Windows 11 users may want to fend off installing one of the more recent preview updates, KB5012643, as Microsoft has warned users that they might experience issues in launching and using the .NET Framework 3.5 applications.
The .NET Framework 3.5 applications only impacts systems running on Windows 11, version 21H2, where users have installed the KB5012643 optional preview cumulative update, according to BleepingComputer.
Although it is best to avoid installing the KB5012643 preview, for now, there are some workarounds available to fix the issue.
What are the Options for Those who Installed Windows 11 Preview Update?
There is hope for those who have installed the Windows 11 Preview Update. Microsoft has shared some workarounds users can try while it attends to the issue in general.
If any issue arises, users have the option to uninstall the problematic KB5012643 update and restore their .NET Framework 3.5 apps' functionality.
This can be done by accessing Windows Update Settings in System Settings. From there, users can view their update history, hit Uninstall Update, then click "Uninstall" after selecting the KB5012643 update from the list.
Reenabling .NET Framework 3.5 and the Windows Communication Foundation in Windows Features is another option for users of Windows 11. This can be accessed through the control panel.
The BleepingComputer said that IT admins and advanced users can also do reenabling via an elevated Command Prompt.
Read Also: Microsoft May Have Abandoned Movable Taskbars for Windows 11
What Are the Affected Apps?
Microsoft revealed on the Windows health dashboard that after installing KB5012643, some .NET Framework 3.5 apps might have issues or might fail to open.
According to Digital Trends, Microsoft has not shared exactly which major applications have been affected. However, the company noted 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.
Microsoft also addressed another known issue triggered after installing this Windows non-security update, which lead to flickering screen problems in Safe Mode without Networking, as per the BleepingComputer report.
Some Windows apps like File Explorer, Start Menu, and Taskbar seem to be unstable while running in Safe Mode due to the KB5012643 update.
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, according to PCGamer. But none of this has been confirmed yet.
There is also no information yet as to what the update intended to address, only that it is incurring issues now, said Digital Trends.
Despite the available workaround, Microsoft generally recommends that users should avoid installing version 21H2 of Windows 11 with the KB5012643 update if they have not done so already.
In addition to the workarounds, Microsoft is working to resolve this issue. The PCGamer noted that the .NET Framework 3.5 is set to be given main support for two more years now, with five years of extended support to follow, thus it is not going anywhere anytime soon.
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