Introducing the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup

August 15th, 2016

We are making an important change to .NET Framework updates to align with the Windows Monthly Rollup, also announced today. Beginning October 2016, you will be able to install a new update release called the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup. The rollup will update the .NET Framework with the latest security and quality improvements.

The .NET Framework Monthly Rollup is a single install that updates each supported .NET Framework version on a machine to its latest respective update level. Each Monthly Rollup supersedes the last one, so if you’ve missed the last few months of updates, you only need to install the latest rollup to update to the latest update level. The Monthly rollup will not install a new version of the .NET Framework, only security and reliability updates.

Imagine that you have the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and the .NET Framework 4.5.2 installed on your machine. After installing the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup, both of these .NET Framework versions will be updated to their latest update levels and you will still have the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and the .NET Framework 4.5.2 installed, as opposed to higher versions. Upgrading to a higher version such as .NET Framework 4.6.2 is a separate step that is not accomplished with the monthly rollup.

The .NET Framework Monthly Rollup will be available for Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. You can get it via Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services or the Microsoft Update Catalog. It will be released on “Patch Tuesday” each Month, starting in October 2016.

Up until now, there was not an option to install security and reliability updates together, as a single action. Many customers have told us that they want a simple and singular way to to “get current” across all supported .NET Framework versions and operating systems. The .NET Framework Monthly Rollup delivers on this request.

We’ve also heard from customers that they would like it to be easier to install just security updates. That experience has also been improved, with a new .NET Framework Security-only Monthly Update, available via Microsoft Update Catalog and Windows Server Update Services. The security only update will behave the same way as the regular Monthly update. The only difference is that the scope of the updates is more narrow, limited to security-related changes.

The .NET Framework Monthly Rollup is not for Windows 10 but for earlier versions of Windows, as described above. On Windows 10, these same .NET Framework security and reliability updates are included in Monthly Windows Updates, in both security and reliability and security-only flavors, similar to the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup.

.NET Framework Servicing FAQs

You probably want to know more. We’ve provided a first set of questions and answers that we think you may have.

I usually get targeted Hotfix and Reliability rollups from the Download Center. Where do I receive these updates from going forward?

The updates previously included in the Hotfix and Reliability rollups will now be included in the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup.

How can I get the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup?

You can download and install the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup via Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services or Microsoft Update Catalog. The .NET Framework Monthly Rollup will be available on “patch tuesday”, also the same day as the Windows Monthly Rollup.

When do we start receiving the Monthly Update for .NET Framework?

The new Monthly Rollup for .NET Framework will be offered starting October 2016.

Can I opt out of the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup?

Your computer may be vulnerable to documented security issues if you opt-out of installing the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup. You can choose to install the Security-Only Monthly Rollup from Windows Server Update Services or Catalog if you want to install a more scoped set of updates.

Do I need to install previous versions of the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup if I miss a month?

You do not need to install previous .NET Framework Monthly Rollups. The latest one contains updates included in all previous versions.

Why is .NET Framework changing the update model?

The new .NET Framework Monthly Rollup enables you to more easily get up to date with security and reliability improvements. This model minimizes disruption and also provides a cohesive update experience for all .NET Framework versions.

Will the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup apply updates to all the .NET Framework versions on my machine?

‎Yes, the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup will deliver applicable updates to all supported .NET Framework versions on a machine. Updates that are applied will be listed in “Add Remove Programs”.

Will I be forced to update to a newer version of the framework?

The Monthly Rollup for .NET Framework will not upgrade you to a latest .NET Framework version.

What is the estimated size of the Monthly Rollup for .NET Framework?

The Monthly Rollup for .NET Framework will be roughly 60MB.

Can I uninstall the Monthly Rollup for .NET Framework?

You can uninstall the .NET Framework Monthly Rollup via the “Add Remove Programs” panel.

How can I find out which updates are included in each .NET Framework Monthly Rollup?

You can refer to the .NET Bulletin for the list of KBs included in each .NET Framework Rollup. They will also be posted to the .NET Framework blog, including for changes that are included in the Windows 10 Monthly Updates.