The error message
“To run this application, you first must install one of the following versions of the .NET Framework”appears when attempting to launch a program that depends on specific .NET Framework components.
This issue occurs due to missing, corrupted, damaged, or blocked .NET Framework components within Windows. Other possible reasons include a corrupted user profile, Windows failing to load .NET components, or damage caused by incomplete Windows updates.
A single broken or disabled component within the .NET Framework can stop the entire environment from functioning, as it provides essential libraries required by many applications.
Author's summary: Fix .NET Framework error with reliable methods.