Enable .Net Framework 3.5 Feature in Windows 8

Introduction

Windows 8 displays the message "An app on your PC needs the following Windows feature" ".Net Framework 3.5 (Includes 3.0 and 2.0)". This message is displayed when you try to install an application that requires .Net 3.5 but doesn't find the this .Net version on your computer.

This problem occurs because .Net 3.5 is not automatically installed with Windows 8; only .Net 4.5 Advanced Feature is automatically installed with Windows 8. To remove this problem you have to enable this feature. There are two ways to enable this feature; the first is, when you are online, download and install it and the second is offline using the DISM command in a command prompt window.

Enable Feature .Net 3.5 Feature Online.

Step 1

Open Control Panel and click on "Programs and Features".

Step 2

In the Programs and Features window click on "Turn Windows Features On or Off".

Step 3

In the Windows Feature dialog click on ".Net Framework 3.5" and click OK. and follow the steps.

Step 4

The Windows feature will be installed and finally this window will be appear, then click Close.

Enable Feature .Net 3.5 Feature Offline.

Step 1

Open a command prompt window using "Run as Administrator" and change to the "C:\" dirctory.

Step 2

And enter the following command and press the Enter button:

Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:F:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess

Here "F" is bootable media; it may be CD drive,  bootable pan drive etc.

Step 3

Wait a few minutes; the .Net 3.5 Windows feature will be installed.