How to Enable or Install Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 on Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 or Windows 7

Summary

• Method 1: To enable the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 online with internet connection

• Method 2: To install the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 offline without internet connection

Step-by-step Guide:

• Method 1: To enable the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 online with Internet connection:

Step 1: Press the Windows  key on your keyboard, type Control Panel, and press Enter.

Step 2: The Control Panel will be shown. Click Program.

Figure 1: Control Panel Window

Step 3: In Program window, click Turn Window feature on or off under Programs and Feature section.

Step 4: The Turn Windows features on or off window will be shown. Check the ASP.NET 4.5 checkbox under .NET Framework 4.5 Advanced Services folder.

Figure 2: Turn Windows Features On or Off Window

Step 5: Windows Features will then search for the required files. The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 setup files will then be available for download.

Figure 3: Windows Searching for Required Files

Step 6: After the files were downloaded, Windows will turn the feature on. The Applying changes window will indicate the installation progress.

Figure 4: The Applying Changes Window Indicating the Installation Progress

Step 7: The following window will be shown once Windows completed the requested changes. Click Restart Now to reboot Server PC to finish the installation process.

Figure 5: The Windows Completed the Requested Changes Window

• Method 2: To Install the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 offline without internet connection: 

Step 1: Go to Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 download link and click Download to download the setup file.

Figure 6: The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 Download Page

Step 2: Locate the downloaded setup file and transfer the file to a USB drive to install the setup file on the Server PC which does not have internet connection.

Step 3: At the Server PC, run the donnetfx45 setup.exe on your USB drive. Follow the installation wizard to complete the installation.

Figure 7: Run the Setup File to Begin the Installation

Step 4: Restart your PC after completing the installation if prompted to do so.