How To Activate the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8 Without Internet Access

Summary:   Milad Aslaner , a Microsoft Premier Field Engineer (PFE) based in Germany, walks us through how you can activate the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8 when you don’t have access to the Internet. Enjoy!

I had to install SQL Server 2012 on my lab computer today. For those of you who follow my blog posts, you might be a little bit surprised why a Desktop PFE is starting talking around SQL, but don’t worry,  this article is still about the Windows Desktop.

One of the prerequisites for a complete SQL Server 2012 installation is that the operating system has the .NET Framework 3.5 installed.  As you might know, Windows 8 has the .NET Framework 4.5 built-in and you can optionally activate .NET Framework 3.5 using the Windows Features panel (see the image below), but the problem is that once you activate the .NET Framework 3.5 the computer will want to access to Microsoft servers on the Internet to get the binaries.

But what do you do if you have no Internet connection? The solution emerges with the Windows 8 ISO and DISM. Have a look below for a quick step-by-step guide on how to install and activate the .NET Framework 3.5 without Internet access:

1. Create a folder on your system drive called NET35 (example: C:\NET35)
2. Mount your Windows 8 ISO file or DVD
3. Copy the folder sources\sxs\ from the Windows 8 ISO into the newly created NET35 folder. I recommend using XCOPY for it, for example: 
   xcopy G:\sources\sxs\*.* C:\NET35 /s
   [Ed: Note that this copies the contents of the SXS folder into C:\NET35, but not the folder itself]
4. Once you copy all the files, you can now utilize DISM to enable the .NET Framework 3.5 feature by entering the following command in an elevated command prompt (Start, Type "CMD", press Ctrl+Shift+Enter or right-click the Command Prompt item and choose Run as Administrator): 
    DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:c:\net35 /LimitAccess
   [Ed: Note the above is one line but may wrap in this blog depending on formatting - if in doubt, it should be typed as in the screenshot below.]

If everything runs smoothly you should now have the .NET Framework 3.5 installed without the computer needing access to the Internet.

Written by Milad Aslaner; Posted by Frank Battiston, MSPFE Editor. Then mildly fiddled with by Tristan.

Comments

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  man this so good.... thank you

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  error 14028

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  error 0x800f081fsource files could not found

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Works ..just do as he says

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Got an Error: 0x800f081fThe source files could not be found.Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature.Please...help me to get rid.....

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  looks like you have used the 32Bit cmd.exe on a 64Bit Windows 8. Use the 64Bit cmd.exe and try again.

• Anonymous
  April 26, 2013
  i got an error You cannot service a running 64-bit operating system with a 32-bit version of DI SM. Please use the version of DISM that corresponds to your computer's architecture.

• Anonymous
  May 08, 2013
  Many many Thanxzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............. :)

• Anonymous
  May 28, 2013
  Error : 0x800f081f the source files could not be found. Help plz

• Anonymous
  June 20, 2013
  i noticed it didnt work with this DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:c:net35 /LimitAccess i had to add the subfolder too DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:c:net35sxs /LimitAccess

• Anonymous
  June 23, 2013
  I haven't tried it yet.. i'm downloading the real deal from the net... but it sounds plausible

• Anonymous
  June 23, 2013
  didnt work... error.. 87.. i'll just finish the online process

• Anonymous
  July 09, 2013
  Thank you very much, it worked for me.

• Anonymous
  July 11, 2013
  Is there any possibilities to play Windows 8 Xbox inbult games without internet connection...???? Like in Win7 inbuilt Games that we can play anytime without internet..

• Anonymous
  July 22, 2013
  thanks a bunch, it works like magic..

• Anonymous
  August 06, 2013
  thanksssss a lot :D

• Anonymous
  August 13, 2013
  It did't work. I already did what you said above but it keeps on giving me  "ERROR: 0x800f081f"

• Anonymous
  August 16, 2013
  www.4shared.com/.../dotNetFx35_W8_x86_x64.html this file will do it simply without much effort,just download and install and you're good to go...

• Anonymous
  August 22, 2013

1. this doesn't work with win 8. it asks x64 dism command.
2. will be grateful if you mention how to give elevated command thru dos.

• Anonymous
  August 27, 2013
  plz help me after type it  DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:c:net35 /LimitAccess to cmd i got this eror to find a version to your pc check with the software publisher

• Anonymous
  September 20, 2013
  ha ha ha!!! many thanx!! i did it! saved by internet package!!!

• Anonymous
  October 19, 2013
  I got error on windows 8 pro..... like this! C:UsersMuammar>DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /feature ce:c:net35 /LimitAccess Error: 740 Elevated permissions are required to run DISM. Use an elevated command prompt to complete these tasks.

• Anonymous
  October 20, 2013
  Thanks man!! very cool. First time and worked!

• Anonymous
  October 20, 2013
  just like @williamkasaija said, you have to input your source like sxs ("DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:c:net35sxs /LimitAccess") and it's work to me

• Anonymous
  October 21, 2013
  Got an Error: 0x800f081f The source files could not be found. Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature. Please...help me to get rid.....

• Anonymous
  October 21, 2013
  Got an Error: 0x800f081f The source files could not be found. Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature. Please...help me to get rid.....

• Anonymous
  October 23, 2013
  @phantomkiller69 you need to be at an Administrator command prompt, hit Start, type CMD, and then hit Ctrl+Shift+Enter @imrose use the commands exactly, not wot you think you should do

• Anonymous
  October 25, 2013
  how can get the 64-bit version of the DISM?

• Anonymous
  October 27, 2013
  To use the procedure as described above, first of all, kindly turn-off your firewall. that is it!

• Anonymous
  November 01, 2013
  To enable .net framework for Windows 8 -32 and 64 bit Create dotnet35 folder in c: Run cmd as administrator In cmd run xcopy d:sourcessxs*.* c:dotnet35 /s (this will copy all the files from your cd to the dotnet35 folder on your c:drive Navigate to C:windowssysnative Dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:c:dotnet35 /Limitaccess And whala.

• Anonymous
  November 01, 2013
  I don't get ....... The source files could not be found.

• Anonymous
  November 02, 2013
  @praveen kumar have you installed a MUI?

• Anonymous
  November 05, 2013
  use < cd .. > command and reach to C:> and then try ...it will work

• Anonymous
  November 09, 2013
  Hai... Thanks for your information I did the steps as per your instructions But i received like this commands Please give me the way of recover my problem.... How can i activate dotnet framework 3.5 in my laptop..? C:Windowssystem32>DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /S ource:c:NET35 /LimitAccess Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool Version: 6.2.9200.16384 Image Version: 6.2.9200.16384 Enabling feature(s) [===========================65.8%======                    ] Error: 0x800f081f The source files could not be found. Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required t o restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see go.microsoft.com/fwlink. The DISM log file can be found at C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log

• Anonymous
  November 25, 2013
  Brothers, I am facing problem installaing Netframe 3.5 with following error. Is there anyone who can help me? Thanks khasru C:>DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:Z :sourcessxs Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool Version: 6.2.9200.16384 Image Version: 6.2.9200.16384 Enabling feature(s) [===========================65.8%======                    ] Error: 0x800f081f The source files could not be found. Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required t o restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see go.microsoft.com/fwlink. The DISM log file can be found at C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log C:>

• Anonymous
  November 25, 2013
  Brothers, I am facing problem installaing Netframe 3.5 with following error. Is there anyone who can help me? My email ID is write2khasru@gmail.com Thanks khasru C:>DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:Z :sourcessxs Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool Version: 6.2.9200.16384 Image Version: 6.2.9200.16384 Enabling feature(s) [===========================65.8%======                    ] Error: 0x800f081f The source files could not be found. Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required t o restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see go.microsoft.com/fwlink. The DISM log file can be found at C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log C:>

• Anonymous
  November 26, 2013
  It works...

• Anonymous
  December 03, 2013
  thanks, it's work

• Anonymous
  December 06, 2013
  Does it really works..?

• Anonymous
  January 15, 2014
  made the tutorial while u were sleeping..forgot sxs....

• Anonymous
  January 30, 2014
  Check out this extremely easy solution geekworldvillage.blogspot.com

• Anonymous
  February 23, 2014
  it asks me for update of files
  

• Anonymous
  February 27, 2014
  thanks .................... <3

• Anonymous
  March 03, 2014
  After 99.8% it fails.. It give me error msg.. like this..
  
  Error: 0x800f0922
  
  DISM failed. No operation was performed.
  For more information, review the log file.
  
  The DISM log file can be found at C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log
  
  Help me...

• Anonymous
  March 04, 2014
  thank you so much. It worked!!

• Anonymous
  March 08, 2014
  Thnks guys

• Anonymous
  March 23, 2014
  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD JOBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BRO
  A LOT OF THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
  

• Anonymous
  March 26, 2014
  I HAD THIS Erreur 0X800F081F after 65.8% is finish*******help me please*****.

• Anonymous
  March 26, 2014
  Thnx alot!!!!

• Anonymous
  March 28, 2014
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  March 30, 2014
  error 87....
  there is no sxs folder in .iso file..

• Anonymous
  April 05, 2014
  Amazing

• Anonymous
  April 19, 2014
  thanks man it worked

• Anonymous
  April 30, 2014
  many many thankz man

• Anonymous
  May 07, 2014
  thanks

• Anonymous
  June 05, 2014
  this is to confusing for me
  
  ps I know its spelled wrong

• Anonymous
  June 05, 2014
  64 bit is it not work
  Microsoft Windows [Version 6.2.9200]
  (c) 2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
  
  C:Windowssystem32>DISM.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /S
  ource:c:net35 /LimitAccess
  
  Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
  Version: 6.2.9200.16384
  
  Image Version: 6.2.9200.16384
  
  Enabling feature(s)
  [===========================65.8%====== ]
  
  Error: 0x800f081f
  
  The source files could not be found.
  Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required t
  o restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see
  http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=243077.
  
  The DISM log file can be found at C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log
  
  C:Windowssystem32>

• Anonymous
  June 11, 2014
  i think the main thing is to be carefull http://www.gistextra.com/install-net-framework-35-30-20-included-windows-8-81/

• Anonymous
  June 22, 2014
  Error : 0x800f081f
  
  the source files could not be found.
  
  Help pl

• Anonymous
  July 12, 2014
  Nice one........ Thanks

• Anonymous
  July 16, 2014
  ERROR 87 PLEASE FIX

• Anonymous
  July 21, 2014
  i bought a new hp laptop. But did not activate windows 8. I was activate window 8 an internet connection.But did not activate an error code 0xc004F074.pls help me
  

• Anonymous
  July 24, 2014
  Please help me
  

• Anonymous
  August 01, 2014
  thanx a million

• Anonymous
  August 09, 2014
  How to solve this issue: http://heineborn.com/tech/installing-net-framework-3-5-on-windows-8/

• Anonymous
  August 22, 2014
  Many thanks , it worked for me for windows 8.1

• Anonymous
  August 23, 2014
  I recently got a game on steam that requires .net framework 3.5 but when i install it comes up saying i have no internet connection but i do and it works. Ive tried downloading off the internet and turning it on like it said but none of this works. I could use some help
  
  

• Anonymous
  August 24, 2014
  If you are getting the Source not found error ()x800f081f you are likely using the 8.0 sxs files and you are currently running 8.1. You need to get a copy of the 8.1 sxs files, they are different, and then it'll work fine.

• Anonymous
  August 29, 2014
  Jamie Martin, THAT is the key that no one will ever tell you. MS offers a free upgrade to 8.1, but that means your 8.0 sxs folder will not work. Then you have to download it from somewhere else and install. I can't believe how complicated Microsoft made this.

• Anonymous
  September 02, 2014
  Thanks a lot.
  I've solved this problem by using your help.

• Anonymous
  September 11, 2014
  THANK U A LOT ITS WORK THANK U
  

• Anonymous
  September 12, 2014
  https://call.mozilla.com/#call/4JekcwGnSr4

• Anonymous
  October 08, 2014
  انتو برطانيا

• Anonymous
  November 02, 2014
  It worked, WOW! Thank u so much

• Anonymous
  November 02, 2014
  WOW! It worked thank you. #LESOTHO

• Anonymous
  November 21, 2014
  After entering the DISM syntax and pressing Enter Key the command prompt window closes immediately before enabling the feature

• Anonymous
  December 08, 2014
  thank you very much.

• Anonymous
  December 08, 2014
  thank you very much.

• Anonymous
  December 08, 2014
  you really helped me a lot

• Anonymous
  January 04, 2015
  It Workedd!!!
  Thx man.......

• Anonymous
  January 20, 2015
  Thank you so much.

• Anonymous
  January 27, 2015
  Thanks a bunch! I wasn't using this because I was "offline" but instead I was getting error 0x800F0906 over and over (yet windows update itself works flawlessly). Looked athttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/2734782. Ended up grabbing the ISO from MSDN, copying the files local and DISM'ing it up. Worked perfectly.

• Anonymous
  January 28, 2015
  Thanks indeed. It helps a lot!!!

• Anonymous
  February 01, 2015
  after days trying all sorts of things this finally worked. Thank you very much.
  P.S. since I have a Sourface 3 (no windows installation disk) I downloaded the folder from here:
  http://performance-arch.blogspot.ca/2014/05/sxs-folder-for-windows-81-x86x64-net.html

• Anonymous
  February 13, 2015
  i just tried it but installation ends at 60%
  

• Anonymous
  February 18, 2015
  its end on 65% hei

• Anonymous
  March 09, 2015
  Windows 8.1, or Windows 8. Applies to .Net 3.51, 3.0, and 2.0. Works with or without Internet. Cheques may not be honoured.

• Anonymous
  March 31, 2015
  done very easy way with cmd
  thank you

• Anonymous
  April 05, 2015
  error 0x800f081f in 65.9%

• Anonymous
  July 16, 2016
  i got error 87

• Anonymous
  November 18, 2016
  done, but after that I was unable to install sql server 2012......pls help out

• Anonymous
  February 03, 2017
  thanks man that works very well yet it requires windows OS setuo