Easy Tech TutsHow to Install n8n Locally on Windows, on Mac Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Running n8n locally is a good option if you want to build and test automations before committing to a hosted or Docker-based setup. This guide covers installing the required Node.js prerequisites on both Windows and Mac, using npm to install n8n itself, and getting your local dashboard up and running.
01Install Node.js
Download and install the correct version of Node.js for your operating system, then verify it in your terminal or PowerShell console.
02Verify npm is working
Open your terminal and check your Node and npm versions to confirm the installation succeeded before continuing.
03Install n8n globally with npm
Run the standard npm global install command to download the official n8n package onto your machine.
04Launch the local server
Start n8n from the command line to initialize its local storage directories and default port configuration.
05Open the dashboard in your browser
Navigate to your local instance address in a web browser to reach the n8n interface.
06Complete the owner setup
Finish the onboarding wizard to create your admin login credentials before building your first workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Docker to install n8n locally?
No, this method uses npm and Node.js directly, so Docker isn't required, though it's an alternative approach many people also use.
Which Node.js version should I use?
You should use a version compatible with your n8n release, which you can confirm by checking the current n8n documentation before installing.
Will my data persist if I restart my computer?
Yes, n8n stores workflow data and credentials in a local directory that persists across reboots unless you manually delete it.
Can I access my local n8n instance from another device?
By default a local install is only reachable from the same machine unless you configure additional network settings, which is outside the scope of a basic local setup.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
