If you're looking to set up workflow automation on your local Windows machine, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to install n8n in Windows from scratch. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into workflow automation or an intermediate user looking to experiment locally, this step-by-step tutorial will get you up and running with n8n in no time.
What is n8n and Why Install it Locally?
n8n (short for "node-node") is a powerful workflow automation tool that lets you connect different apps and services without writing complex code. It's open-source, extensible, and supports over 300 services including Google Sheets, Slack, Airtable, Discord, Trello, and more.
Installing n8n on Windows locally allows you to:
- Develop workflows without depending on external servers
- Experiment freely in a sandbox environment
- Retain full control over your data
Let’s dive in and cover everything you need to install n8n in Windows successfully.
Prerequisites Before Installing n8n
Before we start, make sure your system meets the basic requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later
- Node.js: Version 18.x or later (recommended)
- npm: Comes installed with Node.js
- Git (optional): Useful for managing versions if you’re working with source code
Recommended System Setup
Here’s a quick table summarizing what you need:
| Requirement | Recommended Version |
|---|---|
| Windows OS | Windows 10/11 |
| Node.js | 18.x or higher |
| npm | Comes with Node.js |
| RAM | Minimum 4GB |
Step 1: Install Node.js and npm
n8n runs on Node.js, so it’s the first thing you need to install.
How to Install Node.js
- Visit the official Node.js website
- Download the LTS (Long Term Support) version—this is the most stable and supported
- Run the installer and follow the prompts
- During installation, ensure you check the option “Add to PATH”
Verify Installation
Open Command Prompt and type:
node -v
npm -v
You should see version numbers for both. If not, restart your computer and try again.
Step 2: Install n8n Globally via npm
Once Node.js and npm are set up, install n8n globally using the following command:
npm install -g n8n
💡 Tip: Add
--location=globalif using npm 9+ and you’re on a more recent version of Node.js.
This command downloads and installs n8n as a global command, so you can access it from anywhere in your terminal.
Check the Installation
After the installation completes, test it by running:
n8n
If everything worked correctly, you’ll see a message stating that n8n started and will typically be accessible via:
http://localhost:5678
Open that in your browser, and you’ll be greeted by the n8n UI!
Step 3: Running n8n as a Background Process (Optional)
When you run n8n, it takes over your terminal window. If you’d like to run it in the background (especially useful for development), you can use a process manager like PM2.
Install PM2
npm install pm2 -g
Now start n8n as a background service:
pm2 start n8n
To check the status at any time:
pm2 list
And to stop it:
pm2 stop n8n
This is particularly useful if you're building longer workflows or testing APIs over time.
Step 4: Example Use Case – Send a Daily Email Report
To get a feel for what n8n can do, let’s walk through a mini use case: sending a daily email report.
Steps for the Workflow
- Cron Node: Set to run daily at 9 AM
- HTTP Request Node: Fetch data from an API (e.g., weather, analytics)
- Email Node: Send the results to your email
This simple workflow gives you a taste of n8n's power without writing a single line of code.
🔄 Once the setup is complete, you can explore hundreds of internal and third-party integrations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some issues you might run into during installation and how to fix them:
n8n command not recognized
Make sure npm global path is added to your system’s PATH environment variable. You can check or add it via:
- Control Panel → System → Advanced System Settings → Environment Variables
Port 5678 is already in use
You can specify a different port when starting n8n:
n8n --port=5680
Permissions Error
If you see permission errors during npm installs, try:
npm install -g n8n --force
Or run the command line as Administrator.
Keeping n8n Updated
To keep your installation current, you can always run:
npm update -g n8n
Check for the latest releases or changelogs on the n8n GitHub repository.
Best Practices for Using n8n on Windows
- Create a dedicated workflow folder: Make it easier to version-control workflows
- Use
.envfiles: Manage environment variables cleanly - Backup your workflows regularly with the export feature
- Test automation before applying it to live systems
You can also install n8n using Docker or run it on the cloud, but running it locally is great for proof-of-concept, testing, and getting hands-on experience.
FAQ
How do I install n8n in Windows without admin rights?
You’ll need admin access for installing Node.js globally. However, you can install it locally using nvm-windows, a Node.js version manager for Windows. Use local installs and run n8n via script.
Is running n8n on Windows production-ready?
Running n8n on Windows is ideal for development and testing. For production environments, it's better to deploy it using Docker on a Linux server or cloud platform for stability and scalability.
Can I run multiple workflows simultaneously?
Yes! n8n can run multiple workflows based on different trigger nodes (e.g., webhooks, cron schedules, etc.). Each workflow is handled individually.
How do I upgrade to the latest n8n version later?
Simply run:
npm update -g n8n
Make sure Node.js is also updated periodically.
What port does n8n use and how can I change it?
By default, n8n uses port 5678. You can change it by passing the --port option:
n8n --port=5680
You can also set a .env file with PORT=5680 to configure it persistently.
Now that you know how to install n8n in Windows, you’re all set to create powerful, automated workflows from your local PC. Whether you’re building integrations, scraping data, syncing cloud tools, or sending automated emails—n8n on Windows gives you the power and flexibility to automate anything.