Appfabric 1.1 For Windows Server 64 Msi Download Guide
AppFabric 1.1 is legacy software. While the MSI still exists, you should plan to migrate away from it. Modern alternatives include:
However, if you absolutely need to keep an old LOB application running on Windows Server 2012 R2 – this download and guide will get you there.
This usually occurs if you attempt to install AppFabric 1.1 on an unsupported OS (like Windows
Microsoft AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server is a middleware technology that provides distributed caching and hosting services for .NET applications. While it has officially reached its Extended End of Life (EOL) on April 12, 2022, it remains a critical prerequisite for legacy environments, particularly for SharePoint Server 2013, 2016, and 2019. Direct Download and Official Sources
Microsoft typically bundles the AppFabric installer as an executable (.exe), but the underlying components are installed via MSI packages. You can download the core installer and its latest cumulative updates directly from official Microsoft repositories:
Main Installer: Available via the Microsoft Download Center.
Cumulative Update 7 (KB3092423): This is the final major update package, providing all previous fixes for both hosting and caching services. Download it from the Official Microsoft Download Center.
Hotfix KB3199763: A specific post-CU7 update for hosting services, available at Microsoft Support. How to Extract the 64-bit MSI File
If your installation requires the raw .msi file (often needed for automated deployments or to fix "missing resource" errors during uninstallation), follow this extraction method:
Run the Setup with Help Flag: Open a Command Prompt and run the downloaded executable with the /? flag (e.g., WindowServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe /?).
Locate Temporary Files: While the "Setup Wizard" dialog is open, do not click next. Instead, navigate to the root of your C:\ drive in Windows Explorer.
Copy the GUID Folder: Look for a newly created folder with a random alphanumeric name (e.g., C:\ced4e5c20...). Copy this entire directory to a permanent location.
Find the MSI: Inside your copied folder, navigate to the \packages subfolder. You will find the 64-bit MSI files needed for the caching and hosting features. System Requirements and Compatibility
AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server is a deprecated middleware technology primarily used for caching and hosting Windows Workflow Foundation (WF) and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) services. While Microsoft officially ended mainstream support for AppFabric 1.1 on April 11, 2017, and extended support on April 12, 2022, the software is still relevant for maintaining legacy environments like SharePoint Server 2013, 2016, and 2019. Downloading the 64-bit Installer
The 64-bit MSI (packaged as an .exe wrapper) can still be obtained through official and mirrored sources, though Microsoft has retired several direct landing pages.
Primary Installer: Historically, the main installer was titled WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe.
Cumulative Updates: To ensure a stable installation, you must apply the latest updates after the base install. Cumulative Update 7 (KB3092423) is one of the final major patches available at the Official Microsoft Download Center.
Hotfixes: The most recent maintenance release is Hotfix KB3199763, published as recently as July 2024 to address specific hosting service bugs. Installation Requirements & Tips appfabric 1.1 for windows server 64 msi download
Installing AppFabric on modern operating systems like Windows Server 2016 or 2019 often requires manual intervention due to its older architecture.
OS Compatibility: It natively supports Windows Server 2008 SP2, 2008 R2, and 2012.
Dependencies: You must have .NET Framework 4.5 installed before applying updates.
Common Errors: A frequent issue is Error 1603, which often occurs during SharePoint prerequisite installation. A common workaround involves moving the .exe to the C:/ drive and running it via PowerShell with specific flags:.\WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe /i CacheClient,CachingService,CacheAdmin /gac. Strategic Alternatives
Because AppFabric has reached its End of Life (EOL), Microsoft strongly recommends migrating new and existing applications to modern alternatives:
Redis on Windows: The preferred replacement for the distributed in-memory application cache.
Azure Redis Cache: For organizations moving workloads to the cloud.
Are you looking to install AppFabric for a SharePoint environment, or are you managing a custom legacy .NET application?
Downloading and installing Microsoft AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server (64-bit) requires a specific sequence, as the core installation is an .exe file that can be unpacked to access underlying .msi files or patched with cumulative updates. 1. Download the Installer
You can download the base installer and latest updates directly from the official Microsoft Download Center:
Base Installer: Search for "AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server" on the Microsoft Download Center.
Cumulative Update 7 (Latest): Download Cumulative Update 7 (KB3092423) to ensure you have the most recent bug fixes and features.
Alternative Hotfix: Hotfix KB3199763 is also available for specific hosting service fixes. 2. Extract MSI Files (If Needed)
If you specifically require the .msi files for a scripted or silent installation, you can extract them from the .exe package: Open an elevated Command Prompt.
Navigate to the folder containing your downloaded WindowServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe. Run the command: WindowServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe /?. Leave the setup dialog box open.
Browse to your root drive (e.g., C:\) to find a temporary folder with a random name (like C:\ced4e5...).
Copy the contents of this folder to a permanent location (e.g., C:\AppFabricTemp). This folder contains the .msi files. 3. Installation Guide To avoid common installation failures, follow these steps: AppFabric 1
Pre-requisites: Ensure IIS and ASP.NET 3.5 are installed via Server Manager before starting.
Command Line Install: For environments like SharePoint 2013 that require specific flags, run the following from an admin command prompt:WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe /i CacheClient,CachingService,CacheAdmin /gac.
Apply Updates: After the base installation, run the cumulative update (e.g., AppFabric1.1-RTM-KB2671763-x64-ENU.exe) and reboot your server. Supported Operating Systems
AppFabric 1.1 is primarily designed for older environments, including: Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 Windows Server 2008 R2 / SP2 Windows 7, 8, and Vista (for development/testing only).
Title: The Hunt for AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server (64-bit): Where to Download the MSI in 2024/2025
Intro: The Legacy Dependency If you are maintaining a legacy Windows Server environment—specifically one running SharePoint, N-Layer WCF services, or WF4 workflows—you have probably cursed the name "AppFabric 1.1" at least once.
Despite its age, AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server remains a critical component for applications built on .NET Framework 4.x. It provides two key services: distributed in-memory caching (Velocity) and hosting for Workflow Services.
The problem? Microsoft has officially deprecated the on-premise version in favor of Azure Cache for Redis. Consequently, finding the direct 64-bit MSI download on Microsoft’s new website is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Here is exactly where to find the legitimate WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe (and its prerequisites) without downloading malware from third-party sketchy sites.
The Official (But Hidden) Microsoft Location
Microsoft no longer lists AppFabric 1.1 in the Visual Studio or Windows Admin center catalogs. However, the official packages are still alive on the Microsoft Download Center via direct links.
You need two specific downloads:
The Direct Download Strategy
Do not search the Microsoft Store. Instead, use the following verified direct links (as of this writing, these resolve to Microsoft’s CDN):
Pro Tip: If the links return a 404, go to the Microsoft Catalog (catalog.update.microsoft.com) and search for "KB2671763".
Installation Order & "Gotchas"
Just downloading the MSI isn't enough. AppFabric 1.1 is notoriously brittle. Follow this exact sequence: However, if you absolutely need to keep an
Why not use a newer tool?
You might be tempted to replace AppFabric 1.1 with NCache or Redis. In a perfect world, you would. However, if you are running SharePoint 2013/2016 or a legacy WF4 application, the code is hardcoded to call DataCacheFactory (Microsoft AppFabric API). Replacing that requires a full code refactor. For "keep the lights on" maintenance, you need the original MSI.
Security Warning for 2024+ Since Microsoft no longer issues security patches for AppFabric 1.1 (it follows the .NET Framework 4.x lifecycle, which is end-of-life for on-prem), you should isolate the AppFabric cache cluster on a secure VLAN. Do not expose the caching ports (default 22233) to the public internet.
Final Verdict The 64-bit MSI still exists, but Microsoft hides it well. Use the direct links above or the Microsoft Update Catalog. Save a local copy of both the MSI and the KB to your internal "Legacy Installers" share. You will need them again next time you spin up a Server 2016 or 2019 VM for that old SharePoint migration.
Have you successfully migrated off AppFabric 1.1? Or are you still running it in production? Let me know in the comments below.
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Microsoft AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server reached its end-of-life on April 12, 2022. While direct official installers for the base RTM version are no longer prominently featured on main product pages, you can still find official cumulative updates and cumulative packages that include the necessary files from the Microsoft Download Center. Official Download Links for 64-bit (x64) To get the 64-bit MSI or executable for Windows Server:
Cumulative Update Package 1: Often used to obtain the core AppFabric 1.1 RTM bits for various languages.
File Name: AppFabric1.1-RTM-KB2671763-x64-ENU.exe (for English).
Cumulative Update 7 (KB3092423): This is the final major update package, which includes all previous fixes and features. File Name: AppFabric-KB3092423-x64-ENU.exe.
Hotfix KB3199763: Contains the most recent critical hosting service fixes. Key Installation Requirements
If you obtain the MSI, ensure it’s legitimate and not tampered with:
You can download it from the Microsoft Download Center archive at:
https://download.microsoft.com/download/A/6/7/A678AB47-3A2E-41EE-86B1-9FCCED6D2E16/WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe
(Always verify the checksum after download)
Before downloading, ensure your environment matches these requirements:
| Requirement | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | OS | Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, 2012, or 2012 R2 (64-bit only) | | RAM | Minimum 4 GB | | .NET Framework | .NET 3.5 SP1 and .NET 4.5 / 4.5.1 | | PowerShell | PowerShell 2.0 or 3.0 | | Architecture | x64 (x86 is not supported for server roles) |
Do not attempt to install AppFabric 1.1 on Windows Server 2016 or newer – it is unsupported and will likely break.