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]

Install with winget

Cad software on Windows here means FreeCAD. Package id in Windows Package Manager is FreeCAD.FreeCAD.

winget install -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD

That identifier sits in microsoft/winget-pkgs. InstallerType for the primary exe is nullsoft. Architecture x64 InstallerUrl points at the current FreeCAD Windows x64 installer family on recent manifests. Related: how to install winget, winget guide, for this computer.

Install with the official Windows x64 installer

Download the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from freecad.org or GitHub Releases. Run the Nullsoft installer and approve elevation when Windows asks. The matching .7z on the same tag is supporting. Releases map: releases.

After install

Open the main window, pick Part Design, and pad a spare solid. First hour: installed. First run: cad-software-first-run. Safety: is-cad-software-safe.

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

How do I install on Windows?

Run winget install -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD or run the current Windows x64 installer. Related: winget 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.

Exe or winget?

Both deliver the same Windows x64 family. chooser. 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 install path. 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.