To download and install Genshin Impact on PC, visit the official Genshin Impact website at genshin.hoyoverse.com, click the Windows PC download button, run the installer, then launch the HoYoverse client and click “Get Game” to download the full game files. The initial installer is small, but the full game download is around 65 GB or more.
Applies to: Windows 10 and Windows 11 | Last updated: April 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Genshin Impact is completely free to download and play on PC, with optional in-game purchases.
- The installer is a small launcher download, but the full game requires approximately 65 GB or more of storage space.
- Minimum system requirements include Windows 7 SP1 or later, Intel Core i5 or equivalent, 8 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GT 1030 or equivalent GPU.
- You can choose a custom install location during setup if you want to install the game on a different drive.
Quick Steps
- Go to genshin.hoyoverse.com and click the Windows PC download button.
- Run the downloaded .exe installer, accept the terms, and click Install Now.
- Click Run Now when the installer finishes to open the HoYoverse client.
- In the client, click Get Game to download the full game files (65 GB+).
- Once the download completes, click Launch to start playing.
How to Download the Genshin Impact Installer
Open your web browser and head to the official Genshin Impact website. Scroll down until you find the PC download button and click on it. This downloads the Genshin Impact installer .exe file to your computer.
The installer download is small and should only take a few seconds. The actual game files are downloaded separately through the HoYoverse client in a later step.
How to Install Genshin Impact on Your PC
Once the installer has finished downloading, open the .exe file to launch the setup wizard. You will need to check the box to accept the terms and conditions before proceeding.
If you want to install the game client to a different drive or folder, click Advanced and choose your preferred location. Otherwise, leave the default path and click Install Now. The client installation only takes a minute or two.
When the installation completes, click Run Now to open the HoYoverse game client.
How to Download the Full Game Files
After the client opens, you will see a Get Game button. Click on it to begin downloading the full Genshin Impact game files. This is the large download that will take up 65 GB or more of storage space on your drive.
If you want to change where the game files are saved, click Change File Path before starting the download. You can select any drive with enough free space, including an external drive. Once you are happy with the location, click Install to begin.
Depending on your internet speed, this download can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Once it finishes, you can launch Genshin Impact directly from the client and start playing. If you need more storage space on your PC, check out my guide on how to clean your C: drive on Windows to free up room.
Tip: Installing the game on an SSD rather than a traditional hard drive will significantly reduce loading times. If you are looking for an upgrade, take a look at the best SSDs for upgrading your drive.
Genshin Impact PC System Requirements
Before downloading, it is worth checking that your PC meets the minimum requirements. Genshin Impact is not a particularly demanding game, but it does need a dedicated GPU for smooth gameplay.
Minimum requirements: Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) or later, Intel Core i5 or equivalent processor, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GT 1030 or equivalent graphics card, and 65 GB of available storage space.
Recommended requirements: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit), Intel Core i7 or equivalent, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1060 or better, and an SSD with at least 65 GB of free space for faster load times.
If your PC is on the lower end, you can still run the game by turning down the graphics settings in the in-game options. Genshin Impact has a wide range of quality presets that let you balance visuals and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Genshin Impact free to play on PC?
Yes, Genshin Impact is completely free to download and play on PC. There are optional in-game purchases for cosmetics and characters through a gacha system, but you do not need to spend any money to enjoy the full game.
How much storage space does Genshin Impact need?
Genshin Impact requires approximately 65 GB or more of storage space on PC. The initial launcher download is small, but the full game files are downloaded through the client afterward. The game size continues to grow with each major update, so having extra headroom is recommended.
Does Genshin Impact support controller on PC?
Yes, Genshin Impact has full controller support on PC. You can use an Xbox controller, PlayStation DualSense, or other compatible gamepads. The game automatically detects the controller and switches the on-screen prompts accordingly.
Can I play Genshin Impact with friends on PC?
Yes, Genshin Impact supports co-op multiplayer for up to four players. You need to reach Adventure Rank 16 in the game before the co-op mode unlocks. The game also supports cross-play, so you can play with friends on PlayStation, mobile, and other platforms.
Can I install Genshin Impact on an external drive?
Yes, during the setup process you can click “Change File Path” in the HoYoverse client to select an external drive as the install location. Just make sure the drive has at least 65 GB of free space and stays connected while you play. For other games on PC, you might also want to check out how to download and install Steam or download Fortnite on PC.
