Fix: You Must Install or Update .NET to Run This Application (Microsoft.NETCore.App 7.0)
While opening a software or game on Windows, many users suddenly face this error:
You must install or update .NET to run this application.
Framework: Microsoft.NETCore.App
Version: 7.0
Architecture: x86
This error can be confusing, especially if you already have .NET installed on your system. The good news is — this problem is very easy to fix once you install the correct .NET runtime.
Why Does This Error Appear?
This error occurs when an application requires a specific version of the .NET runtime that is missing from your system. Even if you have another .NET version installed, the software will not run unless the exact required runtime is available.
Common reasons include:
- .NET 7.0 Desktop Runtime not installed
- Wrong system architecture (x86 vs x64)
- Outdated or incomplete .NET installation
- Fresh Windows installation
What You Need to Fix This Error
To solve this issue, you must install:
- Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 7.0
- Correct architecture: x86 (32-bit)
Once installed, the error disappears immediately.
Watch video tutorials here:
Download Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 7.0
Download the official Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 7.0
⬇ Download .NET 7.0 RuntimeOfficial Microsoft download – Safe & Secure
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the .NET Core App Error
Step 1: Close the Error Message
When the error appears, simply click on the No or Close button.
Step 2: Open Your Browser
Launch any web browser and go to the official Microsoft .NET website.
Step 3: Navigate to .NET Downloads
On the website, click on the Download option and scroll down to view all available .NET versions.
Step 4: Select Out of Support Versions
Since .NET 7.0 is now listed under older versions, click on Out of support versions.
Step 5: Choose .NET 7.0
From the list, locate .NET 7.0 and open its download page.
Step 6: Download Desktop Runtime (x86)
Scroll down and find .NET Desktop Runtime 7.0. Select the x86 version (required for 32-bit applications).
If the download does not start automatically, click the manual download link.
Install .NET Desktop Runtime 7.0
Step 1: Open the Downloaded File
Once downloaded, open your Downloads folder and double-click the installer file.
Step 2: Start Installation
Click on Install, then confirm by clicking Yes when prompted.
Step 3: Finish Installation
The installation will complete within a minute. Click Close once done.
Verify the Fix
Now reopen the software or game that was showing the error.
🎉 Boom! The application should now open without any error, confirming that the issue is fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to uninstall older .NET versions?
No. Multiple .NET versions can exist on the same system without issues.
What if I install x64 instead of x86?
If the application requires x86, installing x64 will not fix the error. Always match the architecture mentioned in the error message.
Is .NET 7.0 safe to install?
Yes. It is an official Microsoft runtime and completely safe.
Final Words
The “You must install or update .NET to run this application” error is not serious and can be fixed in just a few minutes. Installing the correct Microsoft.NETCore.App 7.0 Desktop Runtime instantly resolves the issue.
If this guide helped you, feel free to explore more troubleshooting tutorials on our blog.
Thanks for reading. See you in the next guide — goodbye!