Microsot NET Framework 3.5 Stuck downloading.

Aman Kaushik 0 Reputation points
2026-07-14T17:34:17.4333333+00:00

Downloading this for steam games, but it keeps stalling like this.

I've already tried to solve this by reinstalling windows and checking for outdated drivers. Used disk checker, sfc scan and other repair commands on cmd prompt. PLS HELP..

Developer technologies | .NET | .NET Runtime
0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-07-14T17:34:38.7433333+00:00

    For .NET Framework 3.5 getting stuck on Downloading required files, the supported fixes are to stop relying on the online download path and install from matching Windows installation media or ISO.

    Since SFC, repair commands, driver checks, and even reinstalling Windows were already tried, the next steps are:

    1. Use a Windows ISO or installation media that matches the installed Windows version.
      • On Windows 10, create or obtain an ISO for the installed version.
      • Mount the ISO so it gets a drive letter.
    2. Point .NET 3.5 installation to the sources\sxs folder on that media.
      • The documented DISM command is:
         Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:<drive>:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
      • Example:
         Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:D:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
      LimitAccess forces Windows to use the local source instead of trying Windows Update again.
    3. If the error is 0x800F0906, check update connectivity.
      • This error means Windows could not download the source files.
      • Verify the PC can reach Windows Update.
      • If the PC is managed by WSUS or policy, enable Contact Windows Update directly to download repair content instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
    4. If the error is 0x800F0907, check Group Policy.
      • This error indicates policy is blocking the download path.
      • The relevant policy is Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair.
      • After changing policy, run:
         gpupdate /force
    5. If the error is 0x800F081F, validate the source path.
      • Make sure the full path is correct: X:\sources\sxs
      • Make sure the files are readable from the affected PC.
      • If using a share, the account needs at least Read access.
      • If the source is incomplete or from the wrong Windows version, use a different installation source.
    6. If Windows Features itself hangs, run System File Checker again only if needed to confirm file integrity: 
         sfc /scannow
      Run it from an elevated Command Prompt and do not close the window until verification reaches 100%.

    For a home gaming scenario, the most direct path is usually:

    • mount the correct Windows ISO,
    • run the DISM command with Source:<drive>:\sources\sxs,
    • avoid the online installer path.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Nancy Vo (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 8,155 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-07-15T03:20:03.6133333+00:00

    Hello @Aman Kaushik ,

    Thanks for your question.

    Since the standard download keeps stalling, it means your computer's connection to the Windows Update servers for this specific feature is blocked.

    Instead of downloading .NET 3.5 through the update servers, we are going to extract it directly from an official Windows installation file using a command-line.

    1. Download Windows Media Creation Tool.
    2. Run it and select Create installation media > ISO file.
    3. After the ISO downloads, double-click it to mount it.
    4. Note the drive letter assigned to the mounted ISO (for example, F:).
    5. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    6. Run the command below, replacing F: with your ISO drive letter:
    dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /Source:F:\Sources\sxs /LimitAccess

    I hope this addresses your question. If this response was helpful, please consider following the guidance to provide feedback. Thank you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. kagiyama yutaka 5,330 Reputation points
    2026-07-20T03:32:01.2033333+00:00

    I think the hang comes from Win not having a NetFx3 source that matches your build, and mounting the same-build ISO and using its sources\sxs folder is the clean way to install it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.