In this tutorial, we will learn how to download and install .Net Core or Dot Net Core. The downloads consist of three parts. The SDK, runtime & Hosting bundle. Learn the difference between the SDK, Runtime & Hosting bundle. We have also listed dependencies that you must install before. Also the list of supported OS. ASP.NET Core is not a separate download. It is installed as part of the .NET core.
Table of Content
Download .NET Core
You can download NET Core from the link https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet-core
As of the writing of this article .NET Core 3.1 is the latest stable version. Choose the recommended version from the list. Also, make sure to check whether your OS supports the version by scrolling down to the Supported OS Section
The section contains 3 downloads underlined in red.
Difference Between SDK Vs Runtime Vs Hosting Bundle
SDK
The SDK stands for Software Development Kit contains the everything you need to build and run .NET Core Applications. You can build app either using command-line tools or using any editor like Visual Studio/Visual Studio Code.
SDK also includes the runtime
Runtime
The Run time includes everything you need to run a .NET core Applications.
The SDK is to build the App. The Runtime is to run the App.
Runtime & Hosting Bundle
The Hosting bundle is required if you wish the ASP.NET Core web application on the IIS Server. It also contains the .NET Core run time.
.NET Core Dependencies
The .NET Core has a dependency on the following Packages.
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Update 3
This is automatically installed by the Installer. but if you are installing by a script or deploying the .NET core self-contained app. Installing via a Source, then you need to install this
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2999226/update-for-universal-c-runtime-in-windows
For Windows 7, 8.1 & Windows Server 2012 R2
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2533623/microsoft-security-advisory-insecure-library-loading-could-allow-remot
For Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.
Supported OS
Windows
| OS | .NET Core |
| Windows 7SP1+ | All |
| Windows 8.1 | All |
| Windows 10 Version 1609+ | All |
| Nano Server Version 1803+ | >=.NET Core 2.2 |
macOS
| OS | .NET Core |
| Mac OS X 10.15 | .NET Core 3.1 .NET Core 2.1 |
| Mac OS X 10.14 | .NET Core 3.1 .NET Core 2.1 |
| Mac OS X 10.13 | .NET Core 3.1 .NET Core 2.1 |
| Mac OS X 10.12 | NET Core 1.0 .NET Core 2.2 |
Ubuntu
| OS | Architecture | .NET Core |
| Ubuntu 16.04+,18.04, 20.04 | x64, ARM32, ARM64 | .NET Core 3.0 |
| Ubuntu 18.10, 18.04, 16.04 | x64, ARM32 | .NET Core 2.2 |
| Ubuntu 19.04, 18.04, 16.04 | x64, ARM32 | .NET Core 2.1 |
| Ubuntu 16.04, 18.04 (1.1) | x64 | .NET Core 1.0 |
Debian
| OS | Architecture | .NET Core |
| Debian 10+ | x64, ARM32, ARM64 | .NET Core 3.1 .NET Core 2.1 |
| Debian 9+ | x64, ARM32, ARM64 | .NET Core 3.1 .NET Core 2.1 |
| Debian 8.2+ | x64 | .NET Core 1.0 |
Install .NET Core
Installing .Net Core is quite straight forward. Double click on the Downloaded Installer
Click on Install to begin the installation.
It will take some time. In the end, you will see the installation successful window. It will give you the details of the component installed.
How to find out which .Net Core version is installed on your PC
Open the folder C:\Program Files\dotnet\sdk or C:\Program Files (x86)\dotnet\sdk. You should be able to see all the Dot net Core versions installed in your PC
You can check the version of the Dot net core runtime from the folder C:\Program Files\dotnet\shared\Microsoft.NETCore.App
Path to dotnet.exe using where
dotnet --info will give you more information is about the .Net core installation as shown below
