Install on Windows

Syntax runs natively on Windows 10 (21H2) and later, and on Windows 11. On machines with an NVIDIA GPU it can run open-weight models locally; on machines without a GPU it can still serve smaller models on CPU and route larger requests to remote backends.

The Syntax desktop app and CLI are shipped as native Windows binaries — no WSL or Docker is required for the basic experience. WSL2 is supported for power users who prefer a Linux toolchain.

System requirements

Install (native)

Open PowerShell and run:

iwr -useb https://www.syntax-ftc.com/install.ps1 | iex

The installer registers Syntax under your user profile, adds the CLI to your PATH, and creates Start Menu entries. Re-run to upgrade.

Install (WSL2)

If you prefer a Linux toolchain, install Syntax inside your WSL2 distribution exactly as you would on Linux:

curl -fsSL https://www.syntax-ftc.com/install.sh | bash

You can run the desktop app on Windows and the CLI inside WSL pointing at the same control plane — both reach the local Bridge over localhost.

GPU prerequisites

If you have an NVIDIA GPU and want local inference:

• Install the latest NVIDIA Studio or Game Ready driver.
• Verify nvidia-smi works in PowerShell.
• For WSL2 GPU serving, follow NVIDIA's CUDA-on-WSL guide; the Linux installer will detect it at first launch.

Verify

syntax --version
syntax doctor

syntax doctor reports the detected hardware, the inference engines available on this machine, and any missing dependencies.

What's next

• First launch
• Connecting a harness
• Inference → Hardware support