You may encounter Error code 0x800F0950 on Windows 11 while installing the .NET Framework 3.5 on your computer. You may also get a similar error, x800f081f, 0x800f0805, 0x80070422, 0x800f0922, 0x800f0906, while installing a language pack on your system. Well, this error typically occurs during the installation of .NET Framework 3.5, due to missing files, corrupted system components, or connectivity issues with Windows Update. This error is common among Windows 11 users, especially after system upgrades or fresh installs. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step solutions to resolve the error code 0x800F0950 and successfully install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 11.
What Is .NET Framework 3.5 and Why Is It Needed?
The .NET Framework 3.5 is a software framework developed by Microsoft that many older applications rely on to run. Even though Windows 11 comes with newer versions of .NET (like 4.8), backward compatibility is not automatic. If an app or game was built using .NET 3.5 or earlier, it won’t run without installing this version manually, usually through Windows Features or the installer itself.
Well, the Error Code 0x800F0950 typically appears during the installation process of .NET Framework 3.5 and reads something like:
“The following feature couldn’t be installed: .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) Error code: 0x800F0950”
What Causes the .NET Framework 3.5 Error
Well, .NET Framework 3.5 installation errors can arise from several factors, including missing source files, incorrect group policy settings, or conflicts with other updates or services.
- Corrupted Windows Update components: Problems with the update service can prevent .NET Framework installation.
- Missing or damaged system files: Essential files required for installation may be corrupted.
- Internet connectivity issues: Windows needs an active connection to download .NET Framework files.
- Group Policy restrictions: Certain settings may block the installation.
- Insufficient permissions: Lack of administrative rights can cause the error.
Enable .NET Framework 3.5 via Windows Features
The easiest method to install .NET Framework 3.5 is through the Windows Features settings. It uses official Microsoft channels to fetch the correct package version, which ensures compatibility with your Windows 11 build.
- Press Win + S, type Turn Windows features on or off, and select it.
- In the Windows Features window, locate .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).
- Check the box next to it and click OK.
- Windows will attempt to download and install the framework. Ensure you have an active internet connection.
- Restart your PC and check if the error persists.
Install .NET Framework 3.5 Using DISM
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can install .NET Framework 3.5 using local Windows installation files, bypassing Windows Update issues.
- Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Type command DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All and press Enter.
- Wait for the process to complete (it may take a few minutes).
- Restart your computer and check if .NET Framework 3.5 is installed
Again, if you have a Windows 11 ISO or installation media, you can use it as a source to avoid internet dependency:
- Mount the ISO file or insert the installation media, and note the drive letter (e.g., D:)
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following command (replace D: with your actual drive letter):
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /Source:D:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
- Restart your computer and check if .NET Framework 3.5 is installed.
Command explained:
- /Online: targets the operating system you’re running (instead of an offline Windows image).
- /Enable-Feature /FeatureName :NetFx3: specifies that you want to enable the .NET Framework 3.5.
- /All: enables all parent features of the .NET Framework 3.5.
- /LimitAccess: prevents DISM from contacting Windows Update.
Use Microsoft’s .NET Framework 3.5 Offline Installer
If all else fails, download the official offline installer directly from Microsoft. The Offline installers don’t rely on Windows Update. It works well in restricted or offline environments, even when your internet connection is unstable.
- Go to the official .NET 3.5 page
- Download the installer for your system architecture (x64 or ARM64)
- Right-click the .exe file > Run as Administrator
Run the .NET Repair Tool
Microsoft provides a repair tool specifically for diagnosing .NET Framework issues. Running this tool detects and fixes installation inconsistencies, corrupt registries, or missing components needed by .NET 3.5.
- Download from the Microsoft .NET Repair Tool page
- Launch the tool and follow the prompts
Check and Repair System Files
Again, Corrupted system files can trigger error 0x800F0950. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools to scan and repair them.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator, run the sfc scannow command to scan and repair corrupt system files and DISM restore health to repair Windows image files.
- sfc /scannow
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for the scan to finish, then restart your PC, and then attempt to install .NET Framework 3.5 again.
Check Group Policy Settings
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or higher, you can configure a group policy to force enable .NET installation. It overrides local network restrictions and allows Windows to fetch .NET components from Microsoft servers.
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System.
- Locate specific settings for optional component installation and component repair.
- Set it to Enabled and check Download repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update.
- Click OK and retry the installation.
In addition, ensure your Windows 11 system is up to date, as updates may include fixes for .NET Framework installation issues.
Some security programs interfere with system-level installs. Temporarily disabling them helps rule out false positives or install blocks.
