

It's worth noting that, as this is a Raptor Lake mainboard upgrade, there's not a whole lot of difference between it and the previous 12th Gen Alder Lake parts. The Core i7 1280P I've just swapped out for this Core i7 1370P is all but identical apart from having a slightly lower peak clock speed on the CPU and GPU. And that's about it, which means there's no sense in looking at this as an upgrade for an existing 12th Gen system.

The performance difference between 11th and 13th Gen laptop processors is pretty hefty, considering you're going from a quad-core, eight-thread part up to a 14-core, 20-thread chip. But then that's also the same as upgrading to a 12th Gen board.

With the release of the 13th Gen mainboards, Framework is discounting the older generations, and for me a cheaper 12th Gen option would serve the same purpose for anyone on the earlier 11th Gen devices. 

Benchmarks

Framework test spec

RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200Storage: 1TB Western Digital SN730OS: Windows 11 22H2

Sadly, the GPU performance has barely changed across any of the Intel generations, so there's no hope of having a gaming performance bump for your money on any upgrade.

Which is a big shame, and honestly one of the reasons I'm not sold on this particular part as a great upgrade choice. The other is because Framework has now broadened its horizons to include AMD for the first time this generation, and I desperately want to get my hands on the Ryzen 7 7840U mainboard upgrade.

That's essentially the same chip used in the ROG Ally handheld, and makes for both an outstanding number-crunching device as well as a very capable gaming machine. Given the benchmarks I've got out of Asus' excellent handheld, a Framework 13 with that chip inside it would be a dream. 

Image 1 of 3

Buy if...

✅ You have an aversion to AMD: The only reason to pick the 13th Gen mainboard over the top-end AMD alternative is because of fruitless tribalism. 

Don't buy if...

❌ You're after more GPU performance: The 13th Gen mainboard still uses the same Intel Xe cores as its forebears, while the Ryzen 7 7840U comes with 12 CUs and genuine 1080p gaming chops.

❌ You want a cheap upgrade: This top board is pricey, especially considering similarly performing 12th Gen mainboards are now being discounted. And that AMD board is cheaper even counting the extra DDR5 RAM you need.

And it would be both more powerful and more efficient than this Intel version. Not to mention cheaper. 

Even given the fact you need a new Wi-Fi module and a set of DDR5 memory to pair with it, the Ryzen 7 7840U upgrade kit still comes out cheaper than this Core i7 1370P mainboard on its own.

While that makes this 13th Gen mainboard all but impossible to recommend, it only goes to highlight how powerful a thing the Framework 13 laptop is for the consumer. AMD comes out with a fantastic new mobile chip and I don't suddenly have to completely ditch my laptop if I want to switch. No, I just order a new AMD-based mainboard and I can update my existing machine in a matter of minutes. Then I've got me an ultrabook that will net me genuine 1080p gaming.

This is emblematic of what Framework is trying to achieve, and shows that it's actually delivering generation on generation. This choice is what makes the Framework 13 such a great machine, and what gives me such hope that the Framework 16 will be able to do the same thing for gaming laptops later in the year.

Framework 13 Intel i7 1370P mainboard: Price Comparison