The .NET Framework is a software development platform created by Microsoft that allows developers to build and run applications on Windows computers. Many desktop programs, web applications, and enterprise software rely on this framework to function properly.
Sometimes software requires a specific version of .NET Framework to run. Because of this, it is useful to know how to check which version is installed on your system.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to check the installed .NET Framework version in Windows 10 using Command Prompt (CMD).
This guide works for:
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Professional
- Windows 10 Enterprise
It also works on computers from manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, and Toshiba.
Method 1: Check .NET Framework Version Using CMD
Follow the steps below.
Step 1
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2
Type the following command and press Enter.
cmd
This will open Command Prompt.
Step 3
Now copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt window:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP"
Press Enter.
The command will display a list of installed .NET Framework versions available on your computer.
What This Command Does
The command reads information from the Windows Registry, where Microsoft stores details about installed .NET Framework versions.
Explanation of the command:
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
reg query | Searches the Windows Registry |
HKLM | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry location |
Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP | Registry path that stores .NET Framework versions |
All installed framework versions appear as subkeys under the NDP registry key.
For example, you may see folders like:
v1.0
v2.0.50727
v3.0
v3.5
v4
Each folder represents a specific version of the .NET Framework installed on your system.
Conclusion
Knowing the installed .NET Framework version can help troubleshoot software issues and verify application requirements.
By running this simple command:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Net Framework Setup\NDP"
you can quickly identify all installed .NET Framework versions on a Windows 10 computer.
This method is especially useful for:
- Developers
- IT administrators
- Troubleshooting application errors
- Verifying software compatibility