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How to Install ComfyUI on Your Computer

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If you want to start using ComfyUI on your computer, the easiest way today is to use the official ComfyUI Desktop installer on Windows. It is designed to install like normal software, automatically configure the Python environment and dependencies, and even import settings, models, workflows, and files from an existing ComfyUI setup.

Before you begin, it is important to choose the right installation method for your machine. The official Windows Desktop version is the most beginner-friendly option and is currently documented for Windows with an NVIDIA GPU. If you need a Windows build that can also run in CPU mode, the official Portable version is available. If you want maximum flexibility across different operating systems and GPU types, the Manual installation route is also supported.

Step 1: Download the right ComfyUI version

Go to the official ComfyUI download page and choose the version that fits your system. For most Windows beginners, the best choice is the Windows Desktop version. The official docs describe it as a standalone installation that works like regular software and handles the Python setup for you.

Step 2: Run the installer

Once the file has downloaded, double-click the installer. ComfyUI Desktop will begin its automatic setup and create a shortcut on your desktop. After that, open ComfyUI from the shortcut to begin the initialization process.

Step 3: Complete the first-time setup

When ComfyUI opens for the first time, click Get Started. During setup, you may be asked to choose the GPU mode, installation location, and optional migration settings if you already have another ComfyUI installation on your computer. The official guide recommends selecting the NVIDIA option for normal Windows Desktop installs, using an SSD if possible, creating a separate empty folder for the installation directory, and making sure you have around 15 GB of free disk space available.

Step 4: Let ComfyUI finish installing its environment

The first launch can take some time because ComfyUI Desktop may need to download and configure important components such as the Python environment and core dependencies. If something goes wrong, the built-in Maintenance page can help repair common problems such as missing dependencies, missing Git, or a failed environment setup.

Step 5: Open the main interface

If the installation finishes successfully, ComfyUI will automatically open into the Desktop interface. At that point, the software is installed and ready for the next stage, which is adding models and creating your first workflow. The official documentation also notes that Desktop updates are handled through automatic update detection, and you can manually check for updates from the Help menu.

What if you do not want the Desktop version?

If you prefer a folder-based version on Windows, the official Portable build is another good option. It includes its own embedded Python environment, only needs to be extracted, and can be launched with batch files such as run_nvidia_gpu.bat or run_cpu.bat depending on your system.

If you are an advanced user and want full control, the official Manual installation method is also available. That process is based on creating a virtual environment, cloning the ComfyUI repository, installing dependencies, and starting ComfyUI manually. The official documentation positions this route as the broader option for many system and GPU combinations.

Final thoughts

For most beginners on Windows, the official Desktop installer is the easiest way to get started with ComfyUI. It reduces setup friction, handles the heavy dependency work for you, and gives you a cleaner entry point into local AI generation. Once ComfyUI is installed, the next step is learning how to add models and run your first image generation workflow.