Understanding .NET Framework Compatibility for SQL Server Versions Including SQL Server CLR 15.0.200.5

This article outlines the .NET Framework requirements for various SQL Server versions, starting from SQL Server 2005, and provides essential information regarding sql server clr 15.0.200.5 compatible configurations. Understanding these requirements is crucial for ensuring smooth setup and operation of your SQL Server environment.

Original product version: SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2017, SQL Server 2014, SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2005
Original KB number: 2027770

.NET Framework Prerequisites for SQL Server: An Overview

Different SQL Server versions necessitate specific .NET Framework versions as a prerequisite for installation. The installation process itself can also vary across different Windows operating systems. For contemporary SQL Server releases, detailed hardware and software prerequisites, including .NET Framework specifications, are readily available in official documentation.

However, for SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier iterations, .NET Framework requirements are edition-specific. This article aims to clarify these requirements, providing you with the necessary guidance to install the correct .NET Framework version for your chosen SQL Server edition, ensuring optimal functionality and addressing concerns about sql server clr 15.0.200.5 compatible setups where applicable to newer versions.

To determine the appropriate .NET Framework for your SQL Server setup, follow these steps:

Consult Table 1 in the Microsoft .NET Framework Prerequisites for SQL Server 2008 R2 and Earlier Versions section to identify the .NET Framework version required for your specific SQL Server version and edition.
Verify if the .NET Framework is pre-installed as part of your operating system or if it needs to be downloaded separately from Microsoft’s download center, as detailed in Table 2 in the .NET Frameworks for SQL Server on Various Operating Systems and Download Links section.
Refer to the last column of Table 2 to check for any special installation procedures on your target operating system. If indicated as “Yes,” consult the subsequent sections of this document for detailed instructions. If “No” is indicated, you can download the corresponding .NET Framework from the provided link in Table 2 and proceed with installation.

Note: Support for .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 concluded on April 26, 2022.

SQL Server 2016 (13.x) and subsequent versions, including those relevant to sql server clr 15.0.200.5 compatible considerations, require .NET Framework 4.6 for core components like Database Engine, Master Data Services, or Replication. SQL Server setup typically handles .NET Framework installation automatically. Upgrading to .NET 4.8 Framework or directly installing .NET 4.8 Framework is also a viable option and often recommended for enhanced compatibility and security. It’s important to note that all frameworks within the major version 4 family offer in-place upgrades and maintain backward compatibility. For further details, refer to Download .NET Framework 4.8 | Free official downloads (microsoft.com).
SQL Server 2014 and SQL Server 2012 utilize .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, which enjoys support until 2029, meaning the aforementioned retirement notice does not impact these versions.

Microsoft .NET Framework Prerequisites for SQL Server 2008 R2 and Earlier Versions

The following table provides a concise overview of .NET Framework version requirements for different SQL Server versions and editions. It clarifies whether the .NET Framework is included with the SQL Server product media and if it’s automatically installed during the setup process.

Table 1:

SQL version or Edition	.NET Framework version	Included with the product?	Installed as part of setup?
SQL Server 2005 (all Editions)	2.0	Yes	No
SQL Server 2008 Express (core)	2.0 SP2	No	No
SQL Server 2008 on Windows Server 2003, (64-bit), IA-64	2.0 SP2	Yes	Yes
SQL Server 2008 (all other Editions)	3.5 SP1	Yes	Yes

It’s important to note that the Setup program does not automatically install .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 on systems running Windows Server 2008 R2 Edition for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 Failover Cluster and Express Edition installations. For specific guidance on enabling .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 on these operating systems, consult How to Install or Enable .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 on Windows.

Image alt text: Add Features Wizard window in Windows Server 2008 R2, highlighting the .NET Framework 3.5.1 Features option for manual installation.

.NET Frameworks for SQL Server on Windows Server 2008 R2 and Earlier Operating Systems

Table 2 details whether the necessary .NET Framework for your SQL Server edition and version is included within the target operating system. It also indicates if any supplementary steps are needed to install or enable the Framework and provides download links for the respective .NET Framework redistributable packages.

Table 2:

.NET version	Version number	Included with operating system	Default with operating systems	Installed with Visual Studio .NET	Redist or download link	Are special procedures required to install redist?
2.0	2.0.50727.42	Windows Server 2003 R2	None	Microsoft Visual Studio 2005	N/A	No
3.5 SP1	3.5.30729.1	Windows Server 2008 R2	None	None	3.5 SP1	Yes, for Windows Server 2008 R2

How to Install or Enable .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 on Windows

For installing .NET Framework on Windows 8 and later operating systems, including considerations for sql server clr 15.0.200.5 compatible environments which often run on newer OS versions, please review Install the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8.

In Windows Server 2008 R2, .NET Framework is managed as a feature, and its installation differs from prior Windows versions. The subsequent procedure details how to confirm if .NET Framework 3.5.1 is installed and how to install it if it’s not present.

Determining if .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is Installed

To check for the presence of .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows Server 2008 R2:

Navigate to Start > Administrative Tools > Server Manager.
Select Features in the Server Manager interface to view installed features in the right-hand pane.
Examine the list to confirm if .NET Framework 3.5.1 is listed as an installed feature.

If .NET Framework 3.5.1 is not listed, utilize either Method 1 or Method 2 below for installation.

Method 1: Utilizing Server Manager for Installation

Within Server Manager, click Add Features to display the list of available features.
In the Select Features window, expand the .NET Framework 3.5.1 Features entry.
Upon expansion, you will see two checkboxes: one for .NET Framework 3.5.1 and another for WCF Activation. Select the checkbox adjacent to .NET Framework 3.5.1, and then click Next.

Note: If you mistakenly check the main .NET Framework 3.5.1 Features item without expanding it, the Add Features Wizard will launch. If this occurs, click Cancel, expand .NET Framework 3.5.1 Features, and then select the .NET Framework 3.5.1 checkbox.
Installation of .NET Framework 3.5.1 Features is contingent upon having the necessary role services and features installed. The system will prompt you to install these dependencies if they are missing.
In the Confirm Installation Selections window, review your choices and click Install.
Allow the installation process to complete and then click Close.

Method 2: Installation via Windows PowerShell

Click Start > All Programs > Accessories.
Expand Windows PowerShell, right-click Windows PowerShell, and select Run as administrator. Confirm your action by clicking Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
At the PowerShell command prompt, execute the following commands sequentially, pressing ENTER after each:

Import-Module ServerManager
Add-WindowsFeature as-net-framework

Image alt text: Windows PowerShell command prompt displaying successful execution of commands to install .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows Server 2008 R2.