Mihomo (formerly Clash Meta) for Windows: download, install, and first run

Understand the project relationship and intended users

Mihomo is a proxy core, not a complete graphical client. Desktop users commonly manage it through clients such as Clash Verge Rev, while server and router environments may run the core directly.

Verify the release source, not just the “latest” label

Confirm the project owner and release tag through the repository, formal release page, or platform store. A mirror can change delivery speed, but the filename, version, signature, or hash should match the release record. Search snippets labeled latest may be stale.

Confirm operating system and CPU architecture

Open Settings → System → About and record the Windows version and system type. Most Intel/AMD computers use x64; Windows on Arm devices use arm64. Check the stated minimum Windows release.

Read package formats and filenames

Choose an installer labeled x64 or arm64. EXE/MSI suits a normal installation; archives suit portable use. A WebView2 bundle is commonly for systems missing that runtime.

Complete three checks before installation

Close old instances, back up required configuration or recovery information, and confirm free disk space, system time, and network access. Before an upgrade, note the old version and data directory so a program change can be separated from a configuration change.

Installation steps and permissions

Run only a package traceable to a verified release. Grant required permissions through normal system prompts and do not permanently disable protection. Launch once and confirm the interface, version, and data directory open normally. Read the exact security prompt and verify source and filename. Grant administrator or service-mode permission through normal Windows prompts; do not download replacement DLLs from unknown guides.

1. Download the correct platform and architecture build
2. Back up configuration, data, or recovery information
3. Close old instances and install
4. Prepare one known-good configuration or account
5. Validate one explicit function
6. Enable advanced options individually

Complete the smallest first-run loop

Confirm whether the package is a graphical client or a raw core. A client imports configuration and enables a proxy; a raw core also needs a correct configuration path, listening ports, and management method.

Validate with a real outcome, not a colored button

Test an explicit outcome such as opening the app, loading a configuration, reaching one target, or sending a test message. A status indicator alone is not evidence; compare logs with real application behavior.

Status looks normal but the feature fails

Frequent causes are wrong architecture, missing WebView2, a running old process, firewall prompts, or service-mode permission. Isolate them instead of disabling all protection.

Updates, backup, and rollback

Back up before updating, then check client, core, and configuration state separately. Preserve logs and return to the last known-good release if necessary; repeated reinstalls often remove useful evidence.

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