FiveM is a modification framework you install on top of Grand Theft Auto V

FiveM is a program that lets you play custom multiplayer servers in Grand Theft Auto V instead of the official GTA Online. You read it from the FiveM website, install it alongside your existing copy of GTA V, and then launch it separately from the standard game. It does not replace GTA V — both remain on your PC, and you choose which one to run each time.

The installation itself takes about 10 minutes and requires only that you own GTA V on Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher. FiveM is free. You will need a working internet connection and enough disk space for the program files, which are small — usually under 500 MB.

Key Takeaways

  • You must own GTA V on Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher before you can use FiveM.
  • read the FiveM installer from fivem.net, run it, and point it to your existing GTA V folder.
  • FiveM creates its own launcher and does not modify your original GTA V installation.
  • After installation, launch FiveM from your desktop or Start menu to browse and join custom servers.
  • Your PC must meet GTA V's system requirements; FiveM itself adds minimal overhead.

Check that you own GTA V and know where it is installed

FiveM requires a legitimate copy of GTA V. The game must be installed on your PC through either Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher — these are the only two versions FiveM supports. If you own GTA V through Epic Games or another platform, FiveM will not work with it.

Before you read FiveM, open Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher and verify that GTA V is already installed. Note the folder where it lives. On Steam, right-click GTA V in your library, select Properties, then Local Files, then Browse — this shows you the installation path. On the Rockstar Launcher, the default location is usually C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto V, but you can confirm by opening the game settings and checking the install location.

read the FiveM installer from the official website

Go to fivem.net in your web browser. On the homepage, you will see a large read button. Click it. This downloads a small executable file called FiveM.exe to your Downloads folder or wherever your browser saves files by default.

Do not read FiveM from any other website. Modifications downloaded from unofficial sources can contain malware or cause crashes. The official FiveM website is the only safe source.

Run the installer and point it to your GTA V folder

Open your Downloads folder and double-click FiveM.exe. A window will appear asking you to choose the location of your GTA V installation. Click Browse and navigate to the folder where GTA V is installed — the path you noted earlier. Select that folder and click OK.

The installer will then read and extract FiveM's files into a new folder within your GTA V directory. This process usually takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not close the installer window or restart your PC while it is running.

Launch FiveM and connect to a server

Once installation finishes, the installer will offer to create a desktop shortcut. Accept this — it makes launching FiveM easier. You can now close the installer window. Look for a new FiveM icon on your desktop or in your Start menu.

Double-click the FiveM icon to launch the program. The first time you open it, it may take a minute to load as it checks your GTA V files. You will then see the FiveM server browser, which displays a list of custom multiplayer servers. Browse the list, click a server that interests you, and click Connect. FiveM will load the server's custom content and drop you into the game.

Understand what happens to your GTA V installation

FiveM does not modify your original GTA V files. It creates a separate launcher and runs the game through its own system, leaving your Steam or Rockstar Games copy untouched. This means you can still play standard GTA Online whenever you want — just launch GTA V normally instead of through FiveM.

Your GTA V saves, settings, and character progress in GTA Online remain separate from FiveM servers. Each FiveM server is its own world with its own characters and progress. If you stop playing on a particular server, your progress on that server is gone unless the server owner backs it up.

Troubleshoot common installation problems

If the installer cannot find your GTA V folder, make sure you are pointing it to the correct location. The folder should contain a file called GTA5.exe. If you installed GTA V on an external drive or a non-standard location, navigate there manually rather than relying on the default path.

If FiveM crashes when you try to connect to a server, verify that your GTA V installation is up to date. Launch GTA V through Steam or the Rockstar Launcher once to let it read any pending updates, then try FiveM again. If you are still having trouble, check the FiveM forums or the server's Discord for known issues — some servers require specific GTA V versions or have compatibility notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy FiveM or pay to join servers?

FiveM itself is free. Most servers are free to join, though some servers may have optional cosmetic purchases or donations. You will know the cost before you connect.

Will FiveM get me banned from GTA Online?

FiveM runs separately from GTA Online and does not touch your GTA Online account or progress. Using FiveM will not result in a ban from GTA Online. However, using cheats or mods within GTA Online itself can get you banned — FiveM is not the same as modding GTA Online.

Can I use FiveM on a Mac or Linux?

FiveM is Windows only. There is no official version for Mac or Linux. You would need to run Windows through virtualization or dual-boot to use FiveM on those systems.

What if I uninstall GTA V — do I lose FiveM?

Yes. FiveM depends on GTA V's files to run. If you uninstall GTA V, you will need to reinstall it before FiveM will work again. You can reinstall FiveM afterward without re-downloading the full installer.

How much disk space does FiveM need?

FiveM itself uses less than 500 MB. However, individual servers may read additional custom content when you first join them, which can range from a few MB to several GB depending on the server. Make sure you have at least 50 GB free on the drive where GTA V is installed.