A subscription URL is a link from your provider that returns a full Clash profile - all nodes plus recommended rules. Importing one is the first real step in using Clash for Windows.
Import steps
- Copy the Clash-specific subscription URL from your provider's user panel (not a V2Ray/SSR link; if only a generic link exists, see "conversion" below).
- Open the Profiles page in Clash for Windows.
- Paste the URL into the top input and click Download.
- A profile card appears below; click the card so it is highlighted - that activates it.
- Switch to the Proxies page and confirm your node list is there.
Enable automatic updates
Providers rotate server addresses from time to time. Right-click the profile card and choose Edit Info, then set Update interval in minutes (e.g. 1440 for daily) and save.
If the import fails
- Network error: the subscription domain may be blocked on your network. If you have any working node, connect first and retry; many providers also offer several backup subscription domains.
- Format error (Invalid YAML / unsupported format): the link is not in Clash format. Look for a "Clash subscription" option at your provider, or use a subscription converter.
- More cases: Why Subscription Imports Fail.
Once the profile is active, the next step is to enable the system proxy and verify it works.