How to Install Git on Windows

Git is a powerful version control system used by developers worldwide. If you're looking to set up Git on your Windows machine, you have several options. This article will walk you through the most reliable and effective methods for installing Git on Windows, ensuring you stay up to date with the latest versions and updates.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• A Windows PC (Windows 7 or newer).
• An internet connection to download the Git installer.

How to Install Git on Windows - 4 Methods

We will walk you through each step of the installation process and provide helpful tips to get you started with Git on your Windows machine.

Method 1: Install Git using the Official Git for Windows Installer

The easiest and most recommended way to install Git on Windows is through the official Git for Windows installer. This method provides the most up-to-date version and ensures that Git runs smoothly on your system.

Step 1: Download the Installer

Go to the official Git website: https://git-scm.com/download/win.

The download will start automatically for the latest version of Git for Windows. After the download is complete, run the .exe file.

Step 2: Select Editor & Adjust Path

Follow the prompts in the setup wizard. Most default settings will be fine for general use, but here are some key steps:

• Firstly, the installer will ask which text editor to use for Git. You can choose from options like Vim, Notepad++, or Visual Studio Code.
• Make sure you choose the option that adds Git to your system PATH (recommended for ease of use in the command line).
• Select the default option (OpenSSL) to allow Git to communicate securely over HTTPS.
• The default choice, “Checkout Windows-style, commit Unix-style line endings,” is ideal for most developers working in Windows environments.

Step 3: Complete the Installation

After configuring the setup, click "Install" and allow the installation to complete.

Once done, you can launch Git Bash (installed with Git) or use Git from the Command Prompt (cmd) by typing the following command.

git --version

Method 2: Install Git Using Chocolatey Package Manager

Chocolatey is a package manager for Windows that makes it easy to install software using simple commands. You can install Git using Chocolatey if you prefer using command-line tools to manage your software.

Step 1: Install Chocolatey (if not already installed)

Open PowerShell as Administrator.

Run the following command to install Chocolatey:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force; [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [System.Net.SecurityProtocolType]::Tls12; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://community.chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))

Step 2: Install Git

After installing Chocolatey, use the following command to install Git:

choco install git

Chocolatey will download and install the latest version of Git on your system.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type the following command to confirm the installation.

git --version

Method 3: Install Git Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run a Linux distribution alongside your Windows environment. If you're using WSL, you can install Git as you would on a native Linux system.

Step 1: Install WSL

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the following command to install WSL:

wsl --install

Restart your PC when prompted.

Step 2: Install Git within WSL

Once WSL is set up, open the WSL terminal (Ubuntu or your preferred Linux distribution).

Use the following command to install Git:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git

Step 3: Verify Installation

In your WSL terminal, type the following command to verify the installation.

git --version 

Method 4: Install Git via GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop provides a graphical interface for managing your Git repositories, which is great for beginners or those who prefer not to work with the command line. You can install Git through GitHub Desktop, which includes Git along with additional features for managing GitHub repositories.

Step 1: Download GitHub Desktop

Visit the GitHub Desktop website and download the installer for Windows.

Step 2: Run the Installer

Open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 3: Verify Git Installation

After installation, you can verify Git by opening the GitHub Desktop application, or you can open Git Bash or Command Prompt and type

git --version

Conclusion

Installing Git on Windows is a straightforward process, and you have multiple methods to choose from. Whether you prefer using an installer, a package manager like Chocolatey, or even WSL for a Linux-like experience, these methods ensure that you can quickly set up Git on your Windows PC. Always make sure to keep your Git installation up to date for the latest features and security patches.