Microsoft .NEt Framework Installation process sometimes ends up with this error message “Download failed” along with the Error Code 0x800F0906 in the error prompt. Don’t worry. This is nothing unusual and can be solved very easily. Just follow our instructions step-by-step and you can successfully install the Framework files.
Fix 1 – Use the .NET Framework offline installer
If you are facing this problem with the normal installer that downloads the package over the internet, you directly get the standalone installer and install it offline.
Step 1 – So, we are going to download the particular .NET Framework package as an offline installer. You can directly google it mentioning the package version, like this – “.NET Framework 4.8 offline installer“.
Step 2 – Usually, the first few links should be to Microsoft’s official sites. So, click the first one in the list.
[WARNING – These search results also contain some unofficial, third-party website links. Do not open those or download anything except the official Microsoft website. These links, sometimes, are malicious and might contain PUPs or any other infections.]
Step 3 – Once you are in the Microsoft download center, scroll down and you shall see the downloading link.
Step 4 – Tap it to start downloading the package.
These files are usually larger than the normal installer files. But, it should download within a few minutes.
Do not close the browser until the downloading process is complete.
Step 5 – Open the File Explorer. You can very easily do that using the Win key+E keys together.
Step 6 – Once it opens up, head on to the directory where you have downloaded the package. Then, double-tap that to initialize the process.
Windows should load up the installer within a few seconds. Now, just go through the process following the steps on the installer setup.
This way, the installer file won’t download any files over the internet and doesn’t even need to do that. You won’t see the “Download failed” error message with the Error Code 0x800F0906 .
Fix 2 – Change the optional component policy
If you are part of a domain that is controlled by some group policies, there is a policy that may block the component installation. So, what you have to do is to enable it and set it to the WU process.
Step 1 – Press the Win+R keys together.
Step 2 – Then, write down this and hit Enter.
gpedit.msc
Step 3 – Now, get to this point from the left pane.
Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System
Step 4 – Now, if you scroll down on the right-hand pane, look for the “Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair” policy. Double-tap that policy to edit it.
Step 5 – Choose the “Enabled” setting.
Step 6 – Then, make sure to tick the “Contact Windows Update directly to download repair content instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)“ box.
Step 7 – After this, tap “Apply” and “OK“.
Exit the Group Policy page and make sure to restart the system.
Fix 3 – Update the system
All the crucial .NET Framework updates come through the Windows Update process. So, if you are facing the 0x800F0906 error code, consider installing all the pending updates on your system.
Step 1 – Search for “Windows Update” in the box.
Step 2 – After this, click the “Check for updates” option.
Wait until Windows detects the latest update package and downloads it. Wait until it is downloaded and installed.
Windows does need to be restarted. So, restart your computer when the updates are installed. This way, you can install the latest version of the .NET Framework.