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

By Mauro Huculak
last updated

Here are the best ways to find your version of .NET on Windows.

Check .NET Framework version
Check .NET Framework version (Image credit: Future)
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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.

How to check .NET version using File Explorer

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

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Browse the following path: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework
  3. Open the folder with the latest version – for example, v4.0.30319.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Right-click any of the ".dll" files and select the Properties option.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Details tab.
  2. In the "Product version" section, confirm the version of .NET – for example, 4.8.9032.0.

(Image credit: Future)

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

How to check .NET version using Registry

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

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.
  3. Browse the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP
  4. Expand the main version key – for example, v4 or v4.0.
  5. Select the Client key.
  • Quick tip: In releases older than version 4, the key will be a number or "Setup." For example, .NET version 3.5 includes the version number under the 1033 key.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. On the right, check the "Version" string to determine the release of the .NET Framework.

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

How to check .NET version with Command Prompt

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

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
  3. Type the following command to determine the version of .NET installed on Windows and press Enter: reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP" /s 

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

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Check the "Version" field to confirm the releases of the .NET Framework installed on Windows 11.

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

How to check .NET version with PowerShell

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

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
  3. Type the following command to check the version of .NET installed and press Enter: Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP' -Recurse | Get-ItemProperty -Name version -EA 0 | Where { $_.PSChildName -Match '^(?!S)\p{L}'} | Select PSChildName, version

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Confirm the version of the .NET Framework installed on the computer.

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).

More resources

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

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.