Microsoft has warned Windows 11 users that they might experience issues launching and using some .NET Framework 3.5 applications.
This known issue impacts only systems running Windows 11, version 21H2, where users have installed the KB5012643 optional preview cumulative update.
Affected apps use optional components such as Windows Workflow (WWF) and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).
"After installing KB5012643, some .NET Framework 3.5 apps might have issues or might fail to open," Microsoft revealed on the Windows health dashboard.
The company also addressed another known issue triggered after installing this Windows non-security update, leading to flickering screen problems in Safe Mode without Networking.
The same KB5012643 issue also made some Windows apps (e.g., File Explorer, Start Menu, and Taskbar) seem unstable while running in Safe Mode.
Workaround available for affected systems
Microsoft asked impacted users to uninstall the problematic KB5012643 update to work around this issue and restore their .NET Framework 3.5 apps' functionality.
You have to open the Windows Update settings window by searching for Windows Update in the Start menu.
From there, you need to click View Update History, hit Uninstall Update, then click "Uninstall" after selecting the KB5012643 update the list.
Those who cannot immediately uninstall this cumulative update can mitigate the known issue by re-enabling .NET Framework 3.5 and the Windows Communication Foundation from the Windows Features dialog.
IT admins and advanced users can also do this via an elevated Command Prompt (launched as administrator) by running these commands:
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:netfx3 /all
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:WCF-HTTP-Activation
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:WCF-NonHTTP-Activation
Microsoft is currently working on a resolution to address this issue and will provide an update with an upcoming release.
Comments
davidil28 - 1 year ago
I don't get what Microsoft is doing. Why not fix the problem before releasing the update. They're just saying, here is an update, but it's going to be sh*t
ken_smon - 1 year ago
As opposed to their normal practice of releasing a sh*t update, but not telling us it is sh*t.
Also, at what point do they just stop supporting 15 year old platforms.
mynameisgod - 1 year ago
> Also, at what point do they just stop supporting 15 year old platforms."
Be careful what you wish for. They ARE planning to cooerce everyone to their "cloud based" software-as-a-service operating system, where you will be forced to pay a monthly fee to access your own computer.
On the other hand, Ubuntu looking pretty good right now...