Windows 10 comes with .NET Framework 4.x pre-installed, which is sufficient for most modern software applications. However, many legacy applications still rely on .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5. By default, these older versions are not enabled in Windows 10, but Microsoft provides users with several simple ways to install them when needed. Enabling .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5 ensures compatibility with a wide range of applications, especially enterprise solutions, older games, and some development tools.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to enable .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5 in Windows 10 using various methods including the Windows Features dialog,