Runtime for programs built for .NET Framework 2.0 (final Service Pack 2). Today .NET 2.0 is included in .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 – install that instead.
Programs that do the same job and are available today.
The Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 redistributable package installs the .NET Framework runtime and associated files required to run applications developed to target the .NET Framework 2.0. Service Pack 2 was the final update of this version.
The .NET Framework version 2.0 improved the scalability and performance of applications with improved caching, application deployment and updating with ClickOnce, and support for the broadest array of browsers and devices with ASP.NET 2.0 controls and services.
How to get .NET 2.0 today. The separate .NET Framework 2.0 package is no longer needed or offered on its own. The .NET Framework 2.0 runtime is included in .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, which Microsoft still supports until 9 January 2029. On Windows 10 and Windows 11, turn on ".NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)" in "Turn Windows features on or off" to run programs that need .NET 2.0.