Check your .NET Framework version in Windows
The fastest way to see which .NET Framework versions you have is to look in the Windows Registry using a built-in tool called Registry Editor. You do not need to install anything — it comes with Windows. This method works on Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
Open Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key and typing regedit, then press Enter. A window will open with folders on the left side. Navigate to this location by clicking the folders in order: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, then SOFTWARE, then Microsoft, then .NETFramework. When you reach the .NETFramework folder, look at the right panel. You will see entries that start with Release — these numbers tell you which versions are installed.
Each Release number corresponds to a specific .NET Framework version. A Release value of 394802 means you have .NET Framework 4.8.2, for example. If you see multiple Release entries with different numbers, you have multiple versions installed. Write down the numbers you see, then close Registry Editor.
Match Release numbers to .NET Framework versions
The Registry shows Release numbers, but those numbers are not the same as version names. You need to match them. Here are the most common ones you will encounter:
| Release Number | .NET Framework Version |
|---|---|
| 394802 | .NET Framework 4.8.2 |
| 394254 | .NET Framework 4.8.1 |
| 378389 | .NET Framework 4.5 |
| 378675 | .NET Framework 4.5.1 |
| 379893 | .NET Framework 4.5.2 |
| 393295 | .NET Framework 4.6 |
| 393297 | .NET Framework 4.6.1 |
| 394254 | .NET Framework 4.7 |
| 460798 | .NET Framework 4.7.2 |
If your Release number does not appear in this list, Microsoft publishes a complete reference online. Search for ".NET Framework Release Numbers" and you will find the official table with every version ever released.
Use Command Prompt for a faster check
If you prefer not to use Registry Editor, you can type a command into Command Prompt instead. This method is faster once you know the command, though it requires you to read the output carefully.
Press the Windows key and type cmd, then press Enter to open Command Prompt. Type this command exactly: reg query "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\.NETFramework" /v Release and press Enter. Command Prompt will display the Release number on your screen. Match that number to the table above to find your version.
This method shows only the most recent version installed. If you have multiple versions and need to see all of them, the Registry Editor method is more reliable because you can see all Release entries at once.
Check .NET Framework through Control Panel
Windows also lets you see installed .NET Framework versions through Control Panel, though this method is less detailed. Open Control Panel, click Programs, then Programs and Features. Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for entries that start with Microsoft .NET Framework. Each one listed is a version you have installed.
This method tells you which versions exist but does not show you the exact Release number or the minor version (like 4.8.1 versus 4.8.2). Use this as a quick visual check, but rely on the Registry method if you need the precise version number.
Key Takeaways
- Registry Editor is the most reliable way to find your .NET Framework version — navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\.NETFramework and look for Release numbers.
- Release numbers in the Registry do not match version names, so you must match them against Microsoft's official reference table.
- Command Prompt offers a faster alternative if you type the reg query command correctly, though it shows only the most recent version.
- Control Panel shows which versions are installed but does not display the exact Release numbers or minor versions.
- If you see multiple Release entries in the Registry, you have multiple .NET Framework versions installed on your computer.
Understand why you need to know your version
Different programs require different .NET Framework versions to run. A program built for .NET Framework 4.7 will not work if you only have 4.5 installed. Knowing your version helps you decide whether you need to install an older or newer version, or whether your computer already has what you need.
You might also check your version before installing software that lists system requirements. If the software says it needs .NET Framework 4.8 and you have 4.6, you know you will need to download and install the newer version first. This prevents installation errors and saves time troubleshooting.
Install a newer version if you need one
If you find that you have an older version and a program requires a newer one, you can download it from Microsoft's website. Search for ".NET Framework download" and go to the official Microsoft page. Download the version you need and run the installer. Your computer can have multiple .NET Framework versions installed at the same time — installing a newer version does not remove older ones.
Installation usually takes a few minutes and may require a restart. After the restart, you can verify the new version was installed by checking the Registry again using the same steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple .NET Framework versions on one computer?
Yes. Windows allows you to install multiple versions side by side. A program will use whichever version it was built for, so having version 4.5 and 4.8 installed at the same time causes no conflict. Each version runs independently.
What if I do not see a Release entry in the Registry?
If the .NETFramework folder exists but has no Release entry, you may have an older version like .NET Framework 3.5 or earlier. These versions store information differently in the Registry. Check Control Panel under Programs and Features to see the full list of what is installed.
Do I need to uninstall old .NET Framework versions?
No. Older versions do not slow down your computer or cause problems. Programs that need them will use them, and programs that need newer versions will use those instead. You only need to uninstall if you are running low on disk space.
Is .NET Framework the same as .NET Core or .NET 5?
.NET Framework is the older version. .NET Core and .NET 5 (and newer) are different products that Microsoft now recommends for new programs. They install separately and have their own version numbers. The steps above check only .NET Framework, not the newer versions.