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.”
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.
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.
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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