How to Install Neovim on Windows 10/11 (2026) | Step-by-Step Guide

Below is a step-by-step guide to install Neovim on Windows 10/11:

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Step 1: Download Neovim

Download Neovim Microsoft installers (.msi) which provide a standard Windows installation experience.

1. Go to the Neovim website: https://neovim.io/, then click on Install Now.
2. Download the latest Windows MSI file nvim-win64.msi by clicking on Windows from the Install from download section.

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Step 2: Install Using the Neovim MSI Installer

1. Double-click the nvim-win64.msi file.
2. On the Neovim Setup Wizard, click Next.
3. Accept the license agreement by checking "I accept the terms in the license agreement" ➡️ Click Next ➡️ Next ➡️ Install.
4. Click Yes if you get a security prompt.
5. Once installed, click Finish.

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Step 3: Verify Installation

1. Open Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and run the command below:

   nvim --version

2. If you see the Neovim version and other details, the installation was successful.

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Step 4: Launch Neovim

1. Open a terminal (Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal) and type:

   nvim

2. Neovim will launch in terminal mode.
3. To come out of Neovim terminal, press esc key and type below:

   :q!

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Step 5: Create Your First Config

1. Neovim looks for its configuration files in:

   %LOCALAPPDATA%\nvim

2. Create the folder and add one of the following files:
   • init.vim (Vimscript)
   • init.lua (Lua — recommended for newer configs)
3. Example init.lua configuration:

   vim.opt.number = true            -- Show line numbers
   vim.opt.expandtab = true         -- Use spaces instead of tabs
   vim.opt.shiftwidth = 4           -- Indentation width