To install n8n on Windows, you have three primary methods: the n8n Desktop app for the simplest setup, using npm (Node Package Manager) for a quick command-line approach, or leveraging Docker for a powerful, isolated environment. The best choice depends on your technical comfort and long-term goals. The Desktop app is ideal for beginners and testing, npm is great for developers familiar with Node.js, and Docker is the recommended, most robust option for running n8n reliably, especially for production-like workflows.
So You Want to Install n8n on Windows? Let’s Choose Your Adventure.
Welcome to the world of automation! You’ve heard about the power of n8n and you’re ready to dive in on your Windows machine. But a quick search might leave you with more questions than answers. npm? Docker? A desktop app? It can feel a little overwhelming. Let’s be honest, seeing commands in a black terminal window can be intimidating if you’re not used to it.
As an n8n professional, I’ve guided countless users through this exact process. The most common mistake I see is picking an installation method that doesn’t match the user’s goal. Think of it like choosing a vehicle: are you just learning to drive around the block, commuting daily, or hauling heavy cargo across the country? Each task requires a different ride.
Let’s break down your options so you can pick the perfect one for your journey.
The Three Paths to n8n on Windows
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s compare the three main ways you can get an n8n install on your Windows system.
| Installation Method | Ease of Use | Customization & Control | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| n8n Desktop App | ★★★★★ (Easiest) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Limited) | Beginners, quick testing, learning the n8n interface. |
| npm (via Node.js) | ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate) | ★★★☆☆ (Good) | Developers, users comfortable with the command line, quick temporary setups. |
| Docker Desktop | ★★★★☆ (Slight Curve) | ★★★★★ (Excellent) | Running n8n 24/7, production use, easy updates, and maximum stability. |
See that? The community pros who recommend Docker aren’t just being difficult; they know that for serious, long-term use, it’s actually the most hassle-free option once you’re past the initial setup.
Method 1: The “Click and Go” n8n Desktop App
If you just want to get your feet wet, this is your path. No command lines, no prerequisites. It’s the simplest way to start building workflows.
- Download: Head over to the official n8n website and find the download link for the Desktop app for Windows.
- Install: Run the downloaded installer. It’s a standard Windows installation—just click “Next” a few times.
- Launch: Once installed, open the n8n app from your Start Menu. Voilà! The n8n editor is ready to go.
The catch? The Desktop app is fantastic for learning and building, but it’s not designed to be an always-on server. When you close the app or shut down your PC, your workflows stop running. It’s perfect for development, not for deployment.
Method 2: The Classic npm install for Windows
This method is for those who are comfortable opening a Command Prompt and want a bit more of a “behind the scenes” feel. It uses Node.js, the runtime environment that n8n is built on.
Step 1: Get Node.js
First, you need to install Node.js. Think of this as installing the engine before you can put the car on the road.
- Go to the official Node.js website.
- Download the installer for the LTS (Long Term Support) version. This is the most stable and recommended version for most users.
- Run the installer, accepting the default options.
This automatically installs both Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager), which we’ll use in the next step.
Step 2: The Magic Command
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. You don’t need to do a complicated, permanent installation. You can use a tool called npx that comes with npm.
- Open your Command Prompt or PowerShell (I prefer PowerShell!).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
npx n8n - You’ll likely see a prompt that says something like,
Need to install the following packages: n8n@latest. Ok to proceed? (y). Just typeyand hit Enter.
Your computer will download the latest version of n8n and start it up. After a moment, your browser should automatically open to http://localhost:5678, taking you right to the n8n editor.
But what happens when I restart? This is a critical point. Just like with the Desktop app, when you close that command prompt window, the n8n process stops. This npx command is for running n8n on-demand, not for setting up a permanent server (which requires more advanced tools like PM2).
Method 3: The Pro’s Choice – n8n with Docker
Okay, don’t let the name scare you. Docker might sound complex, but for n8n, it’s like getting a pre-built, perfectly configured mini-computer that only runs n8n. It’s clean, it’s isolated from the rest of your system, and it’s surprisingly easy.
Step 1: Install Docker Desktop
- Go to the Docker website and download Docker Desktop for Windows.
- Run the installer. The modern installer is fantastic and will typically guide you to enable the necessary Windows features, like WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux), if you don’t have it already. Just follow the on-screen instructions.
- You may need to restart your computer after the installation.
Step 2: Run n8n in a Container
Once Docker Desktop is running (you’ll see a little whale icon in your system tray), open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run this single command:
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n n8nio/n8n
Let’s quickly break that down:
docker run: The command to start a new container.-p 5678:5678: Connects your computer’s port 5678 to the container’s port 5678, so you can access it in your browser.-v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n: This is the most important part! It creates a persistent storage volume calledn8n_data. This means your workflows and credentials will be saved even if you stop and restart the container or your PC.
After running the command, open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:5678. You now have a robust, persistent n8n install on your Windows machine that you can easily stop and start from the Docker Desktop dashboard.
You’re Installed! What Now?
Congratulations! Whichever path you chose, n8n is running. The journey doesn’t end here; it’s just beginning. My advice? Start small. Try creating a simple workflow: use the Schedule Trigger node to run every minute, connect it to a Discord or Slack node, and have it post a “Hello, World!” message. Seeing that first automated message pop up is the moment you’ll truly grasp the power at your fingertips.
