You may see a variation of a Microsoft .NET Framework error when running a supported application. Find the fixes for fix any kind of .NET Framework error in this guide.
Content
- What Is a .NET Framework Error?
- Common .NET Framework Errors
- Methods of Fixing a .NET Framework Error
- 1. Run the .NET Framework Repair Tool
- 2. Turn Windows Features On or Off in Control Panel
- 3. Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
- 4. Set the Temp/Tmp Environment Variables to Default
- 5. Uninstall Visual Studio
- 6. Run a System File Checker Scan
What Is a .NET Framework Error?
The .NET Framework is an essential toolkit of Windows that ensures your apps will run correctly on your system. But sometimes, if an app isn’t working right, and if there’s no system bug, it’s because the .NET Framework is corrupted. That’s when you see a .NET Framework error on your Windows device.
The error displays many different status messages. For example: The application could not be started, which is caused by the installed version of the framework not being detected by an application.
There are many reasons for .NET Framework errors in Windows. Mostly, it happens when the new software doesn’t get along, if application files are set up incorrectly, or if there are issues during the installation of a new .NET Framework version. All of them can stop the toolkit from doing its job properly on your Windows computer.
Also read: just like the .NET Framework error, there are many variations of the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error. Check out these common solutions.
Common .NET Framework Errors
Encountering a Microsoft .NET Framework error happens very infrequently. While there are many different types of this error, this table includes the most common ones.
| .NET Framework Error | Cause of Error | Recommended Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| This application could not be started. | Application fails to detect the .NET Framework version on your device. | . NET Framework Repair tool, reinstalling the end user application, edit the environment variables. |
| Unhandled exception has occurred in your application. | Corrupt files or malware. | Windows Security malware scanning, .NET Framework Repair tool, Turn Windows features on or off in the Control Panel. |
| Error 0x800F0906 | Device is unable to download the required files from an update. | Check Internet connection, enable Group Policy setting for Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair, reinstall Windows. |
| .NET SDK Errors 1001-1213 | Over 200 different errors due to various coding issues. | Reinstall the Visual Studio application on your device, use Turn Windows features on or off in the Control Panel. |
| .NET Framework Setup cannot be run in Program Compatibility Mode. | Program unable to run due to its past versions not supported. | Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. |
| Setup cannot continue because a previous installation requires your computer to be restarted. | Unfinished installation. | PC restart, .NET Framework Repair tool, use Turn Windows features on or off in the Control Panel. |
| You do not have sufficient privileges to complete this operation for all users of this computer. | .NET Framework failed to install due to administrator error. | Fix administration issues on your device using “netplwiz” Run command. |
| Setup may not run properly because the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is not available on this computer. | Update issues. | Reset Windows update components as shown in this guide. |
| .NET Framework Initialization Error | Outdated version of .NET Framework on your device. | Enable the latest .NET version, Use Turn Windows features on or off in the Control Panel. |
Many other uncommon .NET Framework errors are just system blocking messages that go away after you restart your device. As a result, no action is necessary.
FYI: we have also covered all the ways to repair the .NET Framework on your Windows device.
Methods of Fixing a .NET Framework Error
As a core software component, the .NET Framework won’t uninstall itself. It is always preinstalled, and one of these solutions will take care of any such errors in this utility.
1. Run the .NET Framework Repair Tool
The Microsoft .NET Framework Repair tool is a system utility that quickly gets to the bottom of the .NET issue you are experiencing. Download it from the Microsoft Support webpage, then run it.
The utility will verify the current issues on your computer and mention recommended changes. Just keep clicking Next, followed by Finish, to complete the troubleshooting.
2. Turn Windows Features On or Off in Control Panel
If you’re dealing with broken files or corruptions in the .NET Framework, it’s easier to fix the problem by turning off the Windows features in Control Panel, then turning it back on.
Open Control Panel, then go to Programs -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows Features On or Off. After a new pop-up window opens, uncheck the boxes corresponding to the .NET services, then click OK.
It will take a few seconds to apply the changes and disable .NET Framework on your device. You can re-enable it after a PC restart.
FYI: along with the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, there are many other ways to deal with Windows applications not responding.
3. Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
One of the best ways to ensure that Windows applications run as intended is to open the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. It can be accessed from the search menu or Settings -> System -> Troubleshoot -> Other Troubleshooters.
After you start the utility, click the checkbox next to Apply repairs automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify the application you’re having trouble with and to resolve its issues.
Good to know: what are environment variables, and how many types are there? Check out this comprehensive list of these variables.
4. Set the Temp/Tmp Environment Variables to Default
If your Windows environment variables aren’t set properly to their default paths, it can cause various system errors, including the .NET Framework problems.
Go to your computer’s This PC, right-click it to select Properties, then click on Advanced system settings. Go to the Advanced tab in the pop-up window, and select Environment Variables. For the user variables of Temp and Tmp, ensure that the default Variable value points to “%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Variable Name.”
5. Uninstall Visual Studio
The .NET applications have many core programming languages, such as HTML, ASP.net, CSS, JavaScript, and more. All of these languages belong to Visual Studio. If you can do without the program itself, it’s better to uninstall it. However, should you use the application, ensure that you keep it updated.
6. Run a System File Checker Scan
To deal with the .NET Framework error, run a simple System File Checker (SFC) scan. Inevitably, this will go deep into the frameworks and libraries of your Windows 11/10 operating system and fix any issues for the .NET framework.
With all the ways to fix the Microsoft .NET Framework issues identified, learn how to install the latest version of this software on your Windows device.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
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Sayak Boral –
Staff Writer
Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.
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