Download and Install Clash for Windows (Step by Step)

This guide walks through a complete installation on Windows using the final release, 0.20.39.

Step 1: choose a package

• Clash.for.Windows.Setup.0.20.39.exe: 64-bit installer - right for most users.
• Clash.for.Windows-0.20.39-win.7z: 64-bit portable build; extract and run, good for USB sticks or avoiding registry writes.
• Clash.for.Windows.Setup.0.20.39.arm64.exe: for ARM64 devices (e.g. Snapdragon laptops).
• Clash.for.Windows.Setup.0.20.39.ia32.exe: for old 32-bit systems.

Unsure of your architecture? Check Settings → System → About → "System type".

Step 2: run the installer

1. Double-click the package. If the blue Windows SmartScreen warning appears, click "More info → Run anyway". This warning is normal for software without a paid Microsoft signing certificate; it is not a malware verdict - but do make sure your download came from a trusted source.
2. Choose "Install for me only" or "for all users" - the difference is where the program and its config directory live.
3. After installation, launch the app. A dark-blue cat icon appears in the system tray.

Step 3: first checks

• The General page shows Mixed Port 7890, which means the core started correctly.
• Clicking the tray icon brings up the main window at any time; closing the window minimizes to tray rather than quitting.

About the portable build

Extract the 7z and run Clash for Windows.exe. By default it still writes settings to %USERPROFILE%\.config\clash; to carry your data with the app, create a folder named data inside the extracted directory before launching - the app then switches to portable data mode.