XNA Game Studio leverages the Visual C# Express development environment, extending it for game development. You can install Visual C# Express from the Microsoft Express Editions Web site.

XNA Game Studio requires the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5. The setup program for Microsoft Visual C# 2008 Express Edition will install the .NET Framework if it is not already installed on your computer. You can also install the .NET Framework from the Microsoft .NET Framework Developer Center.