.Net targeting framework 4.5 only sees 4.0 references?

Question

I have a project in .Net 4.5, however when I try to add a framework reference all that is available to me are 4.0 options. Why is this happening and what can I do to get the 4.5 references options?

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

That's another direct result of .NET 4.5 in place upgrading .NET 4.0. Th assembly version you saw in VS should not change, while the actual file version if you check in Windows Explorer updated.

This kind of design gives maximum compatibility to applications as they can load the new assemblies just as usual. Assume Microsoft changed the number to 4.5 as you desired, such applications would throw FileNotFoundException which can be quite harmful.