Ever got a pop-up saying you need to update or get a .NET thing to run a game or some software? Like when trying to start Baldur’s Gate 3 with LariLauncher, it might say, “You must install or update .Net to run this application. The framework “Microsoft.NETCore.App“, version “6.0.0” was not found. Would you like to download it now?” And it usually sends you to a download site starting with aka.ms. This piece will tell you all about what this .NET Core framework is, why you need it, if it’s okay to put it on your computer, and how to safely get and set it up.
Also see: How to Check .NET Framework Version in Windows 11
Page Contents
What’s Microsoft.NETCore.App 6.0.0?
Microsoft.NETCore.App 6.0.0 is a fancy version of the .NET Core framework from Microsoft. It’s what came after the .NET Framework and lets you make all sorts of apps like web apps, mobile backends, desktop apps, and even game software.
.NET has a bunch of libraries and an environment for apps to run in. The version 6.0.0 is special because it brought new features, improvements, and better performance for apps using it.
Lots of new games and apps, like LariLauncher, need this framework to work right. They need certain features or libraries from this specific version, and that’s why you might see that error message if you don’t have it.
Linked issue: Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library Error on Windows 11/10
Why do you need it?
If you’re trying to start an app or game made with .NET 6.0, it looks for certain things only found in this version. Without it, the app might not run right or could act weird.
For games, .NET helps make everything smooth, like updating the game, connecting online, and managing game stuff. Not having the right .NET version can mess up these processes, making your game experience not as good.
Is it okay to download and install?
It’s normal to worry about downloading software these days. But, if we’re talking about Microsoft.NETCore.App 6.0.0 or any .NET version, it’s a “yes” – as long as you get it from the right places.
The link with “aka.ms” is safe because it’s from Microsoft. It takes you to Microsoft’s official domain. So, if you see this link in your error message, it’s legit.
But, always be smart about where you get your downloads. Stay away from shady websites, random third-party sources, or strange emails.
Useful tip: How to Scan an .exe File for Viruses to Check If It’s Safe
Where to download Microsoft.NETCore.App 6.0.0?
If you get the error message with an “aka.ms” link, go ahead and click it. It’ll take you straight to the official Microsoft site. But if you’d rather go there on your own or learn more first, just head over to Microsoft’s official .NET download page.
- Go to the .NET 6.0 official download page at
https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/6.0, or just search “Microsoft .NET 6.0 Download” online. - Find the “.NET Desktop Runtime 6.0.x” release in the list.
- Choose the right download link for your operating system. For example, for Windows 11, pick “Windows x64“.
Always stick to official or known places for your software to keep your files safe and real.
How to install Microsoft.NETCore.App 6.0.0?
After downloading the file, installing it is easy:
- Find the downloaded file, usually in your “Downloads” folder.
- Double-click the “windowsdesktop-runtime-6.0.21-win-x64.exe” file (or similar) to start installing.
- A window will show up. Just follow what it says.
- You might have to pick some options or settings. Go with what you need.
- Click “Next” through everything and then “Install”. It’ll start putting the framework on your computer.
- After you finish installing, your computer might ask you to “Restart” to make sure all the changes work well. Before you do that, make sure you’ve saved everything you were working on. Then go ahead and restart your computer.
So, to sum up
It’s pretty common to see error messages about .NET versions, like the Microsoft.NETCore.App 6.0.0 issue, especially when you’re trying to run some games or software. These programs need specific .NET versions to work properly. If you see one of these errors, it usually means your computer doesn’t have the .NET framework or runtime it needs.
To fix this issue, just download and install the .NET version you need. But, make sure to always download from trustworthy places, like Microsoft’s own website, to be on the safe side. Once you’ve got the right .NET version in place, your game or software should work just fine.
