How to avoid receiving .NET 4+ through Windows Update?

For compatibility reasons, I need my system (Windows 7) without any .NET higher than 3.5.

Unfortunately, it seems that Windows Update will automatically update the .NET framework. While I can uninstall the framework again, Windows Update will keep buggering me with .NET 4 related updates and patches.

How can I set it up in such a way that .NET 3.5 stays the latest version of the .NET framework installed?

Solution 1:

• Right-click My Computer and select Properties
• Click on Windows Update at the bottom the column to the left
• Click on the button Search for updates
• When you get the list of updates, right-click on the .NET Framework 4.x update
• Select Hide update

Now Windows won't remind you to update this again through Windows Update.

Solution 2:

Installing .Net 4 shouldn't effect an application targeted at .Net 3.5. This works with .Net 2 as well. They install side by side.

Here is a reference to the Microsoft .Net framework blog article about it:

That being said, turning off automatic updates is an option that should prevent it. If you try to run any app targeted at 4 it'll prompt you to install the framework though.