How to install: Git on Windows

This story will not try to be anything but what the title promises: a simple step by step guide on how to install Git on your Windows machine.

Step 1: Downloading the right package

Navigate to the official download website for Git and click on the Windows symbol. Once you click on the symbol, the latest version of Git available will be selected automatically and the download starts.

Git download button for Windows. Image created by author.

Step 2: Agreeing to the GNU terms

Git is run under the General Pulic Licence (GNU) which basically means that it is free of use for private and commercial purposes. By clicking next, you agree to the terms and conditions and can continue the setup.

GNU terms by Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 3: Choose the desired installation path

To continue with the process you need to choose a location where Git can be installed in. Either select a customized path by clicking on “Browse…” or stick with the default setting and hit next.

Choosing a location to install Git in. Image created by author.

Step 4: Choose the desired components

The Git installer gives you different options that you can select in addition to the default settings. Such additional components are e.g. a daily check for updates. Select the additional components you need/want or stick to the default settings and click next.

Components selection menu. Image created by author.

Step 5: Select a start menu folder

The installer will ask you to create a start menu folder. However, you can also deselect the option, if desired. Hit next afterwards.

Start menu selection. Image created by author.

Step 6: Choose the default editor for Git

At this point the installer will ask you to choose a default editor for Git. What does that mean? Depending on which editor you choose, the interface you will be working with to use Git is going to look and behave differently. In this tutorial, we will go with the standard “Vim” editor which is Git’s default setting.

Editor selection by Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 7: Choose the initial branch default name

Git has a new feature that allows you to set an inidivudal default name for your initial Git branches. Git’s default branch name is “master”. If you choose to name it differently, select the second option, type your desired name and hit next. If you are new to Git, I recommend to stick to the proposed default setting as “master”.

Option to choose a different initial branch name for Git. Image created by author.

Step 8: Adjusting your PATH environment

This step allows you to make changes to your PATH environment. The PATH is the default setting of directories included when a command is run from Git’s command line. Changing the PATH environment can hav evarious implications. The first given option by the installer will apply minimal changes, however, will also limit you to the command line tools from Git Bash. If you want to use third-party software (e.g. Visual Studio Code), you will need to select the second option. If you have specific requirements, you may select the third option. In this tutorial, we will go with the second (recommended) option.

PATH environment options in Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 9: Selecting server certificate options

Here you have the possibility to choose between two types of server certificate options. It is recommended to stick with the default option “OpenSSL libary” unless specific setup is needed.

Certificate options in Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 10: Configuring line ending conversions

In this menu you can choose different types of how Git will convert line ending of text files. It is recommended to leave the default option (first one) as other options will change the formatting and thus might lead to other issues.

Line ending options in Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 11: Configure the terminal emulator

The installer gives you two options for an emulator. You can either use the default “MinTTY” emulator or the Windows default console “cmd.exe”. Both have their pros and cons as you can read in the description below. If you are new to Git, I would recommend to go with the default option.

Terminal emulator options in Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 12: Choosing the default behavior of “Git pull”

The options “Rebase” and “only ever fast-foward” should only be selected if these options are needed for individualized workflows. If you are new to Git or use third-party tools like VSCode, I recommend using the default behaviour of Git.

Git pull behaviour options in Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 13: Selecting a credential manager (or none)

The installer gives you the possibility to select a credential manager. A credential manager is needed, if you want to use Git with Microsoft Azure. If you do not plan to do so, you can select the option “None” which will skip the installation of a credential manager. If you are new to Git, I would recommend to select the first option as that will give you all possibilities later on.

Options to install a credential manager. Image created by author.

Step 14: Choosing extra options

Next, you can choose additional options like symbolic links. If you are new to Git, I recommend to only choose the first option.

Additional options in Git installer. Image created by author.

Step 15: Choosing experimental options

Finally, you can choose experimental options like integrating Python in a Git Bash window. All experimental options have know bugs so be careful when yo select these. For beginners, it is recommended to not select any of these options. When you are done, click install.

Experimental options. Image created by author.

Final wrap -up

After installation, you can choose to run Git and/or read the release notes. Anyways, after hitting “Finish” — you are done!

Final setup page of Git installer. Image created by author.