Do I Need Microsoft .net Framework 3.5 Updates?

OS: Windows 8.1

In my list of Windows updates that I have not yet gotten, I see that a lot are labeled "Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8.1." I am trying to determine if it's ok to just not get those updates.

However, I am not sure whether I even have .NET installed on my computer. One source on the web said that .NET would be in my list of installed programs, listed in control panel (In Windows 10, though, it's apparently hidden). It's not on the list on my computer. Another source directed me to my registry, but I could not replicate what they were doing. In the registry, I do see .NET folders for v 1.0, v 2.0.50727, v 3.0, v4.0....., and v 4.5.....

So maybe even if I do have .NET, I don't have version 3.5?

 

Download this tiny, portable utility and it'll show exactly which .NET Frameworks are installed.
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/asoft_net_version_detector.html

 

You are saying that Microsoft lets you download only security updates, and ignore the rest? I think I do remember the updates being categorized in a more clear manner before. Right now, though, they seem to just be categorized into recommended and not "just" recommended (or some similar terminology to that).

It turns out I do have .NET 3.5. I'd be interested in to know what programs are using .NET 3.5 (or other versions of .NET for that matter). If .NET needs updates to be secure, sounds like the most secure thing is to get rid of it, if it's not being used.

 

On 8.1 some newer software require .net 4.7.2. That version requires you to have already installed some roll-up and other updates to install. Without the certain updates the newer programs will not install. They will give you an error that .net.xx.xx must be installed first and will offer to go get it. This will lead to another installer error saying 'update kbxxxxxx' must be installed first. If you wish to keep it fully updated, install all. If not, be aware that some utilities or newer programs you might like to try will be unavailable.

 

So basically you are saying to install all .NET updates or be prepared to have some .NET updates be unable to install, and have some programs be unable to install, right? What do you mean by "roll-up"?

 

Here's a link to a discussion of the move to new update models. You can find any months update with search.

https://www.onmsft.com/news/microso...-patch-rollup-scheme-for-windows-7-8-x-server

I goggled "December 8.1 update" and had this in the results.

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/do...rk-december-2018-security-and-quality-rollup/


Certain updates require previous updates already be installed. It is usually stated in the description.
Newer programs may be using methods created in newer .net versions. If you don't have that version, a good installer will tell you.

 

Win 8.1 doesn't enforce update as Win 10 does. But if you quit updates you will reach a point where future updates may not be available. I quit starting with the original 2014 roll-up. But the consensus is if you want the best experience and most security to install all updates. I didn't want this machine changed to a '10, so I blocked the process by not following the program. This machine still serves my needs. I didn't need any of the fixes; ie - active directory issues, rdp issues, printer network cache issues, it's all in the descriptions. I left my alone. I do have an original '10 machine, but right now it is unplugged and not needed. When I do use it, I load a '7 vm.

 

Use @Eld0n link in post #2. It'll show what you have installed. Mine shows 4.5.2. It can detect up to 4.7.2. I can't get 4.7.2 because I haven't installed all the required prerequisitives, so I can't get 4.7.2. If you have 4.7.2 you are up to date, and so just keep on following the recommended path.

 

I am trying to avoid some of the updates in Windows 8.1. The most common reason that I choose not to do an important update is because the update involves telemetry. Another very common reason that people have for not getting updates is that they want to first see what kind of complaints or praise the update gets, after users have had some time with the update. There are some sites that focus a lot on information about each update. I can't remember all of them off the top of my head but one of the better ones is https://www.askwoody.com/