> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kouch.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kouch.dev/getting-started/install-windows.md).

# Install on Windows

Install Kouch on Windows 10 or 11 and add it to Steam.

## What you need

* **Windows 10 or 11**, 64-bit.
* **Steam**, installed and signed in. Kouch reads controllers through Steam Input, so Steam must be running whenever you play.
* **Your own games** in folders on this PC or on a drive you plug in.
* **An emulator for each system you play**, or a Kouch emulator profile (a `.kod` file) that installs one for you from the emulator's official releases.
* **A controller.** Keyboard and mouse work too.

Kouch doesn't need a driver, and it doesn't install one.

## Install

In the alpha, the Kouch team sends you one of two things:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="The installer" %}

1. Run `Kouch_<version>_x64-setup.exe`.
2. Follow the installer's steps. It installs `Kouch.exe` and the few files it needs beside it.

To remove Kouch later, use **Windows Settings › Apps › Installed apps › Kouch › Uninstall**. The uninstaller removes the program. Your settings and your Emulation folder stay where they are.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="The folder" %}

1. Unzip the folder anywhere you like, for example `C:\Games\Kouch`.
2. Keep every file together. `Kouch.exe` needs the files beside it, including the `steam` folder.

To remove Kouch later, delete the folder. Your settings and your Emulation folder aren't in it, so they stay.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Add Kouch to Steam

This step matters. **Steam only gives controllers and motion to programs it starts itself**, so always start Kouch from Steam.

1. In Steam, open **Games › Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library…**.
2. Choose **Browse…**, pick `Kouch.exe` and choose **Add Selected Programs**.
3. Start **Kouch** from your Steam library.

[Start Kouch from Steam](/getting-started/start-from-steam.md) explains why, and what happens if you start it another way.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Steam as administrator.** Some people start Steam as administrator on purpose. That works. Everything Steam starts then runs as administrator too: Kouch and the emulators Kouch starts. Kouch tells you once when that's the case, and **Settings › About** keeps showing it.
{% endhint %}

## Next

Kouch opens on its [first-run setup](/getting-started/first-run-setup.md).


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