How to temporarily block the installation of .NET Framework 4.7.1

This article describes how to temporarily block the installation of Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.1 and its corresponding language packs on all supported platforms.

The .NET Framework 4.7.1 is an in-place upgrade to versions 4, 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.61, 4.6.2, and 4.7 of .NET Framework.

Some customers may have a business requirement to block the automatic installation through Windows Update of .NET Framework 4.7.1 in their managed environments. This article describes how to perform this blocking action.

Note After you complete the steps in the "Resolution" section, .NET Framework 4.7.1 and its corresponding language packs will no longer be offered through Windows Update.

The .NET Framework 4.7.1 is still available through Windows Update and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). The .NET Framework 4.7.1 is categorized as a recommended update on these platforms.

Important We strongly recommend that you do not block the installation of .NET Framework 4.7.1. However, you may have a business reason to temporarily block the installation. For example, you may require more time to test line-of-business applications in your environment. In such a situation, you can modify the registry to temporarily block this installation.

Temporarily block the installation

Important Follow the steps in this section carefully. Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Before you modify it, back up the registry for restoration in case problems occur.

Note For security, stability, reliability, and servicing reasons, we recommend that you do not maintain this block for an extended time.

1. Back up the registry.
2. Start Registry Editor. To do this, select Start, type regedit, and then press Enter.
3. Locate and select the following subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP
4. After you select this subkey, point to New on the Edit menu, and then select Key.
5. Type WU, and then press Enter.
6. Right-click WU, point to New, and then select DWORD Value.
7. Type BlockNetFramework471, and then press Enter.
8. Right-click BlockNetFramework471, and then select Modify.
9. In the Value data box, type 1, and then select OK.
10. On the File menu, select Exit to exit Registry Editor.

Note Organizations do not have to modify the registry in environments that are managed through an update management solution, such as Microsoft WSUS or System Center Configuration Manager. Organizations can use these products to fully manage the deployment of updates that are released through Windows Update or Microsoft Update. The procedure that's discussed in this article is necessary only for computers that directly connect to and receive updates from Windows Update.