Client installation checklist

Download V2Ray clients

Choose your operating system, then select a package.
Use v2rayN on desktop and v2rayNG on Android.

The clients are free and open source. After installation, import a valid subscription and choose a proxy mode.

Windows downloads

Both downloads are x64. Choose the interface edition, then download and extract the package.

Windows requirements and installation checks

CheckWhat to look forWhat to do
Processor architecturex64 packages are available on this pageGo to Settings → System → About and check System type.
Operating system and runtimeRequires a Windows environment supported by the releaseCheck compatibility on older systems. If a runtime is missing, follow the installer's instructions.
Permissions and traffic routingStandard proxy and Tun have different permission requirementsTun uses a virtual network adapter and may require administrator privileges. You don't need to run the client as an administrator for normal startup.

This page doesn't specify one minimum Windows version for every release. Follow the current package's installation prompts. If startup fails, note the message and troubleshoot by symptom in Troubleshooting.

Setup steps after installation

Import a subscription, then test the connection

Downloading the client is only the first step. Check your configuration, traffic routing, and access results separately to narrow down issues faster.

Subscriptions and configuration

Save the URL, then update

Adding a subscription URL doesn't automatically fetch a configuration. Save the URL, run an update, check that entries appear in the group, then select a profile. If the subscription returns no content, check that the URL is valid, your network is working, and the subscription format is supported. Reinstalling the client won't fix an invalid URL.

Share links and subscription URLs serve different purposes. A share link usually imports a single profile; a subscription fetches and updates multiple profiles. Updates may replace entries generated by the subscription. Before customizing them, check where changes are saved and what an update will overwrite.

Follow the user guide to import a subscription →

Proxy modes and testing

Test a commonly used app before changing routing

On desktop, test the system proxy first; on Android, confirm the VPN service is running. Check whether a commonly used app connects as expected, then adjust routing and DNS. The system proxy affects only apps that honor it. For broader traffic routing, see the Tun guide.

Change one setting at a time when testing. Note what happens before and after connecting, and distinguish DNS failures, connection timeouts, and invalid configuration fields. After disconnecting, check that the system proxy has been restored so leftover proxy settings aren't mistaken for a network problem.

See the setup order for routing, DNS, and Tun →

Download and installation FAQs

Common questions about choosing an installer

Start by checking the symptoms. For connection and routing issues, see Troubleshooting.

Which should you choose: the Windows Desktop or classic WPF edition?

For a first install, start with the v2rayN Desktop edition, which uses a modern cross-platform interface. If you prefer the familiar Windows menus and workflows, choose the classic, stable WPF edition. Both downloads are x64 packages. Back up your configuration before switching, install and test each edition separately, and don't let both instances control the system proxy at the same time.

Should you download the Android arm64 or universal version?

Most mainstream phones released since 2015 use arm64, but check which app architectures your device actually supports. If you can't confirm the architecture or the arm64 package is incompatible, try the universal version. If installation still fails, check the Android version, available storage, and signatures of any existing app instead of repeatedly switching packages.

Why can't I connect after installation?

The download includes the client, not a ready-to-use server configuration. Import a valid subscription or share link, update the subscription, and select a profile. Then set the system proxy or approve the Android VPN request. Check the subscription's validity, your device's time, and the connection logs; troubleshoot each issue the logs report.

What should you save before updating the client?

Use the client's backup or export feature to save your configuration first, including subscription groups, routing rules, DNS, and proxy mode. Exit the running client, then install the package for your operating system and architecture. After updating, test one profile before restoring custom settings. Don't delete the existing configuration directory.

What if the download won't start or the installer won't open?

Check your browser's download history to see if the download was paused, blocked, or saved elsewhere. Check your connection and available disk space, then download again and make sure the file matches your operating system and architecture. Extract Windows zip files first; use dmg on macOS, apk on Android, and deb or rpm on Linux as appropriate for your distribution. Don't disable system protections to bypass an unfamiliar security warning.