What is the .NET version installed by default?

Question

I want to create a very portable app and ideally everybody should be able to use it without the need to install .NET. What is the default .NET version used at most not-programmers machines? Is it .NET2 or .NET1 on Windows XP with SP2 or SP3?

Answer 1

It is depending on the Operating System, and the service packs, if any.

If you're targeting multiple Windows versions, it's inevitable to include .NET in your installation.

Answer 2

• .NET 2.0 comes with Windows XP SP2
• .NET 3.5 comes with Windows 7

Why don't you bundle the .Net Framework Installer together with your application?

If the user is up-to-date with the Windows Update, it should have the .Net 3.5.

Answer 3

Windows XP comes without .Net installed.

Version  Version Number Release Date    Default in Windows
1.0      1.0.3705.0      2002-02-13     
1.1      1.1.4322.573    2003-04-24 Windows Server 2003
2.0      2.0.50727.42    2005-11-07 Windows Server 2003 R2
3.0      3.0.4506.30     2006-11-06 Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008
3.5      3.5.21022.8     2007-11-19 Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2
4.0      4.0.30319.1     2010-04-12