.NET Framework 4.8 and 4.8.1 Offline Installer Download

Martin Brinkmann
Updated •
Windows

Microsoft offers offline installers for .NET Framework 4.8 and .NET Framework 4.8.1 on its official .NET download site. The offline installer contains every component and installs without an internet connection, which makes it the right choice for computers that are offline, behind restrictive firewalls or that need the same installer on several machines.

Windows 11 version 22H2 and later already include .NET Framework 4.8.1, and Windows 10 version 1903 and later include 4.8. You mainly need an offline installer for Windows 10, Windows Server and older systems.

Official offline installer downloads

Download the installers only from Microsoft:

Version Offline installer Download page
.NET Framework 4.8.1 Runtime offline installer (4.8.1) .NET Framework 4.8.1 downloads
.NET Framework 4.8 Runtime offline installer (4.8) .NET Framework 4.8 downloads

The runtime offline installer is what end users need to run applications. Developers who build applications for .NET Framework need the Developer Pack from the same pages instead.

.NET Framework 4.8 offline installer

4.8 vs 4.8.1: which one you need

Install .NET Framework 4.8.1 if your Windows version supports it, because it replaces 4.8 and runs every application built for 4.8 and earlier 4.x versions. Use 4.8 only on systems that cannot install 4.8.1.

Version Released Included in Notable change
.NET Framework 4.8 April 2019 Windows 10 version 1903 and later, Windows 11 21H2 Last version with Windows 7 and 8.1 support
.NET Framework 4.8.1 August 2022 Windows 11 version 22H2 and later Native Arm64 support, accessibility improvements

.NET Framework 4.x versions are in-place updates: installing 4.8.1 upgrades 4.8 and earlier 4.x versions. You do not need both. .NET Framework 3.5 is separate and is enabled through Windows Features when an older application needs it.

Language packs

The offline installer contains the English runtime. If you want error messages and other text from .NET Framework in another language, install the matching language pack from the same Microsoft download page after the runtime.

How to check your installed .NET Framework version

The installed .NET Framework 4.x version is stored in the Windows registry as a Release number. The quickest way to read it is PowerShell:

  1. Open PowerShell.
  2. Run: (Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full').Release
  3. Compare the number: 528040 or higher means .NET Framework 4.8 is installed, 533320 or higher means 4.8.1.

You can also open Registry Editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full and check the Release and Version values.

Install errors and fixes

Most installation problems have one of these causes:

  • "Same or higher version already installed": your system already has 4.8 or 4.8.1. Nothing needs to be installed.
  • "Not supported on this operating system": the Windows version is too old or too new for that installer. Windows 11 already includes 4.8.1 and is updated through Windows Update.
  • Installation stops or fails: install all pending Windows updates, restart and run the installer again. Microsoft's .NET Framework Repair Tool fixes damaged installations.

.NET Framework vs .NET 8, 9 and 10

.NET Framework 4.8.1 is the final version of .NET Framework; Microsoft continues to support it as part of Windows but adds no new features. New development happens in .NET (formerly .NET Core), with versions such as .NET 8, .NET 9 and .NET 10. They are separate runtimes: an application tells you which one it needs, and installing .NET 10 does not replace .NET Framework 4.8.1.

FAQ

Is .NET Framework 4.8.1 backwards compatible with 4.8?

Yes. Applications built for .NET Framework 4.0 to 4.8 run on 4.8.1.

Do I need both 4.8 and 4.8.1?

No. 4.8.1 replaces 4.8. Install the newest version your system supports.

What is the difference between the web and offline installer?

The web installer is small and downloads components during installation. The offline installer includes everything and works without an internet connection.

Is .NET Framework 4.8 still supported?

Yes. .NET Framework 4.8 and 4.8.1 follow the support lifecycle of the Windows versions they are installed on.

Related: how to upgrade to Windows 11 with the Installation Assistant and how to use the Windows shutdown command.

Comments

  1. klaus said on
    Reply

    File netfx_Full_x64.msi (C:\252c8e5fd3221901068c0471ef30\netfx_Full_x64.msi), failed authentication. (Error = -2146762487). It is recommended that you delete this file and retry setup again.
    Final Result: Installation failed with error code: (0x800B0109), “Eine Zertifikatkette wurde zwar verarbeitet, endete jedoch mit einem Stammzertifikat, das beim Vertrauensanbieter nicht als vertrauenswürdig gilt. ” (Elapsed time: 0 00:01:04).

  2. Stephen R Lyons said on
    Reply

    I try to install the app but my system is telling me, my time is ahead so I’m unable to install it. Can anyone help me out?

  3. Richard said on
    Reply

    I hope someone can help me…

    My WIndows 10 drive blew up and I had to reinstall to another drive. What I thought were Win10 disks were actually Win7 disks. I installed it, and I found an SPI1 installer so I’m patched up that far.

    Sadly, My PC only has .NET 3.5 and I’m trying to install a program that requires .NET 4.8. Each time I try to install it (the program I’m installing offers to install .NET 4.8, and I also tried the standalone, offline installer on this page), I get an error dialog box that says:

    ~~
    Installation Did Not Succeed
    .NET Framework 4.8 has not been installed because:
    A certificate chain processed, but terminated in a root certificate which is not trusted by the trust provider.
    ~~

    Since support for Win7 is now expired, I’m wondering if there’s any way for me to get .NET 4.8 installed on my Win7 SP1 disk. Thanks in advance for any help.

    1. Jackie said on
      Reply

      I have had exactly the same message after my computer crashed and I had to restore to factory settings. Have you managed to resolve it yet

  4. april said on
    Reply

    always Blocked Issue, can`t install, i don’t know why

  5. Michael Elkin said on
    Reply

    I could not install updates from 66a error and could not remove or repair due to package could not be opened. I tried the .NET repair and removal tools and they also failed. Finally, I used Revo Uninstaller which said the normal uninstaller failed, obviously, but it’s own cleanup found a bunch of registry entries and some folders after which the .NET installer worked perfectly. I had to use the Repair option which just re-installed after which everything worked including windows updates.

  6. Vivek said on
    Reply

    For windows server 2016. The correct KB file is here : https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4486129
    Had a heck of a time finding it

  7. Anonymous said on
    Reply

    The .NET Framework 4.8 is not supported on this operating system.

    I checked and my system fulfills all the requirements. I see is a very common problem on the internet.
    Please help me

  8. Francisco Zavala said on
    Reply

    I’m trying to run the installer but it always tell me this:

    Blocking Issues:

    The .NET Framework 4.8 is not supported on this operating system.

    I checked and my system fulfills all the requirements. I see is a very common problem on the internet.

    Can I have your help?

  9. chesscanoe said on
    Reply

    Today WU offered KB4511555 Net Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for my Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.18362.295] which requires a reboot. Paint.net desktop still works well.

  10. Watcher said on
    Reply

    Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 7 on Jan 14 2020.They recommending transfer to Windows 10. I don’t like Win 10 at all. They changed for worst.If they want OS for mobile and tablets they should keep OS for classic PC/Laptop.We should all email,write Microsoft Co. and ask to extend life and support of Win 7 parallel with other OS at least next 3-4 years.They said that 70% of user in the world still use win 7 over win 10.Keep writing and encourage all friends to write petition to Microsoft.We are customers and we deserve to be heard.

  11. pHROZEN gHOST said on
    Reply

    Me: Given MS’s track record of late, I think I’ll wait.

    Dirty Harry: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do you, punk?

  12. owl said on
    Reply

    I use “Patch My PC” to manage application vulnerability countermeasures (updates).
    https://patchmypc.com/
    Thanks to the app, the updated version “.NET Framework 4.8” was applied shortly after Microsoft released it (April 18, 2019). And that required a reboot. There is no problem after rebooting.

  13. stefann said on
    Reply

    “Microsoft released the final version of the…..” – LOL ! My trust for Microsoft is about ZERO ! F.ex take a look at Windows 10 Alpha Edition….

  14. Anonymous said on
    Reply

    Another batch of Microsoft disk-clutter and complexity. Why? So programs may call some functions if programmers want to use it rather than write their own. It all means more complexity, more potential security risks and more patching. Where does it end!

  15. Watako said on
    Reply

    Do I need to install it on my Win 10 PC?

    1. microfix said on
      Reply

      Only if a program specifically requires that version of .NET
      (which is my rule of thumb irrespective of OS version)
      Remember .NET 4.72 had lots of issues on release which took a while to rectify across all OSes.
      My advice would be to stick to a version you know works without issues. (if it aint broke..don’t fix)

      Let’s see what the patch fixes include for this in the first few months…

      1. Yuliya said on
        Reply

        >Remember .NET 4.72 had lots of issues on release
        Up until today when I installed 4.8, I used NET 4.7.2, the release package, as-is, with no updates, and never had a problem with any NET programk on my Win7 PC.

  16. chesscanoe said on
    Reply

    I used the offline .NET 4.8 installer for Windows [Version 10.0.17763.437] and as anticipated required a restart to complete. I was surprised to see it conclude with something like “Check Windows Update for updates.” I had hoped WU would not be used ever again for NET updates. Maybe WU will get smart in the May update and only potentially install NET by itself when required.
    ‘

  17. Alex said on
    Reply

    You can also use Patch My PC to install or update .NET Framework, quickly and neatly.

  18. ilev said on
    Reply

    Wouldn’t the update come via monthly updates ?

  19. Yuliya said on
    Reply

    Neat. Will install it on my Win7 PC, later as it will most likely ask for a restart.

    1. zaid khan said on
      Reply

      no

    2. Yuliya said on
      Reply

      Done for LTSB and Server 1607 as well. No restart either, same procedure, just that on these two OSes you’ll find NET4 for unisntallation under Installed (Windows) Updates rather than Installed programs. Somewhat odd, since the “Features” section still lists NET 4.6.2 and now I don’t know what that toggle would remove.

    3. Yuliya said on
      Reply

      Well, I manually removed 4.7.2 from Control Panel then installed 4.8, the offline package. I was not prompted for a restart at any point. Interesting…

Leave a Reply

By commenting, you accept our privacy policy and keep the discussion respectful and on topic.