Installing Genshin Impact on Windows 10: What You Need to Know
Getting Genshin Impact up and running on a Windows 10 PC is usually straightforward. Just head to the official site, download the right files, and follow the instructions. But as many players know, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s a helpful rundown of the steps and some tips to avoid common pitfalls.
How to Download and Install Genshin Impact
Ready to explore Teyvat? Great choice! To ensure a smooth installation, here’s what you’ll generally need to do:
Open Your Browser
Launch your preferred web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or whichever you like. Pro tip: keeping your browser up to date can help prevent compatibility problems during download. On Windows 10, you can find Edge via the Start Menu > Microsoft Edge or just type Edge into the search bar. It’s like magic, but for your PC.
Visit the Genshin Impact Official Site
Type genshin.mihoyo.com into your browser. Make sure you’re downloading from the official site to avoid dodgy files or malware. Once there, look for the prominent download button.
Choose the Windows Download
Click on the Windows option to start downloading the game installer. If all goes well, the installer will save to your Downloads folder (usually at C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads). Picking the right version is important — otherwise, you might end up scratching your head wondering why it’s not working.
Run the Installer
When the downloaded file—typically named GenshinImpactSetup.exe— appears in your Downloads folder, double-click it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the game. You can choose where to install it, but the default path (C:\Program Files\Genshin Impact) usually works fine. The installer will need to download additional game files, so ensure your internet connection is stable to avoid interruptions. Pro tip: right-click the installer and select Run as administrator to prevent permission issues.
Launching the Game
Once installed, find the Genshin Impact icon either on your desktop or in the Start menu (Start > Genshin Impact) and give it a click to start. If you’re a first-timer, you’ll need to log in with a miHoYo account. Don’t worry — setting one up is quick and easy from the login screen. For better performance, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date; you can update them via Device Manager > Display adapters or using software like NVIDIA GeForce Experience. Keep an eye on the launcher for updates to ensure you’re playing the latest version.
Tips for a Smooth Download
Stick to the official website to keep your PC safe. Check your system meets the minimum specs — a decent rule of thumb is 8 GB RAM, an Intel Core i5 CPU, and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 or better. Also, ensure you have at least 30 GB of free space on your drive, which you can verify by right-clicking This PC in File Explorer and selecting Properties. Keeping Windows 10 itself updated via Settings > Update & Security can also help improve stability and compatibility.
Common Questions Answered
Can it run on a laptop?
Absolutely — as long as the laptop meets the hardware requirements, many players successfully run Genshin Impact on notebooks. If your machine is on the lower end, tweaking the graphics settings in the game can help boost performance.
How much storage does Genshin Impact need?
Approximately 30 GB, so make sure you’ve got that space free before downloading. You can check your available storage in This PC within File Explorer.
What are the minimum specs?
Generally, a system with at least an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 will run the game smoothly. If your setup is close to that, you should be fine—just remember to adjust settings if performance drops.
Is it really free?
Yes, Genshin Impact is free to download and play. There are optional in-game purchases if you want to buy cosmetics or other extras, but nothing’s required to enjoy the core game.
Having performance issues? Here’s what to do
If the game feels laggy or choppy, try updating your graphics drivers through Device Manager > Display adapters. Lowering in-game graphics settings and closing background apps (pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens Task Manager to help with that) can also make a noticeable difference.
Wrapping it Up
Getting Genshin Impact on a Windows 10 PC is usually pretty straightforward, but a few key steps help avoid frustration. Always download from the official website, verify your system meets the requirements, and make sure you have enough space to accommodate the game’s files. Keeping your graphics drivers updated can improve performance, especially on lower-end rigs. Once set up, you’ll be ready to embark on your adventure in one of the most vibrant gaming worlds around. And remember — keep your game launcher updated to access the latest content and events.