How to Update Framework 3.5 to 4

By Kevin Lee

Microsoft's .NET framework is a platform that allows software developers to create powerful, interactive Windows programs. The framework is free and comes installed with later versions of Windows. Users benefit from gaining to access advanced applications that developers create. If your computer uses the older 3.5 version of the .NET framework, you can upgrade it to the newer 4.0 version.

Verify Your Framework Version

Click the Start menu button and type "appwiz.cpl" without the quotes. Windows will display an icon for "appwiz.cpl" in the Start menu.

Click that icon. The Control Panel opens and displays your installed programs.

Scroll through the list of programs and look for "Microsoft .NET Framework 4." If you do not see that name, proceed to the next section to upgrade from version 3.5 to 4. If "Microsoft .NET Framework 4" does appear in the list, you do not need to add that version because it is already installed.

Upgrade the Framework

Verify that your computer has the latest service packs and critical updates. If you are not sure, click your Start button, type "Windows Update" and press "Enter." Click "Check for Update" and follow the instructions that appear.

Visit the Microsoft .NET Framework download website.

Click the "Download It Now" button. A window will prompt you to save the installation file.

Click "Save" to save the file to your hard drive.

Locate that file after it downloads. Double-click the file to start the setup wizard. Follow the instructions. The wizard will guide you through the setup.

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