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Nivesh Bansal
Nivesh Bansal

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How to Install n8n Locally on Windows for Free (Step-by-Step Guide)

#n8n #automation #ai #beginners

Running n8n locally is the easiest and completely free way to learn automation. In this guide, we'll install Docker Desktop, enable WSL, set up Ubuntu, and run n8n on your Windows computer.

Before You Start

Requirements

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
  • Stable Internet Connection
  • Administrator Access
  • At least 5 GB of Free Disk Space

Step 1: Download Docker Desktop

Docker lets you run applications inside isolated containers. We will use Docker to run n8n locally.

Download Docker Desktop:

https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/

docker desktop website

Step 2: Enable WSL

What is WSL?

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) allows Linux to run directly inside Windows without installing a separate operating system.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

wsl --install
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powershell
Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

After WSL installation is complete, restart your computer.

This allows Windows to finish setting up WSL correctly.

Step 4: Ubuntu Installation

After restarting, Windows will install Ubuntu through WSL.

Ubuntu is a Linux environment where Docker works smoothly.

If prompted:

  • Create a Username
  • Create a Password

Step 5: Open Docker Desktop

Launch Docker Desktop.

Wait until Docker finishes starting.

You should see Docker running successfully.

Docker running

Step 6: Verify Docker Installation (Optional)

Open Command Prompt and run:

docker --version
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Example Output:

Docker version 28.x.x, build xxxxxxx
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If you see the Docker version, everything is working correctly.

Step 7: Create an n8n Data Volume

A Docker Volume stores your n8n data safely, so your workflows remain even after restarting Docker.

Run:

docker volume create n8n_data
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Expected Output:

n8n_data
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cmd

Step 8: Run n8n

Now run the following command:

docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
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Docker will automatically download the latest n8n image during the first run. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

cmd

Step 9: Wait for n8n to Start

Once the installation is complete, you'll see a message similar to:

Editor is now accessible via:

http://localhost:5678
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localhost link

Step 10: Open n8n

Open your browser and visit:

http://localhost:5678
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The n8n setup page will appear.

Step 11: Create Your Owner Account

Fill in:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Email Address
  • Password

Click Create Account.

n8n create account

Congratulations! 🎉

n8n dashboard

Your local n8n instance is now ready.

You can now:

  • Create unlimited workflows
  • Learn automation
  • Connect APIs
  • Build AI workflows
  • Use n8n for free on your local computer

Stop n8n

Press:

Ctrl + C
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inside the Command Prompt.

Start n8n Again

Simply run the same command again:

docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
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Need Help?

If http://localhost:5678 doesn't open:

  • Make sure Docker Desktop is running.
  • Check that WSL is installed successfully.
  • Restart Docker Desktop.
  • Restart your computer and try again.

That's it! You have successfully installed n8n locally on Windows for free and you're ready to build your first automation workflow.

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