Quick n8n Installation Guide for All Major Platforms

The easiest way to perform an n8n installation is by using Docker, which provides a clean, containerized environment with a single command. Other popular methods include using npm for a more direct setup on a Node.js-enabled system or deploying via Docker Compose for more complex configurations involving databases like PostgreSQL. This guide covers these primary, self-hosted methods for all major platforms—Windows, macOS, and Linux—and explores how to navigate common challenges to get your automation engine up and running smoothly.

First, Why Self-Host n8n?

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, let’s answer a fundamental question: why go through the trouble of an n8n installation yourself when n8n Cloud exists? It really boils down to control and cost.

Think of it like this: n8n Cloud is like renting a fully-furnished, managed apartment. It’s ready to go, secure, and someone else handles maintenance. It’s perfect for getting started quickly without the technical overhead. Self-hosting, on the other hand, is like building your own house. You have complete control over the foundation (your server), the layout (your configuration), and the security system. It can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially at scale, and it ensures your data never leaves your own infrastructure.

Let’s be honest, though. Self-hosting requires some technical comfort. If you’re not familiar with command lines, servers, or containers, you might find it challenging. As the official docs say, it’s best for expert users, as mistakes can lead to downtime or data issues. But if you’re ready to take the reins, the power you unlock is immense.

The Recommended Route: n8n Installation with Docker

For 90% of users, I recommend starting with Docker. It packages n8n and all its dependencies into a neat little box called a container. This avoids a world of pain related to operating system differences and conflicting software versions. It just works.

Prerequisites

First, you’ll need Docker.

• Windows and macOS: Download and install Docker Desktop.
• Linux: Install Docker Engine and Docker Compose for your specific distribution.

The Magic Commands

Once Docker is running, open your terminal (or PowerShell on Windows) and run these two commands.

First, create a dedicated volume to store your n8n data. This is crucial! It ensures your workflows and credentials are safe even if you stop or remove the container.

docker volume create n8n_data

Next, run the n8n container:

docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n

Let’s quickly break that down:

• -it --rm: Runs the container interactively and removes it when you stop it (your data is safe in the volume!).
• --name n8n: Gives your container a friendly name.
• -p 5678:5678: Maps port 5678 from the container to your local machine.
• -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n: Mounts the volume we created to the folder inside the container where n8n stores its data.

Once it’s finished pulling the image and starting up, you can access your brand new n8n instance by opening http://localhost:5678 in your browser. Simple as that!

For the Node.js Fans: Installing with npm

If you’re already a developer with Node.js and npm installed on your system, you might prefer a direct installation. It’s fast, but can be slightly more prone to permission issues depending on your setup.

The One-Liner Install

Just run this command in your terminal:

npm install n8n -g

The -g flag installs n8n globally, making the n8n command available everywhere on your system. To start it, you just type:

n8n

It will launch and tell you which URL to visit, which is typically http://localhost:5678.

Quick Comparison: Docker vs. npm

Still not sure which path to take? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

Real-World Case Study: Installing n8n on a Tricky Host

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The official methods work great on a standard server or your local machine. But what about restrictive shared hosting environments like Cloudways? I once saw a fantastic community thread where a user figured out a clever workaround, and it perfectly illustrates the kind of problem-solving you sometimes need in the automation world.

The challenge was that Cloudways is a managed hosting platform primarily for PHP apps, and it doesn’t give you the root access needed for a global npm install (npm install -g).

Here’s a summary of the clever solution they devised:

1. Create a Dummy App: They started by creating a blank PHP application on Cloudways. This essentially just sets up a directory on the server with user permissions.
2. SSH and Local Install: They used SSH to log into that application’s directory and ran npm install n8n—without the -g. This installs n8n locally in that folder, which doesn’t require root permissions.
3. Use a Process Manager: To keep n8n running in the background, they used PM2, a popular process manager for Node.js apps, which they also installed locally.
4. The Proxy Trick: Cloudways apps are served over standard web ports (80/443), but n8n runs on port 5678. The final, brilliant step was to edit the .htaccess file (an Apache server configuration file) to act as a reverse proxy. It redirected all incoming traffic for their domain to http://127.0.0.1:5678, effectively channeling visitors to the running n8n instance.

This is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and a testament to the flexibility of n8n. Even when the front door is locked, there’s often a window you can open.

You’re Installed! What’s Next?

Congratulations! Your n8n installation is complete. You now have a powerful automation platform at your fingertips. From here, you can start exploring configurations like setting up a proper database, securing your instance with SSL, or simply diving in and building your first workflow.

Whichever installation path you chose, you’ve taken the most important step. Now, the real fun begins. Happy automating!