How to Fix Windows Server 2019 error 0x800f0950

In this article, we help you with steps to resolve Windows Server 2019 error 0x800f0950. Read along to know more.

If you are using Windows Server 2019 and facing a few issues concerning its functionality, it may not be a difficult task to address it. However, for the sake of this post, we will discuss the options to address the error 0x800f0950 in this column. If you find the issue affecting you, discover more about how to resolve the problem effectively.

How to Windows Server 2019 error 0x800f0950?

Well, if you think you are being affected with the error, the primary reason that would affect you would be the result of the .NET framework 3.5. While the error may be found affecting Windows Server 2019, you may also find it on the Windows 10, 8 and even 7 client OS’es.

What Makes .NET Framework 3.5 so Important?

Well, the .NET Framework is one of an essential software framework you will be dependent upon for building a host of Windows applications. It provides you access to the best options in addressing the consistent programming model (managed code) for creating effective and efficient applications.

While most of the Windows 8 or 10 installations come with NET Framework 4.5, however, if you have an application that is built using the NET Framework 3.5, they might not work in a system with Framework 4.5 support. That is precisely where you would need access to the NET Framework 3.5. These applications will not run and throw dependency errors on your system until you install the .NET Framework 3.5 on your system.

The error 0x800f0950 is a clear indication of the lack of these framework elements and can effectively be resolved if you follow any of the following fixes and solutions.

Fix 1 – resolve the error using Command Prompt

Command Prompt method to resolve the error 0x800f0950 should be the perfect one and one of the most widely used ones. However, do note that you will need to have access to the installation media for Windows if you want to use the method.

Here are the steps involved –

Insert the Windows installation media in the form of either a CD or through a bootable disc format.
Launch Command Prompt. You can employ multiple options to launch a command prompt, though the simplest ones would be to type in cmd in the Windows Search field.
Type in the following command in Command Prompt interface

Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /All /Source:D:sourcessxs /LimitAccess

Please note that you need to change the Drive letter D in the above command with the right drive letter based on which media format you have used.

That does it. The system will pull down the concerned file and install it within your Windows installation.

Fix 2 – Use the Windows features to solve the issue

Another good option that would help address the error message would be to check out the Windows features functionality. This will help you install the additional components that are not installed by default on your system.

Here is how you would be able to use the functionality to resolve the error 0x800f0950 –

Launch RUN dialog box. You can reach this option using several options. You can type in RUN in the Windows search field and choose the right choice from the search results. You can also reach there by pressing Windows key and R simultaneously.
Type in the following command in the RUN dialog box and press ENTER

OptionalFeatures.exe

You should find the option for turning Windows features on or off.
Check the box for NET Framework 3.5
Click on OK and reboot your computer.

That should do it, and the NET Framework will be installed on your computer. Once it does, you should no longer face the error 0x800f0950.

Fix 3 – Install Net Framework through Windows Update

While the first method relies upon installing the .NET framework 3.5 using the Windows installation disk, it may be possible that you do not have access to the installation disc. In such situations, you may not be able to find the feature among the Windows features as well. In such a scenario, you will not be able to access it from the second method as well.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, the Windows Update should ideally be your best bet to resolve the issue and install the NET framework with ease. Here are the steps you should opt for.

Launch Command Prompt. Once again, you can follow any of the methods we have outlined in the above techniques to arrive at the Command Prompt.
Type in the following command and press ENTER

dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3

This command will install the NET Framework 3.5 on your system using Windows Update. It may take time depending upon your internet speed and will be considerably more than the first method we just discussed.

Once that done, you will be able to enable the NET Framework 3.5 using the second method outlined in this tutorial. You will need to reboot Windows though.

Fix 4 – Download the official NET Framework

If installing the NET Framework, 3.5 fails for any reason either using the Windows Update option or opting for the Windows installation media, downloading it should be a perfect option to address the concern.

If you decide to opt for this option, make sure that you are choosing the right source for downloading the installation media. We would recommend you opt for the official Microsoft website for the purpose. We would recommend opting for this official link for accessing the file.

Once you have downloaded the file, execute it, and install the framework. You can enable the framework once it is installed using the second method we have featured above.

The Parting Thoughts

These fixes should ideally help you achieve the best results when it comes to resolving the Windows Server 2019 error 0x800f0950. Now that you are aware that the error is caused as a result of lack of .NET Framework 3.5, any method that relies upon getting you the framework efficiently should help you get back to the best results.

Check out the options and fixes specified in this compilation and arrive at the best possible solution for your requirements. Use the method that best suits you and gets your system back to the functional state.