How to Fix .NET Framework 3.5 Error 0x80070490

Several older programs require .NET Framework 3.5 to run. When you attempt to run a legacy program, it prompts you to install the framework. The prompt reads, “An app on your PC needs the following Windows feature: .NET Framework 3.5.”

netx3 on demand install dialog

When you install .NET Framework 3.5 (NetFx3) on demand, you may get the error 0x80070490. The full error message is below:

Windows couldn't find required files to complete the requested changes. Make sure you're connected to Internet, and try again. Error code: 0x80070490.

netfx3 error 0x80070490

The above error may occur even if you use the offline installers, DISM or PowerShell to install .NET Framework 3.5 optional feature. When you run the legacy program again, it says it needs .NET Framework 3.5, and the above message occurs again.

You may have tried running the following DISM command to point directly to the SxS folder on the ISO or USB setup disk. It may again fail with the “Error 1168: Element Not Found” error.

dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:H:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess

Installing the component via Windows Features throws the same error.

Resolution

To install the .NET Framework 3.5 error without getting the error 0x80070490, follow of of the methods below:

Method 1: Remove and then reinstall .NET Framework

First, run the following command to remove .NET Framework 3.5 completely.

dism /online /disable-feature /featurename:NetFX3

Restart Windows.

Then run the following command to reinstall it:

dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All

Method 2: Install the .cab package from ISO

Get the latest Windows 10/11 ISO and double-click to mount the ISO to a drive letter – e.g., G:\



The “Sources\Sxs” folder in the ISO contains the CAB file (“microsoft-windows-netfx3-ondemand-package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~.cab”) needed to install .NET Framework 3.5.

iso netfx3 cab.

Open an admin Command Prompt window and run the following command:

dism /online /Add-Package /PackagePath:G:\Sources\SxS\microsoft-windows-netfx3-ondemand-package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~.cab

The above command should install .NET Framework 3.5 on the computer.

Then, open OptionalFeatures.exe and install NetFX3. Or, run the following command to install it:

dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:G:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess

RELATED: How to Install .NET Framework 3.5 using local install source

The above examples assume the ISO drive letter is G:. Make sure you use the correct drive letter for your computer.


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Ramesh Srinivasan is passionate about Microsoft technologies and he has been a consecutive ten-time recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award in the Windows Shell/Desktop Experience category, from 2003 to 2012. He loves to troubleshoot and write about Windows. Ramesh founded Winhelponline.com in 2005.

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