FreeCAD main Windows window with 3D view, model tree, and workbench selector visible.
FreeCAD main window with 3D view, tree, and workbench selector. FreeCAD UI · FreeCAD Team / FreeCAD/FreeCAD / freecad.org · LGPL-2.1 · wiki screenshots.

By Cad software editorial team · Last verified [date] · Current release [tag]

Command

Cad software installs through Windows Package Manager with this id:

winget install -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD

The catalog entry is FreeCAD Team / freecad.org. Recent manifests point the x64 InstallerUrl at the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe on GitHub Releases. InstallerType is nullsoft. Scope options cover current user and all users.

When winget is missing

Install App Installer from Microsoft, reopen the terminal, and run the command again. If policy blocks winget, take the Windows x64 installer from GitHub Releases or freecad.org. Full Windows path: install on Windows. Chooser: exe or winget.

Upgrade later

Prefer the same door. winget upgrade -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD refreshes the package when a newer catalog entry exists. If an upgrade fails, take the current installer from GitHub Releases and finish a clean install. Update notes: update and uninstall.

Quiet checklist

Confirm App Installer or plan the official Windows x64 installer door first. Keep one spare pad ready after FreeCAD opens. Prefer the same update door later so shortcuts stay honest. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.

Editorial stamps inject the live release tag from the build feed when present. Body copy still says the current release rather than freezing a screenshot number. Licence text stays on the project LICENSE for FreeCAD.

Licence and update habits

Upstream licence text is LGPL-2.1 on GitHub. Winget locale language matches that free software story for the desktop Windows build. Prefer one install door per PC so Start Menu shortcuts stay honest after upgrades.

When App Installer is missing, install it from Microsoft, reopen Terminal, and retry the documented command. When fleet policy wants a manual installer, take it from the same GitHub Releases or freecad.org door winget already wraps.

Stop if a page asks you to disable SmartScreen for an unknown publisher before the official package arrives. Return to GitHub Releases, freecad.org, or the documented winget identifier instead of stacking repair utilities.

Sample then deepen

Keep the first cad software pass short. Pad a disposable solid, save an FCStd, and confirm the file reopens. Turn on TechDraw or STL export only when a simple body looks right. Large assemblies can wait until one FCStd looks right.

Related cluster pages cover releases, GitHub source overview, download-safe habits, for-this-computer mapping, CAD programs, drafting software, computer-aided design, and vs Tinkercad. Home keeps the Windows install command with a Copy control.

When something fails

If FreeCAD is missing from Start, confirm the setup finished and avoid downloading a second renamed installer. If the 3D view is blank, fix GPU drivers rather than stacking mirrors. Safety and first-run guides deepen those checks without inventing competitor prices.

Frequently asked questions

What is the package id?

FreeCAD.FreeCAD in microsoft/winget-pkgs. Prefer winget id FreeCAD.FreeCAD or the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from GitHub Releases or freecad.org. Confirm App Installer when winget is missing, then retry the same command on Windows. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.

Winget missing?

Install App Installer from Microsoft, or take the Windows x64 installer. howto. Prefer winget id FreeCAD.FreeCAD or the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from GitHub Releases or freecad.org. Confirm App Installer when winget is missing, then retry the same command on Windows. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.

Do I need an account?

No account is required for the desktop LGPL FreeCAD path on Windows. Prefer winget id FreeCAD.FreeCAD or the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from GitHub Releases or freecad.org. Confirm App Installer when winget is missing, then retry the same command on Windows. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.