> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/d2phap/ImageGlass/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation Guide

> Step-by-step instructions to install ImageGlass on your Windows system

# Installing ImageGlass

This guide will walk you through installing ImageGlass on your Windows computer. Choose the installation method that works best for you.

## System Requirements

Before installing ImageGlass, verify that your system meets these requirements:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Operating System" icon="windows">
    Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)

    Minimum version: 1809 (build 17763)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Architecture" icon="microchip">
    64-bit (x64 or ARM64)

    32-bit systems are not supported
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Optional Requirements

<Note>
  **WebView2 Runtime** - Some advanced features require Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime (64-bit) v119.0.2151 or later. This is used for the modern settings interface and other web-based UI components.

  If not already installed, ImageGlass will prompt you to download it, or you can [download it directly from Microsoft](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=2124703).
</Note>

## Installation Methods

ImageGlass offers two installation options to suit different user needs:

### Option 1: Microsoft Store (Recommended)

The Microsoft Store version provides the easiest installation experience with automatic updates.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Microsoft Store">
    Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer, or visit the [ImageGlass Store page](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N33VZK3C7TH).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search for ImageGlass">
    Search for "ImageGlass" in the Microsoft Store, or use the direct link to the app page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install or Try">
    Click **Get** to start a 7-day free trial, or **Buy** to purchase ImageGlass.

    The app will download and install automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch ImageGlass">
    Once installed, click **Open** from the Store, or find ImageGlass in your Start menu.
  </Step>
</Steps>

#### Microsoft Store Benefits

* **Automatic updates** - Get new features and fixes automatically in the background
* **Hotfix updates** - Critical fixes are delivered as soon as they're ready
* **Easy installation** - Install on all your Windows devices with one purchase
* **Secure distribution** - Apps are verified by Microsoft
* **7-day free trial** - Try before you buy

<Note>
  **Supporting Development**: Purchasing from the Microsoft Store directly supports the ongoing development of ImageGlass. Alternatively, you can make a one-time donation via [GitHub Sponsors](https://github.com/sponsors/d2phap) and request a Store license code.
</Note>

### Option 2: Classic Installer (Free)

The classic installer is completely free and available for download from the official website.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the Installer">
    Visit [imageglass.org](https://imageglass.org) and navigate to the Downloads page.

    Download the latest version of ImageGlass Classic installer for your architecture (x64 or ARM64).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the Installer">
    Locate the downloaded `.exe` or `.msi` file and double-click to run it.

    If prompted by Windows SmartScreen, click **More info** and then **Run anyway**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow Installation Wizard">
    The installer will guide you through the setup process:

    * Accept the license agreement (GPLv3)
    * Choose installation location (default is recommended)
    * Select whether to create desktop shortcut
    * Choose whether to set ImageGlass as the default image viewer
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Installation">
    Click **Install** to begin the installation process.

    Wait for the installation to complete, then click **Finish**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

#### Classic Installer Benefits

* **Completely free** - No trial period or purchase required
* **Portable installation options** - Some builds support portable mode
* **All features included** - Full feature set including Explorer integration
* **Manual update control** - Choose when to update

<Warning>
  The Classic version does not include automatic updates. You'll need to manually check for and install new versions.
</Warning>

## First Launch Setup

When you launch ImageGlass for the first time, you'll be greeted with a Quick Setup wizard to help configure the application.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Welcome Screen">
    The Quick Setup wizard welcomes you to ImageGlass and explains the setup process.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Theme Selection">
    Choose your preferred theme:

    * **Kobe** (default) - A clean, modern light theme
    * **Dark themes** - For reduced eye strain in low light
    * **Custom themes** - Available after installation

    You can change this later in Settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="File Associations">
    Choose which image formats to open with ImageGlass by default.

    Options include:

    * **All supported formats** - Set ImageGlass as default for all 90+ formats
    * **Common formats only** - JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WEBP
    * **None** - Don't change file associations (configure manually later)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Startup Options">
    Configure startup behavior:

    * **Enable startup boost** - Preload ImageGlass in the background for faster launches
    * **Check for updates** - Allow ImageGlass to check for new versions (Classic only)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Setup">
    Review your choices and click **Finish** to complete the Quick Setup.

    ImageGlass is now ready to use!
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  You can re-run the Quick Setup wizard at any time from Settings → General → Run Quick Setup.
</Note>

## Installing WebView2 Runtime

Some features in ImageGlass require the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, particularly the modern settings interface.

### Check if WebView2 is Installed

WebView2 is included with Windows 11 and recent Windows 10 updates. To check if it's installed:

1. Press `Win + R` to open Run dialog
2. Type `msedge://version` and press Enter
3. Look for "Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime" in the list

### Manual Installation

If WebView2 is not installed:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download WebView2 Runtime">
    Visit the [Microsoft WebView2 download page](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=2124703).

    Download the **Evergreen Bootstrapper** or **Standalone Installer** (64-bit).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the Installer">
    Double-click the downloaded installer file.

    The installer will download and install the WebView2 Runtime automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart ImageGlass">
    If ImageGlass was open, restart it to use the newly installed WebView2 Runtime.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Make sure to download the **64-bit version** of WebView2 Runtime to match ImageGlass's architecture.
</Warning>

## Post-Installation Configuration

### Setting ImageGlass as Default Viewer

If you skipped file associations during setup, you can set ImageGlass as the default viewer later:

#### Windows 11

1. Right-click an image file
2. Select **Open with → Choose another app**
3. Select **ImageGlass** from the list
4. Check **Always use this app to open .jpg files**
5. Click **OK**

#### Windows 10

1. Go to **Settings → Apps → Default apps**
2. Scroll down and click **Choose default apps by file type**
3. Find the image extensions you want (e.g., `.jpg`, `.png`)
4. Click the current default app and select **ImageGlass**

#### Using ImageGlass Settings

ImageGlass also provides a built-in file association tool:

1. Open ImageGlass
2. Go to **Menu → Settings** (or press `Ctrl + ,`)
3. Navigate to **File associations**
4. Select the formats you want ImageGlass to handle
5. Click **Apply** or **Set as default for all**

### Verifying Installation

To confirm ImageGlass is installed correctly:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Launch ImageGlass">
    Open ImageGlass from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Version">
    Click **Menu → About** to see the installed version.

    Current version should be 9.4.x or later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test Image Viewing">
    Open a sample image file to verify ImageGlass displays it correctly.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

### Installation Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Error: This app can't run on your PC">
    This error indicates you're trying to install the 64-bit version on a 32-bit system.

    **Solution**: ImageGlass only supports 64-bit Windows. You'll need to upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows to use ImageGlass.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Microsoft Store installation fails">
    If the Microsoft Store installation fails:

    1. Ensure Windows is up to date
    2. Try resetting the Microsoft Store app: Settings → Apps → Microsoft Store → Advanced options → Reset
    3. Sign out and back in to your Microsoft account
    4. Try downloading the Classic installer instead
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Installer won't run (SmartScreen blocks it)">
    Windows SmartScreen may block unrecognized installers.

    **Solution**:

    1. Click **More info** on the SmartScreen warning
    2. Click **Run anyway**
    3. Alternatively, download from the Microsoft Store for verified installation
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="WebView2 installation fails">
    If WebView2 Runtime installation fails:

    1. Ensure Windows is fully updated
    2. Try downloading the Standalone Installer instead of Bootstrapper
    3. Check available disk space
    4. Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Getting Help

If you encounter issues during installation:

* Visit the [ImageGlass GitHub Issues](https://github.com/d2phap/ImageGlass/issues) page
* Join the [ImageGlass Discord community](https://discord.gg/tWjbynH2X8)
* Check the [documentation](https://imageglass.org/docs) for more troubleshooting guides

## Next Steps

Now that ImageGlass is installed, learn how to use it:

<Card title="Quick Start Guide" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
  Learn the basics of viewing and navigating images with ImageGlass
</Card>