v2rayN
7.24.1The Desktop and WPF versions use different interface technologies. For a first installation, Desktop is the preferred choice. If upgrading from the classic version and keeping the existing workflow matters, continue using WPF.
CLIENT PACKAGES / STABLE CHANNEL
Choose a client based on the operating system, processor architecture, and interface type. Use v2rayN on desktop platforms; on Android, choose between v2rayNG and v2flyNG based on the kernel ecosystem.
Start by opening the matching panel from the four platform tabs below.
For desktop devices, distinguish between x86_64 and arm64; on Android, check arm64 compatibility first.
Close the running older version, keep a configuration backup, then install or upgrade.
PLATFORM REGISTRY
The platform tab is reflected in the address bar. Copy the page address with its platform marker to open the corresponding download panel directly.
platform: windows / arch: x86_64
Windows offers Desktop and classic WPF interface versions. Desktop is the next-generation cross-platform UI, with an organization suited to new installations and use across desktop systems. WPF retains the classic Windows layout, with menus, configuration editing, and tray controls closer to established workflows. Both target 64-bit Windows. Quit the old client before installation to prevent its local listening port from remaining occupied.
The Desktop and WPF versions use different interface technologies. For a first installation, Desktop is the preferred choice. If upgrading from the classic version and keeping the existing workflow matters, continue using WPF.
| Check | Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Processor architecture | 64-bit x86 processor | Confirm x64 under System type in System Information. |
| Interface version | Prefer Desktop for a new installation | If you are familiar with the classic menus, choose WPF, and avoid launching both versions at once. |
| Upgrade preparation | Quit the old client from the system tray | Back up subscriptions, routing rules, and local settings before installing. |
| First connection | Check the system proxy status | Import the configuration and choose a node before enabling proxy mode for the required scope. |
platform: macos / package: dmg
macOS installers are split between Apple Silicon and Intel architectures. Open About This Mac from the system menu and check the Chip or Processor field: choose arm64 for Apple M-series devices and x64 for Intel processors. The wrong architecture generally will not launch correctly, so confirm it before downloading instead of guessing from the device's purchase year.
The two dmg installers provide the same functionality; the difference is processor architecture. Use the arm64 version on Apple M-series devices and the x64 version on Intel devices.
| Check | Where to check | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Apple M-series | About This Mac shows Apple chip | Download the Apple Silicon arm64 installer. |
| Intel processor | About This Mac shows Intel | Download the Intel x64 installer. |
| First launch | Privacy & Security in System Settings | Follow the system prompts to approve app launch and network permissions. |
| Proxy takeover | Client system proxy menu | Enable it after connecting a node, and restore the previous setting before quitting if needed. |
platform: android / package: apk
The Android panel is organized by client and processor architecture. v2rayNG uses the Xray kernel ecosystem and is the usual first choice; v2flyNG uses the v2fly kernel and can be selected when compatibility with that configuration ecosystem is required. Most mainstream phones released after 2015 should try arm64 first. If the architecture is unknown or installation reports incompatibility, use the universal version. Both clients can be installed separately, but only one VPN service should be enabled for everyday connections.
A graphical Android client built around the Xray kernel ecosystem. It supports importing share links from the clipboard, adding subscriptions, choosing nodes, and enabling VPN connections as needed.
An Android client built on the v2fly kernel, suited to configurations that depend on its specific kernel behavior. Confirm that the subscription is compatible with the selected kernel before importing it.
| Check | Preferred choice | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recent mainstream devices | arm64 | The package size is optimized for the processor architecture used by most current devices. |
| Architecture unknown | Universal version | Suitable when the processor type cannot be confirmed from the device information. |
| Client selection | Prefer v2rayNG | Choose v2flyNG only when the configuration requires v2fly kernel behavior. |
| Background operation | Allow necessary background activity | Battery restrictions may interrupt long-running connections; adjust them in system settings as needed. |
platform: linux / package: deb · rpm
For Linux, choose the package format based on the distribution first, then choose the processor architecture. Debian, Ubuntu, and derivatives generally use deb; Fedora, RHEL, and derivatives generally use rpm. Common desktop computers use x86_64, while ARM desktop devices or development boards use arm64. Cross-check distribution details and system architecture commands before installing instead of judging from the device's appearance.
The Linux desktop edition provides deb and rpm packages, each covering x86_64 and arm64. The package manager handles the desktop entry and installation path, but exporting the client configuration before upgrading is still recommended.
Choose this only when the system architecture is shown as arm64 or aarch64. The package format must still match the current distribution.
| System type | Package | Architecture check |
|---|---|---|
| Debian- and Ubuntu-based | deb | x86_64 corresponds to amd64; 64-bit ARM corresponds to arm64. |
| Fedora- and RHEL-based | rpm | Choose x86_64 for x86_64; choose aarch64 for 64-bit ARM. |
| Desktop session | Graphical desktop environment | Launch it from the application menu after installation and check whether the tray icon appears. |
| System proxy | Configure according to the desktop environment | After connecting, confirm that the current desktop session is using the system proxy. |
INSTALLATION NOTES
Whether the installer works correctly mainly depends on the platform, architecture, configuration source, and system proxy status. Complete these checks first to reduce repeated installations and overwritten settings.
Use the corresponding desktop installer on Windows, dmg on macOS, apk on Android, and deb or rpm on Linux according to the distribution. If the file format does not match, the system cannot install it through the normal package workflow. Linux users should also identify the distribution's package-management system rather than relying only on the desktop environment name.
Architecture determines which machine instructions the program contains. Apple Silicon on macOS uses arm64 and Intel uses x64; most recent mainstream Android devices use arm64; common Linux desktop computers use x86_64, while ARM devices show arm64 or aarch64. A mismatch usually appears as an installation failure, an immediate exit after launch, or a system format error.
Before upgrading, record the current client version, subscription groups, routing mode, listening port, and system proxy status. Client settings may include manually added nodes, bypass rules, and custom DNS settings, which are harder to recreate than the program itself. When switching interface versions, save separate restorable configuration copies.
Before installing, fully quit the old client from the tray or application menu; closing the main window may leave a background process running. If the connection fails after upgrading, first check whether the old process still occupies the local proxy port, then confirm that the new client has selected the correct node and that system proxy or TUN is enabled as expected.
CLIENT SCOPE
The client names are similar, but their platform coverage, kernel ecosystems, and interface focus differ. Choose the operating system first, then check configuration compatibility; there is no need to install every client on the same device.
For Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop systems. Core tasks include subscription management, node selection, routing rules, system proxy, TUN, and configuration editing. Windows offers Desktop and classic WPF interfaces, while macOS and Linux require an installer selected by architecture or package format. Desktop users generally need only this client.
The usual choice for Android, built around the Xray kernel ecosystem. It can manage multiple nodes through a subscription URL and directly import vmess and vless share links. Connections use the system VPN interface, so the required permission must be approved on first launch. Background stability is also affected by battery policies and app sleep settings.
The v2fly-kernel client for Android, suited to subscriptions or manual configurations that explicitly depend on v2fly behavior. Before choosing it, review the provider's notes on protocols, transports, and kernels. Without a specific compatibility requirement, start with v2rayNG; before switching, disconnect the current client's VPN connection.
DOWNLOAD FAQ
These questions cover versions, architectures, package formats, and first connections. For complete instructions on importing configurations and routing modes, see the Getting Started guide.
Desktop uses a next-generation cross-platform interface and suits first-time installations or users who want similar layouts across Windows, macOS, and Linux. WPF retains the classic Windows interface, with menu organization, tray access, and settings paths closer to earlier versions. If you have used WPF for a long time and its configuration is stable, you can stay with the classic version; for a new installation, Desktop is usually the better choice. They may use the same local proxy port, so do not run both simultaneously.
Open the system menu in the upper-left corner of the screen, select About This Mac, and check the Chip or Processor field. If it shows an Apple M-series chip, download the Apple Silicon arm64 package; if it shows Intel, download the Intel x64 package. Do not guess from the model or purchase date, as similarly designed devices may use different processors. A mismatched installer architecture usually prevents the app from launching correctly.
Most mainstream Android phones released after 2015 can use arm64 first; the file contains only the content needed for the target architecture. If the processor architecture cannot be confirmed from device information, or the arm64 package reports incompatibility during installation, use the universal version. The universal version supports a broader range of devices, but its client role is the same as the arm64 version. When choosing v2rayNG or v2flyNG, also confirm that the subscription matches the relevant kernel ecosystem.
Debian, Ubuntu, and derivatives generally use deb; Fedora, RHEL, and derivatives generally use rpm. After choosing the format, determine the processor as well: common desktop computers are usually x86_64, while ARM desktop devices or development boards may show arm64 or aarch64. Package format and processor architecture are independent requirements; choosing either one incorrectly can cause installation failure.
Most upgrades within the same client type can be performed directly, but first fully quit the old client and back up subscriptions, nodes, routing, and DNS settings. When switching from WPF to Desktop on Windows, changing package systems on Linux, or moving between desktop systems, treat the configuration as separate data rather than assuming every setting will migrate automatically. After upgrading, check subscription groups and the local listening port before enabling the system proxy.
The installer contains only the client program. After installation, import a valid subscription URL or node share link, update the subscription, choose an available node, and enable system proxy or TUN for your use case. If the client reports a connection but apps cannot access the network, check the node configuration, system time, local port, proxy mode, and routing rules in order instead of reinstalling the client.