Which .NET Framework for Exchange Server

You must install the correct .NET Framework version for Exchange Server. Install it before installing or updating Exchange Server. The most asked question is: Which .NET Framework version do I need for Exchange Server? It’s important to know that it’s not only when you install Exchange Server for the first time. You also need the correct .NET Framework version when installing a Cumulative Update (CU) for Exchange.

Check .NET Framework version

Do you already have .NET Framework installed on the server? Then, verify which .NET Framework version you have installed. Have a look at the article check which .NET Framework versions are installed.

Which .NET Framework for Exchange Server

Find the correct .NET Framework version on the Exchange Server .NET Framework compatibility matrix. At the moment of writing, Microsoft released the following .NET Framework versions, and the latest .NET Framework version is 4.8.

Note: Each Exchange Server Cumulative Update needs a particular .NET Framework version installed on the Exchange 2016 and 2019 servers.

Exchange 2019

Do you need to install/update Exchange 2019 in the environment? See the table below for the correct .NET Framework version.

Exchange 2016

Do you need to install/update Exchange 2016 in the environment? See the table below for the correct .NET Framework version.

Exchange 2013

Do you need to install/update Exchange 2013 in the environment? See the table below for the correct .NET Framework version.

Install .NET Framework for Exchange Server

To install .NET Framework for Exchange Server, go through the below steps:

1. Check .NET Framework update path
2. Download the appropriate .NET Framework version
3. Install .NET Framework (run as administrator)
4. Restart Exchange Server

For example, we need to install .NET Framework 4.8 before installing Exchange 2016 CU16. Right-click the ndp48-web.exe file and choose run as administrator. Then, install the .NET Framework on the Exchange Server. As of last, restart when the installation is completed.

Conclusion

You learned which .NET Framework version you need for Exchange Server. Are you going to install a new Exchange Server, or will you install Exchange Cumulative Update? Make sure that you check the Exchange Server .NET Framework compatibility matrix.

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