SHADOWCODE FOR WINDOWS · VERSION 2.3.1
An AI coding agent
for Windows.
ShadowCode is a free, open-source desktop coding agent. Point it at a project folder, choose a local model or a cloud API, and review every change before you keep it. It runs on Windows 10 and 11, as well as macOS and Linux.
- Windows 10 (1809+) / 11 · x64
- No admin rights needed
- Free · Apache 2.0
Install with one command
In PowerShell, run:
irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ShadowfetchStudio/ShadowCode/main/scripts/install-windows.ps1 | iexThe script downloads the latest installer and the release's checksum file. It refuses the installer if the SHA-256 doesn't match. Then it installs ShadowCode for your account only and adds the shadowcode command to your PATH. Run it again to update. You can read the script first.
Coming soon to winget.
Or use the installer
Download ShadowCode_2.3.1_x64-setup.exe (23.7 MB) and run it. It installs for your Windows account only.
The installer isn't code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen may show Windows protected your PC for a copy downloaded in a browser:
- Select More info.
- Check that the app is
ShadowCode_2.3.1_x64-setup.exe, then select Run anyway.
Check your download against SHA-256 7a957342206b1413ecaf153f284880bc5df562971094c50b703096bbb26a3bba. Get it from ShadowCode_2.3.1_windows.sha256. In PowerShell, compare it with Get-FileHash .\ShadowCode_2.3.1_x64-setup.exe.
Requirements
| Windows | Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or Windows 11 |
|---|---|
| Processor | 64-bit (x64) Intel or AMD |
| Permissions | A normal user account; no administrator rights |
| Local models | Run on the CPU with the bundled llama.cpp. They need enough free memory for the model you pick. |
| Cloud models | Your own API key or provider account; the provider may charge |
Where things live
| App | %LOCALAPPDATA%\ShadowCode |
|---|---|
| Settings | %APPDATA%\ShadowCode\config (roams with your account) |
| History, models, caches | %LOCALAPPDATA%\ShadowCode |
| API keys | Windows Credential Manager |
To uninstall, use Settings → Apps → Installed apps → ShadowCode.
How it works on Windows
- The agent's shell commands run in an AppContainer sandbox using the bundled busybox
sh, so they keep POSIX syntax. The network allow-list isn't available on Windows. Network access for commands is either on or off. - Terminals use PowerShell (ConPTY).
- Local models run on the CPU. GPU acceleration isn't qualified on Windows yet.
- Some external programs, including external Git commands, can fail inside the sandbox. Use the app's built-in Git actions or run Git in the terminal.
- Windows support is new. It is tested on GitHub's Windows runners and one Windows 11 laptop, not yet a wide range of PCs. Read the Windows notes.
Questions
Is ShadowCode free on Windows?
Yes. It's free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license. Cloud providers you connect may charge for their own services.
Do I need WSL, Git Bash or admin rights?
No. The installer is per-user and bundles its own sandbox shell. Git for Windows is useful for your own work, but ShadowCode doesn't need it to run.
Why does Windows warn me about the installer?
The installer isn't code-signed yet, so SmartScreen doesn't recognise it. Check the SHA-256 above, then choose More info → Run anyway. The PowerShell command checks the checksum for you and doesn't trigger the prompt.
Does my code leave my PC?
With a local model, inference runs on your computer. Cloud models and vendor agents receive the context needed for each task. Use offline mode to keep ShadowCode on local models only.
Is there an ARM64 Windows build?
Not yet. Version 2.3.1 for Windows is x64 only.
How do I update?
Run the PowerShell command again, or download the newer installer from the releases page. Either way, the new version replaces the old one and your settings are kept.
Links
- Release notes and checksums for 2.3.1 ↗
- Windows install guide ↗
- ShadowCode home · macOS and Linux downloads
ShadowCode is built by one independent developer. If it helps you, buy me a coffee ☕.