Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.1

It gives Windows applications that depend on .NET Framework the runtime environment they need to operate. Rather than serving as a standalone productivity application, it supplies shared framework components for programs built on compatible .NET Framework releases.

The .NET Framework platform supports development for Windows, the web, and Microsoft Azure. Its technologies include Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for desktop interfaces, ADO.NET for working with data, and Entity Framework for model-first or database-first development. It also supports applications and workflows involving Windows services, SQL Server, connection strings, configuration files, connection pooling, DataReaders, and DataTables.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.1 is intended for Windows users running applications that require this framework environment, as well as developers creating such software. The current version is 4.6.01055.20170308, described as a compatibility-focused, in-place update associated with earlier .NET Framework versions. Microsoft provides Windows-oriented guidance for the framework, including installation information for Windows 11, while the product itself targets the Windows platform. It is published by Microsoft under a freeware license, making it available as a no-cost system software component.