Install Franz on Windows

Windows may show SmartScreen or antivirus warnings for desktop installers, especially shortly after a new Franz release. Treat those warnings seriously, then verify that the installer came from the official Franz website before continuing.

Install from a trusted download

1. Download Franz from the Franz website. Avoid third-party download sites, archived installers, and repackaged setup files.
2. Keep the installer in Downloads and run that file directly. If your browser marks it as incomplete, download it again before opening it.
3. If SmartScreen appears, check that the app name and publisher details match Franz, then choose the option to see more details and continue only if the source is the official download.
4. If antivirus software quarantines the installer, remove the quarantined copy, download a fresh installer from the website, and scan that file before running it.
5. Follow the installer prompts, then launch Franz from the Start menu. You do not need to uninstall your existing Franz copy when installing a normal update over the current app.

Avoid portable or modified builds unless they are explicitly published by Franz. Modified installers can break automatic updates, service loading, and account storage because Windows treats them as a different app.