Add information about changes to Win11 and 3.5 #51430
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richlander
reviewed
Feb 3, 2026
richlander
reviewed
Feb 3, 2026
richlander
reviewed
Feb 3, 2026
richlander
reviewed
Feb 3, 2026
richlander
reviewed
Feb 3, 2026
Contributor
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Pull request overview
Add documentation updates for the Windows 11 change where .NET Framework 3.5 is removed as a Windows optional component (in Insider builds), and introduce guidance and FAQ content for the standalone installer path.
Changes:
- Add new Windows 11-specific install article and a dedicated FAQ for .NET Framework 3.5.
- Update existing .NET Framework 3.5 install guidance to reference Windows 11 Insider build behavior and installer-based flow.
- Update the .NET Framework TOC to surface the new Windows 11 content.
Reviewed changes
Copilot reviewed 9 out of 9 changed files in this pull request and generated 9 comments.
Show a summary per file
| File | Description |
|---|---|
docs/framework/toc.yml |
Splits the .NET Framework 3.5 nav entry into Windows 11, FAQ, and “other Windows,” and tweaks a migration TOC label. |
docs/framework/install/on-windows-and-server.md |
Adds an include callout noting the Windows 11 Insider change for .NET Framework 3.5 acquisition. |
docs/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows.md |
Adds guidance callouts and references to the Windows 11 installer/FAQ, and expands developer-facing notes. |
docs/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows-11.md |
New Windows 11-specific article covering version detection and the Insider-build installer approach. |
docs/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows-11-faq.yml |
New FAQ covering availability, deployment constraints, migration guidance, and troubleshooting. |
docs/framework/install/guide-for-developers.md |
Updates ms.date. |
docs/framework/install/includes/dotnet-35-installer.md |
New include describing the standalone installer availability for Windows 11 Insider builds. |
docs/framework/install/includes/dotnet-35-find-update.md |
New include encouraging readers to find updated software before installing .NET Framework 3.5. |
docs/framework/install/includes/dotnet-35-windows-11-caution-version.md |
New include cautioning Windows 11 Insider users to follow the Windows 11-specific guidance. |
Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>
meaghanlewis
approved these changes
Feb 4, 2026
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| There are a few different ways you can find the version of Windows you're using: | ||
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| - Try [this link (ms-settings:about)](ms-settings:about) which might open the Settings app. |
Contributor
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Suggested change
| - Try [this link (ms-settings:about)](ms-settings:about) which might open the Settings app. | |
| - Select [ this (ms-settings:about) link](ms-settings:about) which might open the Settings app. |
Contributor
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Can you avoid using passive language in this includes?
And just a suggestion of different wording for this link. Something about it seems off.
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| 1. Scroll down to the **Windows specifications** section and find the **Version** field. | ||
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| - Try using the start menu: |
Contributor
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Suggested change
| - Try using the start menu: | |
| - Use the start menu: |
| 1. Type `Settings` to find the **Settings** app and open it. | ||
| 1. Scroll down to the **Windows specifications** section and find the **Version** field. | ||
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| - Try running the `winver.exe` app: |
Contributor
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Suggested change
| - Try running the `winver.exe` app: | |
| - Run the `winver.exe` app: |
richlander
reviewed
Feb 4, 2026
| @@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ The following versions of .NET Framework are still supported: | |||
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| .NET Framework 3.5 is still supported by Microsoft, even though it's an older version of .NET Framework. However, only the .NET Framework 3.5 runtime is supported, which runs apps. Developing new apps that target .NET Framework 3.5 isn't supported. This version of .NET Framework supports running apps that target versions 1.0 through 3.5, and can be installed alongside .NET Framework 4. | |||
Member
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Suggested change
| .NET Framework 3.5 is still supported by Microsoft, even though it's an older version of .NET Framework. However, only the .NET Framework 3.5 runtime is supported, which runs apps. Developing new apps that target .NET Framework 3.5 isn't supported. This version of .NET Framework supports running apps that target versions 1.0 through 3.5, and can be installed alongside .NET Framework 4. | |
| .NET Framework 3.5 is supported by Microsoft, even though it's an older version of .NET Framework. However, only the .NET Framework 3.5 runtime is supported, which runs apps. Developing new apps that target .NET Framework 3.5 isn't supported. This version of .NET Framework supports running apps that target versions 1.0 through 3.5, and can be installed alongside .NET Framework 4. |
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Summary
Future releases of Windows 11 (actually it started in a previous insiders build) are removing .NET Framework 3.5 from the Operating System. A standalone installer for Windows 11 is provided.
Once this change is applied to the non-insiders release, these articles will include download and installation instructions.
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