Alex Ruben
How To Verify Your .NET Framework Version on Windows 11
Figuring out what version of the .NET Framework you’ve got on Windows 11 can be kinda weird sometimes. Maybe some apps refuse to run, or you’re trying to troubleshoot compatibility issues. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to peek behind the scenes and see what’s installed. You’ll end up with a clear answer, whether you prefer using Command Prompt, Registry Editor, or PowerShell. Just keep in mind: sometimes, it’s not super straightforward, especially if you have multiple versions or need admin rights for some checks. But these methods should cover most scenarios, and hopefully, make the process less frustrating.
How to Check Your .NET Framework Version on Windows 11
Check .NET Version via Command Prompt
This is probably the quickest method if you’re comfortable with basic commands. It works by querying the registry directly, so if you see an output with a version number, that’s your answer. On some setups, this might not show up immediately or work if permissions block it, but usually it’s pretty reliable.
- Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, then hitting Enter.
- Type this command and press Enter:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full" /v Version - If everything goes well, you’ll see a line with Version and a number — that’s your .NET Framework version. If not, it might be hidden or need admin rights, so run the Command Prompt as admin (right-click and choose “Run as administrator”).
On some Windows installs, this fails the first time, then works after a reboot or running as admin. Not sure why, but that’s been my experience.
Using Registry Editor for More Details
If you like clicking around, or want to double-check the details, Registry Editor can do the job. It’s visual, and shows more info, especially if you have multiple versions hanging around.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
regeditand hit Enter. - Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full
- Look for the Version entry on the right panel. It should show a string like “4.8.03761”.
Just keep in mind: on a 64-bit system, 32-bit apps might store info in Wow6432Node subkey, but for most users, the path above is enough. Finding the Version entry here confirms what’s installed.
Check .NET Version Using PowerShell
For the power users or if you just prefer scripting, PowerShell can pull system info pretty neatly. It’s slightly more advanced, but on one setup it gave me the correct version after a couple of tries. Keep in mind, [System.Environment]::Version refers to the runtime your PowerShell session is running, which might not always be the full .NET Framework version — sometimes it’s more useful to check the registry through PowerShell.
- Open PowerShell by pressing Windows and typing PowerShell. Click to run it as administrator if possible.
- Run this command to check the registry:
Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP' -Recurse | Get-ItemProperty -Name Version,Release | Where { $_.PSChildName -match '^(?!S)\w' } - The output will list all installed .NET versions with their version numbers or release keys.
It’s a bit more verbose, but you’ll get a comprehensive snapshot—helpful if you’ve got multiple versions installed and need specifics.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Sometimes, these methods can’t tell you much if the registry keys are missing or corrupted, which can happen if .NET isn’t installed properly. Also, be aware that certain apps target specific versions, so having multiple versions installed isn’t unusual. If you find no info at all, consider downloading the latest .NET Framework from the official Microsoft page—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Wrap-up
Getting a handle on what version of .NET Framework is running isn’t always a walk in the park, but these tricks usually do the job. Whether you prefer typing commands, clicking through settings, or scripting, you’ve got options. Ultimately, it’s just about knowing what’s installed so apps don’t throw a fit or you can install updates without drama. Maybe one of these methods will save a few headaches down the line — fingers crossed!
Summary
- Use Command Prompt with
reg queryfor a quick check. - Check Registry Editor for visual confirmation and details.
- PowerShell can give a more complete list if you’re comfortable with scripts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple versions of .NET Framework installed?
Yeah, for sure. They can coexist, and some apps need specific ones, so don’t worry about conflicts.
What if nothing shows up or I get errors?
Try running commands or regedit as an administrator. That often fixes permission issues. If still no dice, maybe .NET isn’t installed—check Microsoft’s website and install or repair the framework.
How do I update my .NET Framework?
Update via Windows Update or download the latest version directly from Microsoft’s site. It’s worth doing for security and compatibility.