To get an accurate list of the .NET Framework versions installed on a Windows computer, you can either view the registry or query it using PowerShell code.
Since Windows 10, the version of .NET Framework is no longer listed in the Windows Control Panel Programs and Features section. Instead, it is stored in the Windows registry as a code and build number that needs to be translated into a human-readable version. .NET Framework version 4.6.1 is needed for GSX Monitor 12.3+
In this article, we outline both methods to get the .NET Framework version that is installed on your computer.
Instructions
We provide a PowerShell script here (also available as a text file) that you can use to return the installed .NET Framework version. Alternatively, we will observe where the code and build number are stored in the Windows registry so you can determine the .NET version manually without running any code on your computer.
PowerShell Method
- Download the attached script Get-NetFrameworkVersion.ps1
- Right click the script and select Run With PowerShell
- The last output will be the version of Framework 4 installed:
- You are now aware of what version of .NET Framework is running on the Windows computer.
Manual Method
- Launch the registry editor by typing regedit in a Run box.
- On the left-hand side, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full
- If the Full subkey is not present, then you do not have the .NET Framework 4.5 or later installed.
- Select the key inside the Full subkey:
- On the right hand side look for the DWORD value Release:
- Take note of the 6 digit number in brackets and look it up in the table below:
| .NET Framework 4.5 | 378389 | |
| .NET Framework 4.5.1 installed with Windows 8.1 | 378675 | |
| .NET Framework 4.5.1 installed on Windows 8, Windows 7 SP1, or Windows Vista SP2 | 378758 | |
| .NET Framework 4.5.2 | 379893 | |
| .NET Framework 4.6 installed with Windows 10 | 393295 | |
| .NET Framework 4.6 installed on all other Windows OS versions | 393297 | |
| .NET Framework 4.6.1 installed on Windows 10 | 394254 | |
| .NET Framework 4.6.1 installed on all other Windows OS versions | 394271 | |
| .NET Framework 4.6.2 installed on Windows 10 Anniversary Update | 394802 | |
| .NET Framework 4.6.2 installed on all other Windows OS versions | 394806 | |
| .NET Framework 4.7 installed on Windows 10 Creators Update | 460798 | |
| .NET Framework 4.7 installed on all other Windows OS versions | 460805 | |
| .NET Framework 4.7.1 installed on Windows 10 Fall Creators Update | 461308 | |
| .NET Framework 4.7.1 installed on all other Windows OS versions | 461310 | |
| .NET Framework 4.7.2 installed on Windows 10 April 2018 Update | 461808 | |
| .NET Framework 4.7.2 installed on all other Windows OS versions | 461814 |
With the ability to install and run multiple versions of .NET Framework on Windows computers, you can observe that the .NET Framework consists of two main components, which are versioned separately:
- A set of assemblies, which are collections of types and resources that provide the functionality for your apps. The .NET Framework and assemblies share the same version number.
- The Common Language Runtime (CLR), which manages and executes your app's code. The CLR is identified by its own version number (see Versions and Dependencies).