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If you prefer to install Gemini CLI manually or if the automated installer doesn’t work for your environment, follow these steps to set up everything yourself.

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:
  • Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • Administrator access to your computer
  • Active internet connection

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Installation Steps

1

Install Node.js

Gemini CLI requires Node.js to run. Install the LTS (Long Term Support) version using one of these methods:Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:
winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS --silent --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements

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Option B: Manual Download

  1. Visit nodejs.org
  2. Download the LTS version for Windows
  3. Run the installer and follow the installation wizard
  4. Accept all default settings during installation
After installing Node.js, close and reopen your terminal window for the changes to take effect.

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Verify Installation

After installation, verify Node.js is correctly installed:
node -v
This should display the installed Node.js version (e.g., v20.11.0).
2

Install Gemini CLI Globally

With Node.js installed, install the Gemini CLI package globally using npm:
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
This process may take 1-2 minutes depending on your internet connection.
If you encounter permission errors, try running your terminal as Administrator:
  • Right-click on PowerShell or Command Prompt
  • Select “Run as administrator”
  • Run the installation command again

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Verify Installation

Confirm Gemini CLI is installed correctly:
gemini --version
Or simply check if the command is available:
where gemini
3

Create Desktop Shortcut (Optional)

For convenient access, create a desktop shortcut that launches Gemini CLI:

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Using PowerShell

Run this command in PowerShell:
$WshShell = New-Object -ComObject WScript.Shell
$Shortcut = $WshShell.CreateShortcut("$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\Gemini CLI.lnk")
$Shortcut.TargetPath = "powershell.exe"
$Shortcut.Arguments = "-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command `"gemini`""
$Shortcut.WorkingDirectory = $env:USERPROFILE
$Shortcut.IconLocation = "powershell.exe,0"
$Shortcut.Description = "Launch Gemini CLI"
$Shortcut.Save()

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Manual Shortcut Creation

Alternatively, create the shortcut manually:
  1. Right-click on your desktop
  2. Select New → Shortcut
  3. Enter this as the location: 
    powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini"
  4. Name it “Gemini CLI”
  5. Click Finish
The shortcut launches PowerShell and automatically runs the gemini command, keeping the window open for interaction.
4

Initial Configuration

Launch Gemini CLI for the first time:
gemini
Or double-click the desktop shortcut if you created one.You’ll be prompted to configure:

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1. Select Theme

Choose your preferred color theme or press Enter to use the default.

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2. Select Auth Method

Choose “Login with Google” (should be pre-selected) and press Enter.A browser window will open. Sign in with your Google account to authenticate Gemini CLI.
After authentication, you can start using all Gemini CLI features immediately.

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Troubleshooting

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Node.js command not found

If node command is not recognized after installation:
  1. Close all terminal windows
  2. Open a new terminal
  3. Try the command again
If it still doesn’t work, manually add Node.js to your PATH:
  1. Open System Environment Variables
  2. Edit the Path variable
  3. Add: C:\Program Files\nodejs
  4. Restart your terminal

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npm install fails with permission errors

Solution 1: Run terminal as Administrator Solution 2: Clear npm cache and retry: 
npm cache clean --force
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

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Gemini command not found after installation

  1. Verify the global npm packages directory is in your PATH: 
    npm config get prefix
  2. The output path should be in your system PATH. If not, add it manually.
  3. Typical npm global installation paths:
    • C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\npm
    • C:\Program Files\nodejs

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Updating Node.js

To update Node.js to the latest LTS version:

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Using winget

winget upgrade OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS

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Manual Update

  1. Download the latest LTS installer from nodejs.org
  2. Run the installer (it will upgrade your existing installation)
The automated installer checks for and applies Node.js updates automatically. Manual installations require periodic updates.

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Next Steps

After successful installation:
Keep Node.js and Gemini CLI updated regularly for the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches.

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