Coding⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: The current .NET SDK does not support targeting .NET Standard 2.0 error in Visual Studio 2017 update 15.3

NET Standard 2.0 not supported in Visual Studio 2017 update 15.3

Quick Answer: Try using the .NET Core SDK instead, as it supports .NET Standard 2.0 out of the box.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The current .NET SDK does not support targeting .NET Standard 2.0 in Visual Studio 2017 update 15.3, which affects developers who want to create class library projects with this target framework.

This issue is frustrating because it prevents developers from utilizing the benefits of .NET Standard 2.0, such as improved compatibility and reduced dependencies. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions that can help resolve this problem.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that Microsoft has discontinued support for .NET Standard 2.0 in Visual Studio 2017 update 15.3. This means that the .NET Framework 4.7 SDK and targeting pack are not sufficient to target .NET Standard 2.0.
  • Another alternative reason is that some developers may have installed a version of the .NET Framework 4.7 SDK or targeting pack that does not include support for .NET Standard 2.0.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Manually Install and Configure .NET Core 3.1 SDK

  1. Step 1: Download and install the .NET Core 3.1 SDK from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Step 2: Update the .NET Core 3.1 SDK to the latest version, as this will ensure compatibility with .NET Standard 2.0.
  3. Step 3: Configure Visual Studio 2017 to use the .NET Core 3.1 SDK by going to Tools > Options > Projects and Solutions > General > Platform for new and existing projects.

Use a Third-Party Package Manager

  1. Step 1: Install a third-party package manager, such as NuGet or .NET CLI, which supports .NET Standard 2.0.
  2. Step 2: Configure the package manager to use the desired target framework by running commands such as `dotnet new classlib -f netstandard2.0`.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps, developers can resolve the issue and create class library projects with .NET Standard 2.0 in Visual Studio 2017 update 15.3.

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