How to Find Out Your .NET Framework Version on Windows 11
Honestly, figuring out which version of the .NET Framework is running on your Windows 11 PC can be a bit of a hassle at first. I’ve been there myself—trying different methods, restarting the machine, digging through settings—and it’s not exactly straightforward. So if you’re feeling a bit lost, you’re not alone. There are two main ways I’ve found to do this—using Command Prompt or PowerShell—and both are actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
Using Command Prompt
If you’re comfortable with typing commands and just want a quick way to see what .NET versions are installed, this method is probably your best bet. First, press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type “CMD” or “Command Prompt,” then right-click on it and select Run as administrator. It’s important to run it with admin privileges because some registry queries may not work otherwise. Alternatively, you can open an elevated PowerShell window by right-clicking the Start button (or pressing Win + X) and choosing Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)—just make sure it’s run as admin.
In the command prompt, enter this command:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full" /v ReleaseThen press Enter. The output will show a line with a number next to “Release.” That number isn’t the exact version, but a code you can look up. For example, if it shows 528040 — that indicates .NET Framework 4.8 is installed on Windows 11. On some setups, especially if you’re on a 32-bit system or using a different installation, the registry path might be slightly different, like HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full. It’s worth checking both just to be certain, particularly if the first path doesn’t yield any info.
If you want a quick overview of all installed .NET Frameworks, you can run this command:
wmic product where "name like '%.NET%Framework%'" get name, versionThis lists all installed .NET Framework versions along with their version numbers, which can be handy if you want to see everything at a glance. Keep in mind, for either command, it’s best to run the terminal as administrator—otherwise, some results might be incomplete.
Using PowerShell
PowerShell offers a bit more flexibility, especially if you want to script or automate this process later. Search for “PowerShell” in Windows, right-click, and select Run as administrator. Same as with Command Prompt, elevated rights give you better access to registry data.
Then, enter or paste this command:
Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full' | Get-ItemProperty -Name ReleasePress Enter, and it will return the “Release” property with a number. Just Googling that number or comparing it against an online list will tell you the installed version. Remember, on a 32-bit system, the registry path changes to HKLM:\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full.
Why does it matter?
Knowing which .NET Framework version you have installed is useful if you’re troubleshooting software issues—like if some apps complain they need a specific runtime—or when installing new programs. Sometimes, old updates or leftover files from previous installations can cause headaches, and checking your version quickly clears that up. It’s saved me a lot of hassle so far.
Extra tips for the keen-eyed
If you’re a detail geek or just want to double-check, these registry commands usually do the trick. But keep in mind, after multiple updates or on customised setups, things can get a bit messy. On some systems, registry keys might be missing or incomplete—especially with beta releases or if you’ve manually deleted files. Checking within Programs and Features or Apps & Features can sometimes help, but it’s not always precise for version details. The registry method remains the most reliable way to find out exactly which version is installed, especially when troubleshooting.
And yes, after all that, it can still be tricky — but at least now, you know how to confirm what’s actually installed without guesswork. Small victory, but a handy one when dealing with tricky updates or software requirements.
Hope this helps! It took me ages to figure out the right commands and paths. If you’re stuck, remember to run your terminal as admin and check both registry paths. Good luck!
Hopefully, this saves someone else a weekend or at least spares a few hair-pulling moments.