How to Install and Configure Git on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you're using Windows 11 and looking to install Git, this guide will walk you through the entire setup process step by step, with explanations for each option.

✅ Step 1: Download Git for Windows

Visit the official Git website and download the installer:

• https://git-scm.com/download/win

Launch the installer once the download is complete.

✅ Step 2: Adjusting the Initial Branch Name

Recommendation: Select "Override the default branch name for new repositories" and set it to main.

This matches the naming convention used by GitHub and most modern Git platforms.

✅ Step 3: Choose Your PATH Environment

Select: Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software

This allows you to use Git from Git Bash, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and IDEs like VS Code.

✅ Step 4: Choosing the SSH Executable

Select: Use bundled OpenSSH

This option provides a self-contained SSH setup that works out of the box without additional configuration.

✅ Step 5: HTTPS Transport Backend

Select: Use the native Windows Secure Channel library

This uses Windows' certificate store, providing better integration and security on Windows systems.

✅ Step 6: Line Ending Conversions

Select: Checkout Windows-style, commit Unix-style line endings

This ensures compatibility between Windows and Linux/macOS systems by converting line endings appropriately.

✅ Step 7: Configuring Terminal Emulator

Select: Use MinTTY (the default terminal of MSYS2)

This terminal provides better font rendering, window resizing, and features compared to the default Windows console.

✅ Step 8: git pull Behavior

Select: Fast-forward or merge

This is the safest option for beginners. It will perform a fast-forward if possible or create a merge commit otherwise.

✅ Step 9: Credential Helper

Select: Git Credential Manager

It securely stores credentials and supports GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and more.

✅ Step 10: Extra Options

• Enable file system caching ☑
• Enable symbolic links ☑

Both options are recommended for improved performance and compatibility.

✨ Final Step: Finish Installation

Click Install to complete the setup. Once done, you can launch Git Bash or use Git from your favorite terminal or editor.

📅 After Installation - First Commands

Open a terminal and configure your identity:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

You’re now ready to start using Git on Windows 11!