read Twitch directly from the official website or Windows Store

The fastest way to get Twitch on your PC is to read the Twitch Desktop App from Twitch's official site or the Microsoft Store. Both routes give you the same app—the choice comes down to which you find easier. The official website route takes you directly to Twitch's read page; the Microsoft Store route handles updates automatically, which saves you a step later.

If you go to the official Twitch website, navigate to the Downloads section (usually found in the footer or account menu), select Windows, and click the read button. The installer file will land in your Downloads folder. If you use the Microsoft Store instead, search for "Twitch" in the Store app, click Install, and Windows handles the rest—no manual file management needed.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Twitch Desktop App from either twitch.tv or the Microsoft Store; both versions are identical and free.
  • The Microsoft Store version updates itself automatically, while the website version requires you to read new installers when updates arrive.
  • After installation, sign in with your Twitch account or create one if you don't have one yet.
  • The app works on Windows 10 and Windows 11; check your Windows version before downloading if your PC is older.

Installation steps after you read the file

Once the installer downloads, open your Downloads folder and double-click the Twitch installer file (usually named something like "TwitchSetup.exe"). A window will appear asking where you want to install the app. The default location—usually C:\Program Files\Twitch—works fine for most people. Click Install and let Windows do the work; this typically takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed and PC.

When installation finishes, the app will launch automatically. You'll see the Twitch login screen. If you already have a Twitch account, enter your username and password. If you don't have one, click the sign-up link and create an account using an email address. You can also sign in with your Google or Amazon account if you prefer not to create a separate Twitch login.

What to do if you already use Twitch in a web browser

If you've been watching Twitch through your web browser (like Chrome or Edge), downloading the desktop app doesn't replace that—it's a separate program that runs alongside your browser. Your browser bookmarks, followed channels, and watch history stay exactly where they are. The desktop app has its own separate login, so you'll need to sign in again even if you're already logged into Twitch online.

The desktop app and the website are connected to the same account, though. If you follow a new channel in the app, it shows up in your browser too, and vice versa. You don't need to choose one or the other; many people use both depending on what they're doing.

System requirements and compatibility

The Twitch Desktop App runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If your PC is running an older version of Windows (like Windows 7 or 8), the app won't install. To check your Windows version, right-click the Start button, select System, and look for "Edition" and "Version." If you're on an older system, you can still watch Twitch through your web browser—you just won't be able to use the desktop app.

The app needs about 200 MB of free disk space and works on most PCs built in the last ten years. If your computer is very old or has limited storage, the web browser version of Twitch may run more smoothly.

Signing in and setting up your preferences

After you sign in, the app shows you a home feed of streams from channels you follow. You can customize what you see by adjusting settings in the app menu (usually a gear icon or three horizontal lines). From there you can change notification settings, adjust video quality, and choose whether the app starts automatically when you turn on your PC.

The first time you open the app, it may ask permission to send you notifications when channels you follow go live. You can turn this on or off depending on whether you want alerts. If you change your mind later, the settings menu lets you adjust this anytime.

Troubleshooting common read and installation problems

If the installer won't run, make sure you have administrator rights on your PC. Right-click the installer file and select "Run as administrator." If Windows shows a security warning, click "More info" and then "Run anyway"—this is normal for programs you've just downloaded.

If the app crashes after you install it or won't start, try restarting your PC first. If that doesn't work, uninstall the app (go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Twitch, and click Uninstall), restart again, and read a fresh copy. If you're still having trouble, check that your Windows is fully updated by going to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates.

Using the desktop app versus the web version

The desktop app and the website show the same streams and have nearly identical features. The main difference is convenience: the app sits on your taskbar, so you can switch to it quickly without opening a browser. Some people find the app uses slightly less computer memory than running Twitch in a browser tab, which can matter if your PC is older or you run many programs at once.

You don't have to choose. Many people install the app but still use the browser version sometimes—for instance, if they're already in a browser doing something else. Both are free and work with the same account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Twitch account to read the app?

You need an account to sign in after you read and install the app, but you can create one for free during the installation process. You can use an email address, Google account, or Amazon account to set up a Twitch login.

Will downloading the app affect my browser version of Twitch?

No. The desktop app and the website are separate programs that use the same account. Your followed channels, watch history, and settings sync between them, but installing the app doesn't change how the browser version works.

Can I uninstall the app later if I don't like it?

Yes. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Twitch in the list, click it, and select Uninstall. This removes the app completely and frees up the disk space it used. You can always reinstall it later.

What if the Microsoft Store version won't install?

Try downloading from the official Twitch website instead. If that also fails, restart your PC and try again. If you're still stuck, make sure your Windows is up to date by checking Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates.

Does the desktop app cost money?

No. The Twitch Desktop App is free to read and use. Twitch itself is free to watch; you can pay for a subscription to support individual streamers, but that's optional and separate from the app read.