This is one of those posts to save me searching the web every time I need to install .Net 3.5 on a Windows 8 (and now 8.1) system. If the automated installation via add/remove features fails then you need the correct DISM command.
For those who have not yet encountered it, DISM allows you to perform actions on Windows image files in a process called Offline Servicing. However, it also allows you to perform the same functions online – on your current windows system.
There is a handy TechNet post on the various ways of installing .Net 3.5 on Windows 8. It’s a useful reference.
For those, like me, who just want the quick steps:
- Grab your Windows 8 media – USB stick, mounted ISO or DVD.
- Open an Administrator-level command prompt.
- Type:
Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:x:\sources\sxsWhere x is the drive letter of your source media. - Watch the installation progress. Job done.