---
title: Getting Started
description: The safest way to get started with WinUtil and the first actions most users take.
sidebar:
  order: 1
---

## Welcome to WinUtil!

WinUtil helps you install apps, apply system tweaks, run common fixes, and manage Windows settings from one place. This guide covers the safest way to get started and the first actions most users take.

## System requirements

Before running WinUtil, ensure your system meets these requirements:

:::caution
Windows 10 is not supported by WinUtil. Windows 10 reached the end of support on **October 14, 2025**.
:::

- **Operating system**: Windows 11
- **PowerShell**: Version 5.1 or later (included by default in Windows 11)
- **Administrator access**: Required for system-level changes
- **Internet connection**: Required for downloading applications and updates
- **.NET Framework**: Version 4.5 or later (usually pre-installed)

## Installation

WinUtil doesn't require traditional installation. It runs directly from PowerShell as a script.

### Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

There are several ways to open PowerShell with admin rights:

**Method 1: Start menu (recommended)**

1. Right-click the Windows Start button.
2. Select "Terminal (Admin)".

**Method 2: Search method**

1. Press the `Windows` key.
2. Type "PowerShell" or "Terminal".
3. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Enter` to launch as administrator.
4. Or right-click and select "Run as administrator".

**Method 3: Run dialog**

1. Press `Windows + R`.
2. Type `powershell`.
3. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Enter`.

### Step 2: Run the launch command

With PowerShell running as Administrator, run one of the following commands depending on the release channel you want.

**Stable release (recommended)**

```powershell
irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex
```

**Development branch (bleeding edge — for testing only)**

```powershell
irm "https://christitus.com/windev" | iex
```

:::note
- The `irm` command downloads the script, and `iex` executes it. This is safe when downloading from the official source.
- The development branch may contain experimental changes and should only be used for testing on non-production systems.
:::

### Step 3: Wait for WinUtil to load

The first time you run WinUtil, it may take a few moments to:

- Download the latest version
- Initialize the interface
- Load all features and settings

## First time setup

### Understanding the interface

WinUtil opens with a clean, tabbed interface:

**Main tabs**:

- **Install**: Browse and install applications
- **Tweaks**: Apply system optimizations and customizations
- **Config**: Access system tools and utilities
- **Updates**: Manage Windows updates
- **Win11 Creator**: Build a customized Windows 11 ISO from an official Microsoft image

## Your first actions

Here are some recommended first steps for new users:

### 1. Create a restore point

Before making any changes, create a system restore point:

1. Go to the **Tweaks** tab.
2. Find "Create Restore Point" under Essential Tweaks.
3. Check the box and click **Run Tweaks**.

This gives you a rollback point if needed.

### 2. Install essential applications

1. Navigate to the **Install** tab.
2. Browse categories or use the search bar.
3. Check the applications you want to install.
4. Click "Install/Upgrade Selected" at the bottom.

### 3. Apply basic tweaks

For a better Windows experience with minimal risk:

1. Go to the **Tweaks** tab.
2. Select the **Standard** preset for a balanced configuration.
3. Review the selected tweaks.
4. Click **Run Tweaks**.

:::note
Some tweaks, fixes, and update changes may require a restart or sign-out before the full effect is visible.
:::

## Common tasks

### Installing applications

**Single application**:

1. Open the **Install** tab.
2. Search for the application name.
3. Check the box next to it.
4. Click "Install/Upgrade Selected".

**Multiple applications**:

1. Check multiple application boxes.
2. All checked apps will install in sequence.
3. Install and uninstall progress is shown in the window-level bottom panel, including the current package or package-manager batch and overall completion.

### Applying tweaks

**Essential tweaks** (safe for all users):

1. Go to the **Tweaks** tab.
2. Select from the Essential Tweaks section.
3. Click **Run Tweaks**.

**Advanced tweaks** (use with caution):

1. Only modify if you understand the implications.
2. Always create a restore point first.
3. Review documentation for each tweak.

**Undoing tweaks**:

1. Select the same tweaks you applied.
2. Click **Undo Selected Tweaks**.
3. The system reverts to the previous state.

### Using quick fixes

For common Windows issues:

1. Go to the **Config** tab.
2. Navigate to the **Fixes** section.
3. Select the appropriate fix:
   - **Reset Network**: Fixes network connectivity issues
   - **Reset Windows Update**: Resolves update problems
   - **System Corruption Scan**: Repairs corrupted system files
   - **WinGet Reinstall**: Fixes package manager issues

### Changing DNS servers

For improved privacy and speed:

1. Go to the **Tweaks** tab.
2. Find the DNS section.
3. Select a provider:
   - **Cloudflare**: Fast and privacy-focused
   - **Google**: Reliable and widely used
   - **Quad9**: Security-focused with malware blocking
   - **AdGuard**: Blocks ads and trackers
4. Click **Apply**.

## Understanding presets

WinUtil offers several preset configurations:

- **Minimal**: Minimal changes that keep most Windows features
- **Standard**: A good middle ground for most users
- **Advanced**: Selects a focused set of safer advanced tweaks

## Safety tips

✅ **Do**:

- Create restore points before major changes
- Read tweak descriptions before applying
- Start with Essential Tweaks
- Keep Windows up to date
- Back up important data

❌ **Don't**:

- Apply all tweaks at once without understanding them
- Skip creating restore points
- Use Advanced Tweaks without research
- Disable security features unless necessary
- Run on production systems without testing

## Troubleshooting first run

### Script won't download

If the launch command fails:

- Make sure PowerShell or Terminal is running as Administrator.
- Confirm the PC has internet access and can reach `christitus.com`.
- Retry from a normal PowerShell session rather than a restricted enterprise shell profile.
- If the command starts and then closes immediately, reopen Terminal as Administrator and run it again so you can read the error output.

If it still fails, check the [Known Issues](/knownissues/) page.

## Next steps

Now that you're set up, explore these guides:

- [Applications Guide](/guides/application/) — Learn about installing, upgrading, and uninstalling software
- [Tweaks Guide](/guides/tweaks/) — Understand system optimizations
- [FAQ](/faq/) — Common questions and answers

## Getting help

If you need assistance:

- **Documentation**: Browse this documentation site
- **Known Issues**: Check the [Known Issues](/knownissues/) page
- **Discord**: Join the [community Discord server](https://discord.gg/RUbZUZyByQ)
- **GitHub Issues**: Report bugs on [GitHub](https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil/issues)
- **YouTube**: Watch [video tutorials](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UQZ5oQg8XA)

## Quick reference card

| Task | Location | Action |
| ---- | -------- | ------ |
| Install or upgrade apps | Install tab | Check boxes → Install/Upgrade Selected |
| Uninstall apps | Install tab | Check boxes → Uninstall Selected |
| Apply tweaks | Tweaks tab | Select tweaks → Run Tweaks |
| Undo tweaks | Tweaks tab | Select tweaks → Undo Selected Tweaks |
| Create restore point | Tweaks tab | Essential Tweaks section |
| Fix network | Config tab | Fixes → Reset Network |
| Change DNS | Tweaks tab | DNS section |
| Open Control Panel | Config tab | Legacy Windows Panels |
