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Installing ImageGlass

This guide will walk you through installing ImageGlass on your Windows computer. Choose the installation method that works best for you.

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System Requirements

Before installing ImageGlass, verify that your system meets these requirements:

Operating System

Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)Minimum version: 1809 (build 17763)

Architecture

64-bit (x64 or ARM64)32-bit systems are not supported

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Optional Requirements

WebView2 Runtime - Some advanced features require Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime (64-bit) v119.0.2151 or later. This is used for the modern settings interface and other web-based UI components.If not already installed, ImageGlass will prompt you to download it, or you can download it directly from Microsoft.

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Installation Methods

ImageGlass offers two installation options to suit different user needs: The Microsoft Store version provides the easiest installation experience with automatic updates.
1

Open Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer, or visit the ImageGlass Store page.
2

Search for ImageGlass

Search for “ImageGlass” in the Microsoft Store, or use the direct link to the app page.
3

Install or Try

Click Get to start a 7-day free trial, or Buy to purchase ImageGlass.The app will download and install automatically.
4

Launch ImageGlass

Once installed, click Open from the Store, or find ImageGlass in your Start menu.

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Microsoft Store Benefits

  • Automatic updates - Get new features and fixes automatically in the background
  • Hotfix updates - Critical fixes are delivered as soon as they’re ready
  • Easy installation - Install on all your Windows devices with one purchase
  • Secure distribution - Apps are verified by Microsoft
  • 7-day free trial - Try before you buy
Supporting Development: Purchasing from the Microsoft Store directly supports the ongoing development of ImageGlass. Alternatively, you can make a one-time donation via GitHub Sponsors and request a Store license code.

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Option 2: Classic Installer (Free)

The classic installer is completely free and available for download from the official website.
1

Download the Installer

Visit imageglass.org and navigate to the Downloads page.Download the latest version of ImageGlass Classic installer for your architecture (x64 or ARM64).
2

Run the Installer

Locate the downloaded .exe or .msi file and double-click to run it.If prompted by Windows SmartScreen, click More info and then Run anyway.
3

Follow Installation Wizard

The installer will guide you through the setup process:
  • Accept the license agreement (GPLv3)
  • Choose installation location (default is recommended)
  • Select whether to create desktop shortcut
  • Choose whether to set ImageGlass as the default image viewer
4

Complete Installation

Click Install to begin the installation process.Wait for the installation to complete, then click Finish.

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Classic Installer Benefits

  • Completely free - No trial period or purchase required
  • Portable installation options - Some builds support portable mode
  • All features included - Full feature set including Explorer integration
  • Manual update control - Choose when to update
The Classic version does not include automatic updates. You’ll need to manually check for and install new versions.

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First Launch Setup

When you launch ImageGlass for the first time, you’ll be greeted with a Quick Setup wizard to help configure the application.
1

Welcome Screen

The Quick Setup wizard welcomes you to ImageGlass and explains the setup process.
2

Theme Selection

Choose your preferred theme:
  • Kobe (default) - A clean, modern light theme
  • Dark themes - For reduced eye strain in low light
  • Custom themes - Available after installation
You can change this later in Settings.
3

File Associations

Choose which image formats to open with ImageGlass by default.Options include:
  • All supported formats - Set ImageGlass as default for all 90+ formats
  • Common formats only - JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WEBP
  • None - Don’t change file associations (configure manually later)
4

Startup Options

Configure startup behavior:
  • Enable startup boost - Preload ImageGlass in the background for faster launches
  • Check for updates - Allow ImageGlass to check for new versions (Classic only)
5

Complete Setup

Review your choices and click Finish to complete the Quick Setup.ImageGlass is now ready to use!
You can re-run the Quick Setup wizard at any time from Settings → General → Run Quick Setup.

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Installing WebView2 Runtime

Some features in ImageGlass require the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, particularly the modern settings interface.

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Check if WebView2 is Installed

WebView2 is included with Windows 11 and recent Windows 10 updates. To check if it’s installed:
  1. Press Win + R to open Run dialog
  2. Type msedge://version and press Enter
  3. Look for “Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime” in the list

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Manual Installation

If WebView2 is not installed:
1

Download WebView2 Runtime

Visit the Microsoft WebView2 download page.Download the Evergreen Bootstrapper or Standalone Installer (64-bit).
2

Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded installer file.The installer will download and install the WebView2 Runtime automatically.
3

Restart ImageGlass

If ImageGlass was open, restart it to use the newly installed WebView2 Runtime.
Make sure to download the 64-bit version of WebView2 Runtime to match ImageGlass’s architecture.

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Post-Installation Configuration

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Setting ImageGlass as Default Viewer

If you skipped file associations during setup, you can set ImageGlass as the default viewer later:

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Windows 11

  1. Right-click an image file
  2. Select Open with → Choose another app
  3. Select ImageGlass from the list
  4. Check Always use this app to open .jpg files
  5. Click OK

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Windows 10

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps
  2. Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type
  3. Find the image extensions you want (e.g., .jpg, .png)
  4. Click the current default app and select ImageGlass

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Using ImageGlass Settings

ImageGlass also provides a built-in file association tool:
  1. Open ImageGlass
  2. Go to Menu → Settings (or press Ctrl + ,)
  3. Navigate to File associations
  4. Select the formats you want ImageGlass to handle
  5. Click Apply or Set as default for all

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Verifying Installation

To confirm ImageGlass is installed correctly:
1

Launch ImageGlass

Open ImageGlass from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
2

Check Version

Click Menu → About to see the installed version.Current version should be 9.4.x or later.
3

Test Image Viewing

Open a sample image file to verify ImageGlass displays it correctly.

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Troubleshooting

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Installation Issues

This error indicates you’re trying to install the 64-bit version on a 32-bit system.Solution: ImageGlass only supports 64-bit Windows. You’ll need to upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows to use ImageGlass.
If the Microsoft Store installation fails:
  1. Ensure Windows is up to date
  2. Try resetting the Microsoft Store app: Settings → Apps → Microsoft Store → Advanced options → Reset
  3. Sign out and back in to your Microsoft account
  4. Try downloading the Classic installer instead
Windows SmartScreen may block unrecognized installers.Solution:
  1. Click More info on the SmartScreen warning
  2. Click Run anyway
  3. Alternatively, download from the Microsoft Store for verified installation
If WebView2 Runtime installation fails:
  1. Ensure Windows is fully updated
  2. Try downloading the Standalone Installer instead of Bootstrapper
  3. Check available disk space
  4. Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation

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Getting Help

If you encounter issues during installation:

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Next Steps

Now that ImageGlass is installed, learn how to use it:

Quick Start Guide

Learn the basics of viewing and navigating images with ImageGlass

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