Net Desktop Runtime 6 Access

In short: If an application has a classic Windows window with buttons you click, there’s a high chance it requires the Desktop Runtime.

| Component | Purpose | Includes UI libraries? | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (generic) | Runs console apps, background services, web APIs. | ❌ No | | .NET Desktop Runtime | Runs WinForms & WPF Windows apps. | ✅ Yes (WinForms/WPF) | | .NET SDK | For developers to build apps (includes runtimes + compilers). | ✅ Yes (for development) |

dotnet --list-runtimes