How to Check Your .NET Framework Version on Windows 11
Honestly, figuring out which version of the .NET Framework is running on your Windows 11 machine can be a bit of a pain at first. I got stuck for a while myself—trying different methods, rebooting, digging through settings—and it’s not exactly straightforward. So if you’re feeling a bit lost, you’re not alone. There are mainly two ways I found to do this—by using Command Prompt or PowerShell—and both are actually pretty doable 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 your installed .NET versions, this method might be your best bet. First, hit the Windows key to bring up the start menu. Type “CMD” or “Command Prompt,” then right-click on it and choose Run as administrator. It’s really important to run it as admin because otherwise, some of the registry queries might not work properly. 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) if that’s what you prefer—just make sure it’s with admin privileges.
In the command window, type this command:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full" /v ReleaseAnd hit Enter. What you’ll see is a line that includes a number next to “Release.” That number isn’t just the version number, but a code which you can look up. For example, if it shows 528040 — that’s .NET Framework 4.8 running on Windows 11. On some systems, especially if it’s a 32-bit Windows or if you’re using a different install, the path might be a little different, like HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full. It’s worth checking both just to be sure, especially if you’re not seeing the info under the first path.
If you want a more straightforward idea of what’s installed, you can run this command too:
wmic product where "name like '%%.NET%%Framework%%'" get name, versionThis one lists all the installed .NET Frameworks with their version numbers, which is kind of overkill if you just want the latest or specific version, but handy if you’re curious about everything installed. Keep in mind, for either command, it’s best to run the terminal as admin—sometimes otherwise the output is incomplete or missing.
Using PowerShell
PowerShell can be a bit more flexible, plus it’s more scripting-friendly if you want to automate this later. Search for “PowerShell” in Windows, right-click, and choose Run as administrator. Same rules apply—elevated rights give better access to registry data.
Type or copy-paste this into PowerShell:
Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full' | Get-ItemProperty -Name ReleasePress Enter, and the output will show a property called “Release” with a number. That number again is the key value you need. Just Google the number or cross-reference with a version table online. If you’re on a 32-bit system, the path changes to HKLM:\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full—don’t forget that.
Why bother checking?
Knowing which .NET Framework version you’ve got is important if you’re troubleshooting software issues, especially if some apps complain about needing a specific runtime or you’re trying to install newer programs. Sometimes updates or leftovers from older installs can mess things up, and knowing your version helps clear that up quickly. It’s saved me a lot of headaches, honestly.
Extra tips for the curious
If you’re super into details or want to double-check, these registry commands usually work well, but keep in mind that after multiple updates or on custom setups, things can get weird. Also, on some systems, the registry keys might be missing or incomplete, especially with beta releases or if you’ve manually deleted some files. Checking within Programs and Features or Apps & Features can sometimes give clues, but it’s not as reliable for precise versions. The registry method is usually the most reliable for version details, though, especially if you’re troubleshooting.
And yes, after all that, it’s still a bit of a mess sometimes — but at least now, I know how to confirm what’s actually installed without relying on guesswork. It’s a small victory, but one that’s made my life easier when dealing with tricky installs or updates.
Hope this helps — it took me way too long to figure out the right commands and paths. If you’re frustratingly stuck, just remember to run terminals as admin and check both registry paths. Good luck!
Anyway, hope this saves someone else a weekend or at least a few hair-pulling moments.