.NET Framework Client Profile

The .NET Framework 4 and earlier versions provided two deployment options: the full .NET Framework and the Client Profile, which was a subset of the .NET Framework that was optimized for client applications. The Client Profile enabled faster deployment and smaller app installation packages.

Starting with the .NET Framework 4.5, the Client Profile has been discontinued and only the full redistributable package is available. Optimizations provided by the .NET Framework 4.5, such as smaller download size and faster deployment, have eliminated the need for a separate deployment package. The single redistributable streamlines the installation process and simplifies your app's deployment options.

However, if you are targeting the .NET Framework 4 or 3.5 and want to learn more about the Client Profile and when to use it, see .NET Framework Client Profile in the .NET Framework 4 documentation.

When you install the .NET Framework 4.5, the .NET Framework 4 Client Profile is updated to the full version of the .NET Framework. For information about installing the .NET Framework 4.5, see Installing the .NET Framework 4.5.