| Feature | .NET Framework | Windows Desktop Runtime (Modern .NET) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Yes (Windows Update) | No (Redistributable) | | Versioning | In-place (single version) | Side-by-side (multiple versions) | | Installation | Admin rights required | Can be user-local | | App Size | Small (relies on system) | Framework-dependent: small; Self-contained: large | | Support for AoT | No (NGEN only) | Yes (NativeAOT in .NET 8+) |
When distributing an application that uses the Windows Desktop Runtime, developers choose one of two modes: window desktop runtime
Microsoft offers several versions of the .NET runtime, each tailored for different tasks: | Feature |
The Windows Desktop Runtime is the reconciliation of this conflict. It is the vehicle for "Desktop Bridge" technologies and, more specifically, the delivery mechanism for .NET Core and later .NET 5/6/7+ applications. Unlike the traditional .NET Framework, which was deeply integrated into the OS and updated rarely, the Windows Desktop Runtime is decoupled from the operating system. It can be updated independently, much like a web browser. It can be updated independently, much like a web browser