Garmin Express prompts users to install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 11 due to compatibility issues with the software's installer, even though the latest version of Garmin Express officially requires .NET Framework 4.7 or later[1][2].
The prompt seems to be coming from Windows itself, suggesting that the Garmin Express installer has dependencies or references to older .NET Framework versions that are not actually used by the software[1]. Windows detects these unused references and tries to accommodate them by prompting for the installation of .NET Framework 3.5.
This issue has been reported across multiple versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows 11[2]. It appears to be an ongoing problem that Garmin has not fully addressed in their installer.
Some users have found that installing specific versions of .NET Framework, such as 4.7.2, can resolve the issue even when newer versions like 4.8 are already present[3]. However, this is not a guaranteed fix for all users.
The unnecessary prompt for .NET Framework 3.5 can be frustrating for users and may lead to installation failures, particularly when using package managers like Winget[2]. Garmin needs to update their installer to remove references to older, unnecessary .NET Framework versions to fully resolve these compatibility issues.
Citations:[1] https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express-windows/365504/garmin-express-windows-still-causes-prompt-to-install-net-framework-3-5-which-isn-t-required
[2] https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express-windows/313896/garmin-express-installation-prompts-for-installing-net-framework-3-5-but-does-not-need-it
[3] https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express-windows/328398/net-framework-and-windows-11
[4] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/net-framework-452-problem/252f85f6-4e56-41d4-b79f-2cac5c799d38
[5] https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=2TGeapPjJ6037l0VAIlkz6