Granular Granular

Install Granular on Windows (beta)

In short

How to install Granular on Windows 10 or 11: download the installer, click past the one-time SmartScreen warning, and open it from the Start menu.

Updated 2026-10-20

Download the Granular installer, click past the one-time Windows security warning (the beta isn't code-signed yet), install it, and open Granular from the Start menu. Free to start.

This is a beta. The Windows version of Granular is newer than the Mac version, so expect the occasional rough edge. Before you start, it's worth skimming Windows beta.

What you need

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit. That covers nearly every Windows PC made in the last decade. Laptops with ARM chips (for example, Snapdragon) run Granular through Windows' built-in emulation, so it works there too, just a little slower.
  • A few minutes. There's nothing to set up to get started. You can add the optional extras below later.

Download Granular

Granular for Windows is a single installer file. Get the latest build here:

Download Granular for Windows (beta)

The file is a standard Windows installer called granular-win.exe. Granular is free to start.

If your browser says the file is "uncommonly downloaded": that's normal for a new app that not many people have downloaded yet. Choose Keep to finish the download.

Get past the Windows security warning

The first time you run the installer, Windows shows a blue box titled "Windows protected your PC". (This is a Windows feature called SmartScreen.) To continue:

  1. Click More info.
  2. Click Run anyway.

Why this happens: the Windows beta is not code-signed yet, so Windows doesn't recognise who published it and shows this caution. It is not a virus warning, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong with the file. Code signing, which makes this box go away, is planned. You'll only see the warning once per install.

Install and open

  1. Run the installer and follow the short setup steps. Granular installs just for your Windows user account, so there's no administrator password to enter.
  2. Open Granular from the Start menu. Type "Granular" and press Enter.

Two optional extras

Granular works out of the box, including Claude and the built-in connectors. Two free tools from other makers unlock specific features. Install them now or whenever you first need them.

  • Node.js is needed for the Gemini command-line tool, and for any custom connector you add that runs with npx. If you sign in to Gemini without it, Granular tells you and links to it. Get it from nodejs.org. Codex doesn't need it on Windows.
  • Git for Windows is needed for Granular's Git features (version history and branch sessions). Without it, Granular says Git isn't installed. Get it from git-scm.com/download/win.

First run

Granular walks you through a short setup:

  1. Sign in or create an account with a code sent to your email, or choose Continue without an account. Everything on your PC works either way. See Account and sign-in.
  2. Connect an AI. Sign in with a Claude or Codex account you already pay for, add an API key, or, if you have no AI subscription, choose Start with free credits. See Connect an AI model.

Then you're ready for your first session.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Windows warn me about the download?
The Windows beta isn't code-signed yet, so Windows doesn't recognise the publisher. That's why your browser may call the file "uncommonly downloaded" and why SmartScreen shows the blue "Windows protected your PC" box the first time. It's not a virus warning. Signing is planned.
Does Granular work on a Windows laptop with an ARM chip?
Yes. On ARM laptops, for example Snapdragon ones, Granular runs through Windows' built-in emulation. It works, just a little slower.
Do I need Node.js or Git to use Granular?
No, not to get started. Node.js is only needed for the Gemini command-line tool and for some custom connectors, and Git for Windows only for version history and branch sessions.
How much does Granular cost?
Granular is free to start. The Pro plan lifts the limits on projects, sessions and agents. The optional AI Add-on gives you hosted AI models. See Plans and pricing.
How do I update Granular on Windows?
When an update is ready, Granular shows an Update button. Click it and Granular downloads the new version and restarts into it. During the beta, updates don't download in the background on Windows. See Windows beta.

Related

Getting started
Windows beta
Granular on Windows works like the Mac version, with a few differences: Ctrl shortcuts, a PowerShell terminal, click-to-update and a one-time security warning.
Getting started
Your first session
How to get started with Granular: set it up, pick a project folder, connect an AI model and give the agent its first task, then watch it work.
Guides
Connect an AI model
All the ways to connect an AI model to Granular: sign in with Claude or Codex, plug in a coding agent like Cursor or GitHub Copilot, add a key, sign in to OpenRouter, run local models, or use the AI Add-on.