If Xeno does nothing when you double-click it, or Windows shows an error about .NET Desktop Runtime, you are missing the runtime that powers Xeno's interface. The official Xeno tutorial confirms .NET Runtime 8.0 is a required dependency [citation:2].
Which Version Xeno Needs
Xeno requires .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0 (x64). This is not the same as the older .NET Framework that ships with Windows. You need the modern .NET runtime installer from Microsoft [citation:2][citation:3].
Use this official Microsoft link:
Download .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime
On the Microsoft page, scroll to the .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.x section and download the Windows x64 installer [citation:1].
Installation Steps
- Run the downloaded
windowsdesktop-runtime-8.0.x-win-x64.exefile. - Click Install and wait for it to finish.
- Restart your PC. The runtime needs a reboot to register properly.
- Launch Xeno as Administrator and try again.
Already Installed but Xeno Still Won't Open?
If the runtime shows in your installed apps but Xeno still fails, the installation may be corrupted. The official Xeno guide recommends running the .NET installer again and choosing Repair [citation:2].
- Run the same .NET 8 installer again.
- When the setup screen appears, click Repair instead of Install.
- Let it finish, restart your PC, then try Xeno again.
Still not opening? The other required dependency is the Visual C++ Redistributable. Install both, restart, then try again. If Xeno opens but won't attach, see Xeno Not Attaching.