Our verdict: The .NET SDK is all you need to build modern C# apps on Windows: one installer gives you the dotnet command, compilers, templates and the runtimes. It works with any editor, from Visual Studio to VS Code or Rider. Pick the LTS release unless you specifically want the newest features.
About .NET SDK
.NET is Microsoft's open-source developer platform, released under the MIT license and stewarded by the .NET Foundation. The SDK includes the dotnet command-line tool, the C#, F# and Visual Basic compilers, MSBuild, NuGet and project templates, plus the .NET runtime and ASP.NET Core runtime needed to run what you build.
Microsoft ships a new major version every November. Even-numbered versions are long-term support (LTS) releases supported for three years, and .NET 10 is the current LTS. Monthly servicing updates bring security fixes. Visual Studio installs its own copy of the SDK; this standalone installer is for VS Code, Rider, command-line and CI use.
What it does well
- dotnet CLI. Creates, builds, tests, runs and publishes projects from the terminal.
- Project templates. Console, ASP.NET Core, Blazor, worker services, class libraries and tests.
- NuGet. Restores and adds packages from nuget.org.
- Runtimes included. Installs the .NET and ASP.NET Core runtimes for running apps.
- Cross-platform. The same projects build on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Who it is for
Good fit
C# and F# developers using VS Code, Rider or the command line, and anyone building .NET apps in CI.
Look elsewhere
People who only want to run a .NET app; the smaller .NET Desktop Runtime is enough for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source (MIT)
- One installer for compilers, CLI and runtimes
- Long-term support releases
- Works with any editor or IDE
Cons
- CLI telemetry is on by default
- Old SDK versions pile up unless removed manually
- Large install for people who only run apps
How to install .NET SDK
Run the installer; it adds dotnet to PATH. Check with dotnet --info in a new terminal. The installer does not remove older SDKs, so uninstall unused versions from Settings > Apps occasionally. Telemetry is on by default; set DOTNET_CLI_TELEMETRY_OPTOUT=1 to turn it off.
Questions about .NET SDK
Is the .NET SDK free?
Yes. .NET is open source under the MIT license and free for any use, including commercial software.
Do I need the SDK or the runtime?
The SDK is for building apps. To only run .NET programs, the .NET Desktop Runtime or ASP.NET Core Runtime is enough.
Which .NET version should I install?
The current LTS release, .NET 10, for most projects. Odd-numbered standard-term releases get newer features but a shorter support period.
