How to Install ReactJS on Windows (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Want to make cool stuff for websites with ReactJS? Great! This guide will help you put React on your Windows computer, step by step. We’ll keep it really simple.

Step 1: Get Node.js (It’s like React’s Helper)

React requires Node.js to function. Node.js also gives you npm, a tool that helps get other bits React needs.

1. Go to the Node.js Website:

   • Open your internet browser and type: nodejs.org

   • You’ll see a download button for LTS. Click that one. It’s the best for most people.

   • This downloads an installer file (ending in .msi).

2. Install Node.js:

   • Find the downloaded file (usually in your “Downloads” folder). Double-click it.

   • Click “Next” through the installer. The usual settings are fine. Click “Install.”

3. Check if it worked:

   • Open Command Prompt. (Search for “cmd” or “Command Prompt” in your Windows search bar.)

   • In the black window that opens, type node -v and press Enter. You should see a version number (like v18.17.0).

   • Then, type npm -v and press Enter. You should see another version number (like 9.6.7).

   • If you see numbers, great! Node.js is ready.

Step 2: (Optional, but Good!) Get a Code Editor

You’ll need a program to write your React code. VS Code is a popular free one.

1. Go to the VS Code Website:

   • In your browser, type: code.visualstudio.com

   • Click the big “Download for Windows” button.

2. Install VS Code:

   • Run the downloaded installer. Click “Next” through the steps.

Step 3: Make Your First React App

Now, let’s create your React project.

1. Open Command Prompt Again (if you closed it).

2. Go to a Folder for Your Projects (Good Idea!):

   • It’s tidy to keep projects in one place. Maybe in your “Documents” folder.

   • In Command Prompt, you can type cd Documents to go there.

   • You can make a new folder by typing mkdir MyReactProjects and then cd MyReactProjects.

3. Create the App:

   • Now, type this command (you can change my-cool-app to any name you like, but use lowercase and hyphens):
     npx create-react-app my-cool-app
     

     Press Enter. This will take a few minutes. It’s getting everything ready for you.

Step 4: See Your React App!

1. Go into Your New App’s Folder:

   • In Command Prompt, type:
     cd my-cool-app
     (Use the name you chose in the previous step.)
     

2. Start the App:

   • Type this command and press Enter:
     npm start

   • This will open your new React app in your internet browser! It usually looks like a page with a spinning logo.

You Did It! ReactJS is Ready!

Congrats! You’ve set up React on Windows and made your first app.

Find more information about Install and Uninstall VS Code Using APT on Ubuntu