Skip to main content

Here’s a fix for the new Windows 11 preview update issue

A recently launched Windows 11 preview update has been reported as unsafe for computer installation due to issues with .NET Framework 3.5 applications.

Microsoft has detailed on its Windows health dashboard that if installed, the Windows 11 KB5012643 preview update might cause certain applications that support the framework to break. The apps might not work properly or might fail to open altogether, PCGamer added.

Related Videos
A laptop sits on a desk with a Windows 11 wallpaper.

Microsoft has not shared exactly which major applications have been affected; however, the brand did note that associated 3.5 framework features, such as Windows Communication and Windows Workflow Foundation, seem to be among those affected by the issues in the update.

PCGamer noted that due to the .NET Framework 3.5 connection, various console apps and Windows services, such as its productivity suite of apps, could be among those affected; however, none of this has been confirmed.

There is also no word on what the update was intended to address, only that it is incurring issues now. The general recommendation is that users avoid installing version 21H2 of Windows 11 with the KB5012643 update if they have not done so already.

For those who have installed the update, there is hope, as Microsoft has shared some workarounds users can try while it attends to the issue overall.

Users have the option to uninstall the update if any issues arise, by accessing Windows Update Settings in System Settings. From here users can view their update history and return to a previous system version.

Users can also try to reinstall .NET Framework 3.5 and the Windows Communication Foundation in Windows Features. This can be accessed through the control panel, and Microsoft has detailed instructions on how to perform this fix.

BleepingComputer notes that IT admins and advanced users can launch the following Command Prompt as an administrator, to re-enable the framework.

dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:netfx3 /all
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:WCF-HTTP-Activation
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:WCF-NonHTTP-Activation

Editors' Recommendations

4 Windows 11 accessibility features that make it easier for everyone to use
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

Windows 11 feature some big updates for Microsoft's storied operating system visually, but it has made big strides in accessibility as well. Live Captions, updates to the Narrator, and even full voice access might make Windows 11 the most accessible OS Microsoft has ever released.

Regardless of it you need accessibility features to navigate Windows 11 or if you just want to make getting around a little easier, we tried out a slew of features to bring you our favorites. If you want to browse the full list, you can find it by opening the Settings app in Windows 11 and selecting the Accessibility tab.
Live captions

Read more
PC gamers are flocking to Windows 11, new Steam survey says
Shadow of the Tomb Raider on the Alienware 34 QD-OLED.

According to the latest Steam Hardware and Software Survey, more PC gamers are switching to using Windows 11. Although Windows 10 continues to top the charts, it's slowly losing users to Microsoft's newer operating system, as Windows 11 now compromises over a third of all operating systems in Steam's monthly survey.

It's happy news for Microsoft as Windows 11 continues to inch forward in the Steam Hardware Survey. While the survey doesn't include the software and hardware utilized by each and every gamer on the platform, it still shows us some significant averages. Microsoft has continued to push Windows 11 for new PCs, and the latest survey from Steam suggests that the effort is working.

Read more
5 Windows 11 settings to change right now
Person sitting and using a Windows Surface computer with Windows 11.

Windows 11 is great -- it's worth upgrading to from Windows 10. But as with every version of Windows, it's at its best when you make some tweaks to it. Beyond making Windows 11 look like Windows 10, or customizing the Windows 11 taskbar, there are a few changes anyone can make to Windows 11, and they're changes that everyone should make. In my humble opinion, at least.

So, if you're looking for an upgraded, augmented, and altogether better Windows 11 experience, here are the top five changes you should make to it right now.
Disable tracking and personalization
If, like me, you aren't a fan of deep personalization or data collection on you in general, then like me, you'll be looking for the least-tracked version of Windows you can find. While Windows 11 does collect more data on you than previous versions, you can disable some of it, and restrict the way the operating system automatically personalizes your experience.

Read more