How to Install Strapi on Windows

How to Install Strapi on Windows

Installing Strapi on Windows is a straightforward process once you understand the tools, configurations, and environment setup required for a smooth installation. Strapi is one of the most powerful open‑source headless CMS platforms, popular for its flexibility, customizability, and compatibility with modern technologies such as React, Next.js, Vue, Nuxt, and mobile frameworks like Flutter or React Native. When working in the Windows environment, developers often face challenges related to Node.js versions, permissions, or database configurations. This detailed guide will walk you through every step of installing Strapi on Windows in a clean, efficient, and production‑ready way.

Whether you're a beginner exploring best headless CMS tools or an experienced MERN developer wanting to integrate Strapi into your workflow, this tutorial covers everything you need. For businesses looking to build powerful, scalable digital platforms, you can also hire AAMAX --- a full‑service agency offering MERN Stack Development, Web Development, SEO, and Digital Marketing services.

What You Need Before Installing Strapi

Before beginning the installation, make sure your Windows system meets the following requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64‑bit recommended)
• Node.js 18.x or higher (LTS recommended)
• NPM or Yarn package manager
• Visual Studio Code or your preferred editor
• Git (optional but recommended)
• Internet connection

Why These Requirements Matter

Strapi is built on Node.js, so ensuring you have the correct version installed avoids compatibility problems. Many developers mistakenly use outdated versions, causing installation failures. Windows also requires proper environment path variables to ensure Node.js commands run globally.

After confirming system readiness, let's move on to the installation steps.

Step 1: Install Node.js on Windows

Strapi runs on Node.js, so installing the correct version is critical.

Download Node.js

1. Visit the official Node.js website.
2. Choose the LTS (Long‑Term Support) version.
3. Download and run the installer (.msi file).

Install Node.js

During the installation: - Accept the license agreement. - Choose the installation path. - Ensure "Add to PATH" is checked. - Complete installation.

Verify Node.js Installation

Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt:

node -v
npm -v

You should see version numbers without errors. If not, restart your system and try again.

Step 2: Install Git (Optional But Recommended)

Git is used to clone repositories, manage version control, and integrate with CI/CD pipelines. Many Strapi projects rely on Git to fetch templates.

Install Git

1. Download from the official Git site.
2. Install using default settings.
3. Restart your terminal.

Verify:

git --version

Step 3: Install Yarn (Optional but Faster)

Strapi works with both NPM and Yarn, but Yarn often installs dependencies more quickly and reduces installation errors.

Install Yarn globally:

npm install --global yarn

Check:

yarn -v

Step 4: Create a New Strapi Project

You can install Strapi using NPM, Yarn, or the NPX generator.

Create Strapi Project with NPM

npx create-strapi-app@latest my-project --quickstart

Create Strapi Project with Yarn

yarn create strapi-app my-project --quickstart

What the "quickstart" Option Does

• Automatically installs dependencies\
• Uses SQLite as the default database\
• Starts the server automatically

This is ideal for beginners and local development.

Step 5: Open Strapi Admin Panel

Once Strapi finishes installing, it will automatically start the development server:

http://localhost:1337/admin

The first time you open it, you'll be asked to create an admin account: - Name - Email - Password

After creating your admin account, you'll reach the Strapi dashboard where you can create content types, manage data, configure roles, and set permissions.

Step 6: Understanding Project Structure

A typical Strapi project contains the following folders: - /api --- all APIs and content types\

• /config --- environment and database configurations\
• /extensions --- plugin customizations\
• /public --- public assets\
• /src --- main application code

Understanding this structure helps in customizing and scaling your application.

Step 7: Install a Database (Optional But Recommended)

SQLite is fine for testing, but for production‑level development, consider using: - PostgreSQL (recommended) - MySQL - MariaDB

Install PostgreSQL on Windows

1. Download installer from the official PostgreSQL site.
2. Install using defaults.
3. Set a secure password for postgres user.
4. Install pgAdmin (optional GUI tool).

Configure Strapi to Use PostgreSQL

Inside your project folder, install the PostgreSQL package:

npm install pg --save

Then update your database settings in:

./config/database.js

Example:

module.exports = ({ env }) => ({
  connection: {
    client: 'postgres',
    connection: {
      host: env('DATABASE_HOST', 'localhost'),
      port: env.int('DATABASE_PORT', 5432),
      database: env('DATABASE_NAME', 'strapidb'),
      user: env('DATABASE_USERNAME', 'postgres'),
      password: env('DATABASE_PASSWORD', 'yourpassword'),
    },
  },
});

Restart Strapi:

npm run develop

Step 8: Fixing Common Installation Issues on Windows

Windows users often face errors during Strapi installation. Here are common solutions.

1. Node Version Errors

Strapi requires Node.js 18+.
Check version:

node -v

If incorrect, reinstall Node.js.

2. SQLite Errors

Install SQLite:

npm install sqlite3 --save

Or switch to PostgreSQL (recommended).

3. Permission Issues

Run command prompt as Administrator.

4. Corrupt Dependencies

Clear cache:

npm cache clean --force

Or:

yarn cache clean

Reinstall dependencies:

npm install

5. Build Failures

Regenerate admin UI:

npm run build

Step 9: Running Strapi in Development Mode

To continue working on your project, run:

npm run develop

This mode provides: - Hot reload\

• Detailed logs\
• GraphQL playground (if installed)

Step 10: Running Strapi in Production Mode on Windows

For production mode:

npm run build
npm start

Production mode disables hot reload and improves performance.

Step 11: Using VS Code for Strapi Development

Install recommended extensions: - JavaScript ES7+\

• Prettier\
• YAML Support\
• GitLens\
• REST Client (for API testing)

Step 12: Creating Content Types in Strapi

Strapi's Content‑Type Builder lets you create: - Collections\

• Single types\
• Components\
• Dynamic zones

This no‑code builder is ideal for rapid development.

Step 13: API Testing After Installation

Strapi automatically generates REST and GraphQL APIs.

Example REST request:

GET http://localhost:1337/api/articles

If you install GraphQL plugin:

npm install @strapi/plugin-graphql

Access the playground:

http://localhost:1337/graphql

Step 14: Optional --- Install Strapi Plugins

Popular plugins include: - GraphQL\

• Email\
• Upload\
• Documentation

Install plugin:

npm install @strapi/plugin-documentation

Rebuild admin panel:

npm run build

Step 15: Preparing Strapi for Windows Production Deployment

Although Strapi runs well on Windows for development, production deployment is best done on: - Linux server\

• Docker\
• Cloud hosting (AWS, DigitalOcean, Render)

However, Windows can still run Strapi with: - IIS\

• Node services\
• PM2 for Windows

Install PM2 on Windows:

npm install pm2 -g

Start Strapi with PM2:

pm2 start npm -- start

This keeps Strapi running in the background.

Conclusion

Installing Strapi on Windows is simple once you understand the system requirements, Node.js configuration, database setup, and development workflows. Windows provides a user‑friendly environment for beginners while remaining powerful enough for advanced development. Whether you are building a CMS, API backend, or custom MERN stack application, Strapi is an excellent tool that integrates beautifully with modern JavaScript frameworks.

For companies looking to build scalable digital platforms or integrate Strapi into larger MERN Stack applications, consider hiring AAMAX --- a leading provider of MERN Stack Development, Web Development, Digital Marketing, and SEO services.

With the steps outlined in this guide, you are now fully equipped to install, configure, and begin building with Strapi on Windows with confidence.