> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://elephas.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Install Elephas on Windows

> Install Elephas on Windows 10 or 11 with the MSI installer. No administrator rights needed. Covers the Start menu shortcut, SmartScreen and first launch.

<Warning>
  Draft. This article depends on an open product question and is not ready to publish.
</Warning>

To install Elephas on Windows, download the MSI installer from elephas.app and run it. Elephas installs for your Windows user account only, so you do not need administrator rights.

## Before you start

* You need a 64-bit (x64) PC with Windows 10 version 22H2 or Windows 11. See [system requirements](/docs/getting-started/system-requirements).
* You need an internet connection. The first time you open Elephas, it downloads about 50 MB of on-device components.
* You do not need an account to install. You sign in later, when you ask your first question.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download Elephas">
    Go to [elephas.app](https://elephas.app) and download Elephas for Windows. Your browser saves a file ending in `.msi` to your Downloads folder.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the installer">
    Open your Downloads folder and double-click the `.msi` file. Follow the installer and click **Install**, then **Finish**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Elephas">
    Open the **Start** menu and choose **Elephas**. The installer also places an Elephas shortcut on your desktop.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let Elephas finish setting up">
    The welcome screen appears and Elephas starts downloading its on-device components. A small line at the bottom of the window shows **Getting Elephas ready** and a percentage. You can keep going while it downloads. See [first-run downloads](/docs/getting-started/first-run-downloads).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Pin Elephas to your taskbar: while it is open, right-click its taskbar icon and choose **Pin to taskbar**.
</Tip>

## How it works

* **Per-user install.** Elephas installs into your own Windows account, not for every user on the PC. That is why no administrator prompt appears, and why updates install without one too.
* **Your library is separate from the app.** Your documents stay stored in your user profile. The search index and your chats are kept in an encrypted database. Downloaded components are kept in your local app data folder so they do not roam with your profile on managed networks. See [where your data is stored](/docs/privacy-and-security/where-your-data-is-stored).
* **Updates arrive inside the app.** Installing a newer MSI over an existing one upgrades Elephas in place. It does not create a second copy.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Windows protected your PC">
    Microsoft Defender SmartScreen shows this message for downloads it has not seen often. Only continue if you downloaded the installer from elephas.app. Click **More info**, check that the publisher is shown as expected, then click **Run anyway**. If you are unsure, [contact support](/docs/troubleshooting/contact-support) before running it.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Your organization blocks the installer">
    Some work PCs only allow approved software. Ask your IT team to approve Elephas. Administrators can also pre-load the on-device components for every user; see [first-run downloads](/docs/getting-started/first-run-downloads).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Elephas does not open after installing">
    Check that your PC is 64-bit and running Windows 10 22H2 or Windows 11. Then see [Elephas won't open after installing](/docs/troubleshooting/app-wont-open-on-install).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related articles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="System requirements" href="/docs/getting-started/system-requirements" />

  <Card title="First-run downloads" href="/docs/getting-started/first-run-downloads" />

  <Card title="Create your account and sign in" href="/docs/getting-started/create-account-and-sign-in" />

  <Card title="Quick start" href="/docs/getting-started/quick-start" />
</CardGroup>


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