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]

Update

Cad software updates should reuse one door. If you installed with winget:

winget upgrade -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD

If you ran the Nullsoft installer from GitHub or freecad.org, download the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from the same door and run it. Prefer the current release line, especially when you open FCStd files from unknown sources. Releases: releases.

Uninstall

Winget path: winget uninstall -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD. Nullsoft path: Windows Settings → Apps. A 7z folder you unpacked is removed by deleting that folder after you close FreeCAD. Do not stack a second mirror copy to “fix” a broken Start menu entry.

Failed upgrades

If winget upgrade fails, take the current Windows x64 installer from GitHub Releases and finish a clean install rather than chasing Softonic-style wrappers. 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 update?

winget upgrade -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD, or run a newer Windows x64 installer from GitHub or freecad.org. 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.

How do I uninstall?

winget uninstall -e --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD, or Windows Apps Settings for a Nullsoft install. 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.