If you’re a developer, you need the , not the Desktop Runtime. For end users — the Desktop Runtime is exactly what you need. Last updated: October 2025 (based on current .NET release schedule). Always check for newer 6.0.x versions, as Microsoft may have released 6.0.37 or higher.
If you’ve encountered an error saying “You must install or update .NET Desktop Runtime” when launching a Windows application, you likely need Microsoft Windows Desktop Runtime version 6.0.36 . This specific release is part of the .NET 6.0 framework — a critical component for running many modern desktop apps built with C#, WPF, or WinForms.