dotnet is not recognized as an internal or external command

# dotnet is not recognized as an internal or external command

The error "'dotnet' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file" occurs for 2 main reasons:

1. Not having .NET installed.
2. Not having .NET added to your PATH environment variable.

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'dotnet' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

The term 'dotnet' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program.

To install .NET and add it to your PATH environment variable:

1. Go to the .NET downloads page and click on the ".NET SDK" button to download the installer.

2. Start the installer and click on the "Install" button.

3. If you already have .NET installed, click on the "Repair" button instead.

4. Make sure to close any existing command prompts and PowerShell instances for the PATH variable to get updated.

5. Open a new CMD shell and try running the dotnet command.

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dotnet --version

dotnet new console -o MyApp

cd MyApp

If the error persists, you have to manually add dotnet to your PATH environment variable.

1. Click on the Search bar and type "environment variables".
2. Click on "Edit the system environment variables".

3. Click on the "Environment Variables" button.

4. In the "System variables" section, select the "Path" variable and click "Edit".

5. Click on "New" and then click "Browse".

6. Your dotnet directory is most likely located under C:\Program Files\dotnet.

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C:\Program Files\dotnet

7. Add the path to dotnet and click on "OK" twice to confirm.

8. Close your Command prompt application and then reopen it.

You might also have to restart your PC, but that's not always necessary.

Open a new CMD shell and try running the dotnet command.

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dotnet --version

dotnet new console -o MyApp

cd MyApp

# Conclusion

To solve the error "'dotnet' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file", make sure:

1. You have .NET installed on your Windows machine.
2. You have .NET added to your PATH environment variable.