The is not available as a separate download for Windows Server 2016 because this operating system includes .NET Framework 4.6 (or higher) by default . Since .NET Framework 4.x versions are in-place updates , a newer version like 4.6 or 4.8 is fully backwards compatible with applications designed for 4.5. Why You Can't Download .NET 4.5 for Server 2016
You cannot install an older version of the 4.x framework if a later version is already present. The is not available as a separate download
26 Apr 2024 — Table_title: Server operating systems Table_content: header: | Operating system | Compatible editions | Preinstalled with the OS | Microsoft Learn 26 Apr 2024 — Table_title: Server operating systems
Windows Server 2016 ships with .NET Framework 4.6.2 pre-installed. For the best security and performance, Microsoft recommends
Microsoft officially retired .NET Framework 4.5 on April 26, 2022, and it is no longer supported . How to Run .NET 4.5 Apps on Windows Server 2016
Navigate to the Features section of the Add Roles and Features Wizard.
For the best security and performance, Microsoft recommends upgrading to , which supports all .NET 4.x apps on Windows Server 2016. Windows Server 2016 Compatibility .NET 4.5 Not Installable (Older than OS default) .NET 4.6.2 Pre-installed (Included in-box) .NET 4.8 Supported & Recommended NET Framework system requirements - Microsoft Learn