How to Install Flutter in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready to start building cross-platform apps with Flutter but not sure how to set it up on your Windows 11 machine? Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the entire process step by step. Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or an experienced developer switching to a new machine, installing Flutter on Windows 11 is easier than you think.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have Flutter fully set up, ready to create amazing apps for Android, iOS (via emulators), web, and desktop.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Flutter for App Development?

Before jumping in, let’s quickly look at why Flutter has become so popular among developers.

1. Cross-Platform Development

Write once, run anywhere—Flutter allows you to build apps for Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. Fast Development with Hot Reload

Make changes to your code and see them reflected instantly without restarting the app.

3. Rich UI and Widgets

Flutter provides a wide range of customizable widgets for a smooth and modern user experience.

4. Backed by Google

Flutter is supported by Google, ensuring continuous updates and strong community support.

System Requirements for Installing Flutter on Windows 11

Before installing, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
Disk Space: Minimum 1.64 GB (excluding IDE/tools)
PowerShell 5.0 or newer
Git for Windows (2.x, with the Use Git from the Windows Command Prompt option enabled)

Step-by-Step Guide to Install Flutter on Windows 11

Now let’s get to the fun part—installing Flutter.

Step 1: Download the Flutter SDK

Go to the official Flutter website: flutter.dev.
Navigate to the Get Started section.
Select Windows as your operating system.
Download the latest stable Flutter SDK (ZIP file).

Step 2: Extract the Flutter SDK

Locate the downloaded ZIP file.
Extract it to a location where you have write permissions (e.g., C:\src\flutter).
Avoid installing Flutter in a directory that requires administrator privileges like C:\Program Files.

Step 3: Add Flutter to System Path

Adding Flutter to your PATH allows you to run Flutter commands from any directory.

Search for Environment Variables in Windows Search.
Click Edit the system environment variables.
Under System Properties, click Environment Variables.
In the User variables section, select Path > Edit.
Click New and add the path to the flutter\bin folder (e.g., C:\src\flutter\bin).
Click OK to save.

Step 4: Run Flutter Doctor

Now, let’s check if everything is set up correctly.

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Type:

flutter doctor
Press Enter.

Flutter Doctor will scan your system and show if any dependencies are missing.

Step 5: Install Android Studio (Optional but Recommended)

For Android development, you’ll need Android Studio.

Download Android Studio from developer.android.com/studio.
Install it with Android SDK, Android SDK Platform-Tools, and Android SDK Build-Tools.
Launch Android Studio and set up an Android Virtual Device (AVD) for testing.

Step 6: Install Required Plugins

Open Android Studio.
Go to File > Settings > Plugins.
Search for and install:
- Flutter Plugin
- Dart Plugin

Step 7: Set Up an Emulator or Physical Device

To test your apps:

For Emulator:
- Use Android Studio’s AVD Manager to create a virtual device.
For Physical Device:
- Enable USB debugging on your Android phone.
- Connect via USB and allow permissions.

Step 8: Verify Installation

Run the following command to ensure Flutter detects your setup:

If you see your device or emulator listed, you’re good to go!

Step 9: Create Your First Flutter Project

Let’s make sure everything works by creating a sample app.

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Run:

flutter create my_first_app
Navigate to the project folder:

cd my_first_app
Launch the app:

flutter run

Troubleshooting Common Flutter Installation Issues

1. Flutter Command Not Recognized

Make sure the Flutter path is added to your system environment variables.

2. Android SDK Not Found

Install Android Studio and ensure SDK components are installed.

3. Emulator Not Showing Up

Enable hardware acceleration (Intel HAXM or Hyper-V).

4. Permissions Issues

Avoid installing Flutter in system-protected folders.

Should You Use Visual Studio Code Instead of Android Studio?

Yes, if you prefer a lightweight editor, VS Code works perfectly with Flutter. Just install:

Flutter extension
Dart extension

Then run:

to verify setup.

Keeping Flutter Updated

To update Flutter in the future:

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Run:

flutter upgrade

This ensures you have the latest stable release.

Conclusion

Installing Flutter on Windows 11 is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. From downloading the SDK to configuring your development environment, it only takes a few minutes to get everything ready. Once installed, you can start building apps for multiple platforms with a single codebase—fast, efficient, and future-proof.

FAQs

1. Can I install Flutter without Android Studio?

Yes, you can use Visual Studio Code or any other editor, but Android Studio simplifies SDK management.

2. Does Flutter work on Windows 11 Home?

Yes, Flutter works on all Windows 11 editions as long as they’re 64-bit.

3. How much space does Flutter need?

The SDK itself is around 1.6 GB, but Android Studio and its components may require 5–6 GB or more.

4. Do I need admin rights to install Flutter?

Not necessarily. Install it in a folder where you have write access.

5. Can Flutter build iOS apps on Windows 11?

You can write iOS apps on Windows, but building them requires a macOS device for final compilation.