why does windows update still install .NET Framework 4.0 and not 4.5?

[Berryracer]

How come Windows 7 update only prompt you to install .NET framework 4.0 and not 4.5?

Shall I stick to 4.0 or is it better to install 4.5 manually when I reinstall my Windows?

 

[tcsenter]

Because I don't think 4.5 includes 4.0. It is an update, proper, to 4.0 (i.e. it needs 4.0 installed first).

 

[Bubbaleone]

tcsenter is quite correct; quoted from MSDN:

.NET Framework 4.5 is a highly compatible, in-place update to .NET Framework 4

The .NET Framework 4.5 replaces the .NET Framework 4. When you install the .NET Framework 4.5 on a system that has the .NET Framework 4 installed, the assemblies are replaced.

Uninstalling the .NET Framework 4.5 also removes pre-existing .NET Framework 4 files. If you want to go back to the .NET Framework 4, you must reinstall it and any updates to it.

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[tcsenter]

Now as to why Microsoft doesn't produce both an update and 'all-inclusive' build of the current Net Framework versions, I don't know. Seems like it would be beneficial to download or install one package that installs them all (versions 2.0 ~ 4.5), but then me and Microsoft have frequently disagreed, and I'm not a billionaire so I always lose the argument.

 

[Berryracer]

Yeah when I install 4.5 the 4.0 no longer appears in Windows updates.

Strange that 4.5 doesn't appear in Windows update to replace 4.0 since 4.5 includes 4.0

 

[Bubbaleone]

Yeah when I install 4.5 the 4.0 no longer appears in Windows updates.

Strange that 4.5 doesn't appear in Windows update to replace 4.0 since 4.5 includes 4.0

Read these quotes again:

.NET Framework 4.5 is a highly compatible, in-place update to .NET Framework 4

The redistributable executable for .NET 4.0 is 48MB in size, and .NET 4.5 is 48.1MB in size. It does not include .NET 4.0.

The .NET Framework 4.5 replaces the .NET Framework 4.

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[Berryracer]

ah I see

but to sum it up. O am fine to install only 4.5 without 4.0 right?

 

[Bubbaleone]

ah I see

but to sum it up. O am fine to install only 4.5 without 4.0 right?

Yes, the stand-alone redistributable (stand-alone installer) contains all the components that are required to install the .NET Framework 4.5 on Windows 7. See Installing the .NET Framework 4.5, which also includes a download link for the redistributable.


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