The .NET Framework has been a cornerstone of Windows development since its introduction. This guide provides an overview of all major .NET Framework versions, their key features, release dates, and download links for offline installers where available.
.NET Framework 1.0
Release Date: February 13, 2002
Key Features:
– Common Language Runtime (CLR)
– Base Class Library
– ASP.NET and Windows Forms
Download Link: No longer available for download
.NET Framework 1.1
Release Date: April 24, 2003
Key Features:
– Built-in support for mobile device development
– ASP.NET mobile controls
– Side-by-side execution
Download Link: No longer available for download
.NET Framework 2.0
Release Date: November 7, 2005
Key Features:
– Generics
– Nullable types
– Iterators
– Partial classes
Download Link: No longer available for download
.NET Framework 3.0
Release Date: November 6, 2006
Key Features:
– Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
– Windows Communication Foundation (WCF)
– Windows Workflow Foundation (WF)
– Windows CardSpace
Download Link: [.NET Framework 3.0](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3005)
.NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Release Date: November 19, 2007
Key Features:
– LINQ (Language Integrated Query)
– Paging support for ADO.NET
– WCF and WF integration
Download Link: [.NET Framework 3.5 SP1](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=25150)
.NET Framework 4.0
Release Date: April 12, 2010
Key Features:
– Parallel computing support
– Dynamic language runtime
– Code contracts
– Improved security model
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.0](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17718)
.NET Framework 4.5
Release Date: August 15, 2012
Key Features:
– Async and await keywords
– Improved performance and garbage collection
– Windows Store apps support
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.5](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653)
.NET Framework 4.5.1
Release Date: October 17, 2013
Key Features:
– Performance improvements
– ADO.NET idle connection resiliency
– Ability to configure the default for multicore JIT
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.5.1](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40779)
.NET Framework 4.5.2
Release Date: May 5, 2014
Key Features:
– High DPI support improvements
– CLR threading improvements
– ASP.NET app suspension
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.5.2](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=42642)
.NET Framework 4.6
Release Date: July 20, 2015
Key Features:
– RyuJIT compiler
– SIMD-enabled vector classes
– ASP.NET Core 5
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.6](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48130)
.NET Framework 4.6.1
Release Date: November 30, 2015
Key Features:
– WPF improvements
– SQL connectivity improvements
– Cryptography enhancements
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.6.1](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49981)
.NET Framework 4.6.2
Release Date: August 2, 2016
Key Features:
– X509 certificates support in WCF
– Soft keyboard support
– ClickOnce for HTTPS sites
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.6.2](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=53344)
.NET Framework 4.7
Release Date: April 5, 2017
Key Features:
– Enhanced cryptography support
– Touch support for WPF applications
– Windows Forms High DPI support
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.7](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55167)
.NET Framework 4.7.1
Release Date: October 17, 2017
Key Features:
– ConfigurationManager class for .NET Core
– Garbage collection improvements
– Support for SQL Server Always Encrypted
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.7.1](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=56116)
.NET Framework 4.7.2
Release Date: April 30, 2018
Key Features:
– ASP.NET core improvements
– ClickOnce and SHA-2 support
– Improved JavaScript serialization
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.7.2](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55170)
.NET Framework 4.8
Release Date: April 18, 2019
Key Features:
– Improved performance and reliability
– Enhanced cryptography support
– High DPI improvements for Windows Forms
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.8](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2088631)
.NET Framework 4.8.1
Release Date: August 9, 2022
Key Features:
– Long Path support
– ARM64 support
– Improved accessibility features
Download Link: [.NET Framework 4.8.1](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet-framework/net481)
Remember to always download from official Microsoft sources to ensure you’re getting secure and genuine installers. These offline installers are particularly useful for machines without internet access or when you need to install the framework on multiple computers without downloading it each time.
Before installing, check your system requirements and ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows machine. If you’re unsure which version you need, consult the documentation of the application you’re trying to run or contact the software vendor.
