How to Install Git in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 25, 2025

If you’re a developer, programmer, or even a tech enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Git — the most popular version control system in the world. But if you’re new to it, you might be wondering how to actually install it on your Windows 11 PC.

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to install Git in Windows 11, step by step. You’ll also learn how to configure Git, verify installation, and use Git Bash like a pro.

Whether you’re setting up Git for coding, GitHub, or collaborative projects, this guide makes it simple — even for beginners.

Table of Contents

🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Step Action Time Required Difficulty
1 Download Git from official website 2 minutes Easy
2 Run the installer and select preferences 5 minutes Easy
3 Choose editor and PATH environment 3 minutes Moderate
4 Configure Git (username & email) 2 minutes Easy
5 Verify Git installation 1 minute Easy

✅ Goal: Get Git installed, configured, and ready to use on Windows 11
⚙️ Tools Required: Windows 11 PC, Internet connection
💡 Best for: Developers, programmers, and students learning Git or GitHub

What Is Git?

Before we dive into installation, let’s briefly understand what Git is.

Git is a distributed version control system that helps you track changes in your code, collaborate with other developers, and manage different versions of your projects efficiently.

It was created by Linus Torvalds in 2005 (the same person who built Linux). Git is used by millions of developers and organizations worldwide — especially with platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.

🔍 Why You Need Git on Windows 11

Here’s why installing Git on your Windows 11 PC is essential if you code or collaborate:

  • ✅ Track project versions and code history

  • ✅ Collaborate on code using GitHub or GitLab

  • ✅ Roll back to earlier versions if needed

  • ✅ Manage open-source contributions easily

  • ✅ Use Git Bash for Unix-like command-line tools on Windows

In short, Git keeps your development organized, safe, and easy to manage.

Step 1: Download Git for Windows 11

Let’s start with downloading the installer.

🔗 Official Git Download Page

  1. Open your web browser.

  2. Go to the official Git website:
    👉 https://git-scm.com/downloads

  3. Click on “Windows” to start the download.

💡 Tip: Always download from the official Git website to avoid unsafe or outdated versions.

📦 File Information

  • File Name: Git-<version>-64-bit.exe

  • File Size: ~50 MB

  • Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (64-bit and 32-bit)

Once the file is downloaded, move on to installation.

Step 2: Run the Git Installer

Now let’s install Git using the downloaded setup file.

  1. Double-click the Git installer (.exe) file.

  2. Click Yes if Windows prompts for administrator permissions.

  3. The Git Setup Wizard will open — click Next to continue.

📁 Choose Installation Location

You can keep the default directory:

C:\Program Files\Git

or choose a custom folder if preferred.
Click Next.

Step 3: Select Components to Install

Git offers several optional components. You can keep the defaults unless you need advanced customization.

Recommended default options:

  • ✅ Additional icons on Desktop

  • ✅ Git Bash Here (adds Git to right-click menu)

  • ✅ Git GUI Here

  • ✅ .git configuration for text files*

Click Next to proceed.

Step 4: Choose Start Menu Folder

Keep it as Git or rename it if you prefer. Click Next.

Step 5: Select Default Editor for Git

This is important — Git uses a text editor for commit messages and configurations.

You’ll see options like:

  • Vim (default)

  • Nano

  • Visual Studio Code

  • Notepad++

  • Notepad

👉 Recommended: If you use Visual Studio Code, select “Use Visual Studio Code as Git’s default editor.”
Otherwise, choose Nano for a simpler experience.

Click Next to continue.

Step 6: Adjust PATH Environment Settings

This step determines how Git commands work in Windows.

You’ll see three options:

  1. Git from Git Bash only – only works inside Git Bash.

  2. Git from Command Prompt and PowerShell (Recommended) – allows Git commands anywhere.

  3. Use Git and optional Unix tools from Command Prompt – for advanced users only.

✅ Choose the second option, then click Next.

Step 7: Choose SSH Executable

Git uses SSH for secure communication with remote repositories.

You’ll see:

  • Use bundled OpenSSH (Recommended)

  • Use external OpenSSH

✅ Select Use bundled OpenSSH, then click Next.

Step 8: Choose HTTPS Transport Backend

You’ll see two options:

  • Use the OpenSSL library (Recommended)

  • Use the native Windows Secure Channel library

✅ Select OpenSSL library and click Next.

Step 9: Configure Line Ending Conversions

This affects how line breaks appear across platforms (Windows vs Linux).

Choose:

  • Checkout Windows-style, commit Unix-style line endings (Recommended)

Click Next to continue.

Step 10: Choose Terminal Emulator for Git Bash

You’ll be asked which terminal emulator Git Bash should use.

Options:

  • Use MinTTY (default terminal) (Recommended)

  • Use Windows Console window

✅ Stick with MinTTY — it provides a better user interface and customization.

Click Next.

Step 11: Choose Default Behavior of ‘git pull’

This defines how Git merges changes from remote repositories.

Select:

  • Default (fast-forward or merge)

Click Next to proceed.

Step 12: Configure Credential Helper

Git can save your credentials for easier authentication.

✅ Choose Git Credential Manager Core (Recommended)
This lets Git store your GitHub or GitLab credentials securely.
Click Next.

Step 13: Enable File System Caching

You’ll be asked about performance features.

✅ Check Enable file system caching and Enable symbolic links (optional).
Click Next and then Install.

Wait a few moments while Git installs on your system.

Step 14: Complete the Installation

When done, check:

  • ✅ Launch Git Bash

  • ✅ View Release Notes (optional)

Click Finish to complete the setup.

🎉 Congratulations — Git is now installed on your Windows 11 PC!

Step 15: Verify Git Installation

Let’s confirm everything works correctly.

🔍 Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

  1. Open Command Prompt (press Windows + S, type “cmd”).

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    git --version

  3. You should see something like:

    git version 2.47.0.windows.1

If you see the version number — Git is successfully installed!

Step 16: Configure Git for the First Time

Before using Git, you’ll want to configure your username and email. This information appears in your commits.

  1. Open Git Bash from the Start menu.

  2. Run these commands (replace with your info):

    git config --global user.name "Your Name"
    git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

  3. Verify your settings with:

    git config --list

Your Git setup is now complete and personalized!

Step 17: Test Git with a Sample Repository

Let’s make sure everything works by cloning a test repository.

Example:

  1. In Git Bash, type:

    git clone https://github.com/git-guides/git-sample.git

  2. Once cloned, navigate to the folder:

    cd git-sample

  3. Check repository status:

    git status

If you see no errors, congratulations — Git is working perfectly on your system!

🧰 Alternative Methods to Install Git in Windows 11

There are a few other ways to install Git depending on your preferences.

1. Using Winget (Windows Package Manager)

If you prefer a command-line installation:

winget install --id Git.Git -e --source winget

2. Using Chocolatey

If you use Chocolatey for package management:

choco install git

Both methods are great for developers who want to automate installations or manage updates easily.

🖥️ Understanding Git Bash and Git GUI

After installation, you’ll notice two new tools:

Git Bash

A powerful command-line tool that mimics a Unix-style terminal, ideal for developers comfortable with commands.

Git GUI

A graphical interface that allows you to commit, push, and pull without typing commands — perfect for beginners.

💡 Tip: You can use both interchangeably depending on your comfort level.

🔒 How to Update or Uninstall Git

To Update Git:

  1. Visit https://git-scm.com/downloads.

  2. Download the latest version.

  3. Run the installer — it will automatically update Git.

To Uninstall Git:

  1. Go to Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program.

  2. Find Git, right-click, and choose Uninstall.

🧠 Troubleshooting Common Git Installation Issues

Problem Possible Cause Solution
git not recognized PATH not configured Reinstall Git, choose “Git from Command Prompt” option
Permission denied (SSH) SSH key not configured Generate and add new SSH key
Installation fails Antivirus interference Temporarily disable antivirus
Git Bash crashes Old version conflict Uninstall old Git, then reinstall latest
Can’t connect to GitHub Network or proxy issue Check internet, configure proxy if needed

⚙️ Useful Git Commands for Beginners

Command Description
git init Create a new repository
git clone [url] Download a repository
git add . Stage all changes
git commit -m "message" Save changes locally
git push Upload changes to remote repository
git pull Get latest updates from remote
git status Check current repo status

🧭 Summary: Installing Git in Windows 11 Made Easy

Step Description
1 Download Git from official site
2 Run setup and choose preferences
3 Configure PATH and default editor
4 Set username and email
5 Verify Git version and start using it

✅ You now have Git installed, configured, and ready to use on your Windows 11 PC!

🏁 Conclusion

That’s it — you’ve successfully learned how to install Git in Windows 11 from start to finish.

You now have one of the most powerful tools in software development at your fingertips. Whether you’re contributing to open-source projects, managing private repos, or just learning version control, Git will make your coding life easier.

Start by connecting your Git to GitHub or GitLab, create your first repository, and practice the basic commands. The more you use Git, the more powerful it becomes in your workflow.

❓ FAQs About Installing Git in Windows 11

1. Is Git free to use on Windows 11?

Yes, Git is completely free and open-source.

2. Do I need admin rights to install Git?

Yes, you’ll need administrator privileges to install Git for all users.

3. Can I install Git without Git Bash?

No, Git Bash is included by default, but you can choose to install only essential components.

4. How do I update Git to the latest version?

Download the latest version from the Git website and run the installer — it automatically updates.

5. Is Git available on Windows 11 Home?

Absolutely! Git works perfectly on both Windows 11 Home and Pro editions.

✅ Final Tip: Bookmark this guide — next time you reinstall Windows or set up a new PC, you’ll have the perfect Git installation walkthrough ready.

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