Unable to Install 3.5 Framework, Windows 10 Error 0x800F081F

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Have you ever received the dreaded – Windows couldn’t complete the requested changes Windows 10 error 0x800F081F? Most likely, you were trying to install .Net Framework 3.5 on Windows 10 when this occurred.

I have been there multiple times, and many of the tips available during my research did not work for me. However, I was able to get past the 3.5 Framework Windows 10 error eventually.

Fix Windows 10 Error 0x800F081F

In this article, I will describe how I was able to overcome the 3.5 .NET Framework Windows 10 Error.

.net W10 error

Most of us don’t need the .Net Framework 3.5 installed on our Windows computers, but many workplaces still use software that requires it. 

Often, I find that it is best to install Windows .NET Framework 3.5 right after a fresh Windows 10 installation. Doing so will leave you with very minimal issues.

There are a few ways to install .Net Framework 3.5 on Windows 10. 

Install Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 through Programs & Features

One method is by going to the Microsoft Windows Programs & Features section, as shown below.

I prefer the classic Windows Control Panel as it is easier to find the menus and options.

In the Windows search bar type in Appwiz.cpl to access the classic Windows Control Panel.

0x800F081F fix error

After opening up the Microsoft Windows Control Panel using the command above, visit – Turn Windows Features On or Off section.

Enable .Net Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) option and click ok for the installation to take place.

.net 3.5 error 0x800F081F

Although installation through the Windows Programs & Features is a hit and miss, it is by far the easiest method to install .Net 3.5 Framework. If done, right after a fresh Windows 10 installation, you should have no trouble with this.

Install Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 through Microsoft Windows Command Line

Sometimes the Windows command line installation works in resolving the 3.5 Framework Windows 10 Error. You can try the command below to install .Net Framework 3.5.

Open up a Microsoft terminal window as administrator and run the following commands.

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All

If you have a Windows 10 Installation folder available in an external drive, mapped network drive, or Optical drive, you can also try the following command.

DISM /Image:C:\test\offline /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:D:\sources\sxs

Install Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 through an Offline Framework Installer

Installation using the .Net offline installer is by far the best method I’ve tried. You can download the .Net Framework 3.5 Offline installer here.

Windows 10 Error 0x800F081F

Once opened, provide the source location for Windows installation files. The directory you provide can be a mapped network folder, USB drive, DVD, or a local folder.

If you are having trouble opening the .NET Framework Offline Installer, be sure to right-click on the file and select “Run as Administrator”.

The vital thing to note is that the directory should point to the following location within your Windows 10 installation directory. 

/sources/sxs

Once you have, it pointed to the correct directory, click on “start installation.”

.NET 3.5 Framework Offline Installer Not Working / Fails 

If you have tried the offline .NET framework installer and it still fails, here are some tips that worked out very well for me.

  1. Check your Windows 10 Build version (ex. 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909) Etc.
  2. Download an exact copy of that build’s setup files.
  3. Use 7-Zip to Extract the data into a local place on your computer’s hard drive like your desktop. 
  4. Use the .NET framework Offline Installer utility mentioned above to retry the installation.

The tips above should have worked for you in resolving the dreaded 0x800F081F Error.

If all fails, you may have to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 and install the .NET 3.5 framework before you install any other programs.

I hope you were able to resolve the .NET framework 3.5 issues on Windows 10 by following this guide. 

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