How to Install and Set Up GitKraken on Windows

Edited 6 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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GitKraken is a popular Git client for Windows that helps you visualize and manage your Git repositories in a simple and efficient way. This guide will introduce you to the detailed process of installing and setting up GitKraken on your Windows machine. We will break down the steps to ensure a seamless installation and configuration experience. We will also provide tips for using GitKraken effectively once the setup is complete.

1. Understanding GitKraken

GitKraken is a premium Git client, which means it's designed to not only manage your Git repositories, but it also improves the way you interact with them. It looks attractive, offers a great user experience, and is packed with features to help streamline your Git workflow.

Before we dive further into its installation, it is important to highlight some of the key features of GitKraken:

• Intuitive UI: Git provides a visual representation of branches and merges, making it easier to manage your repository.
• Cross-platform: Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it easy to switch systems without having to learn a new tool.
• Built-in code editor: Although primarily a Git client, GitKraken includes a code editor for making quick changes to your files.
• Integration with popular platforms: Integrates well with platforms like GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab for a seamless workflow.
• Conflict Resolution: Provides a guided interface for resolving merge conflicts, helping you handle them in an understandable way.

2. System requirements

To ensure that GitKraken runs smoothly on your Windows machine, there are a few system requirements that you need to meet:

• Windows Operating System: GitKraken supports Windows 7 SP1, 8, 10, and later versions.
• At least 1 GB RAM and 100 MB free disk space.
• Internet connection to download and set up the application.

3. Installing GitKraken on Windows

Step 1: Downloading GitKraken

Start by downloading the GitKraken installer from the official GitKraken website. Open your web browser and visit the GitKraken website. Go to the Downloads section, where you will find the Windows version available for download. Click the Download button to start the process.

Step 2: Running the installer

Once the download is complete, locate GitKrakenSetup.exe file in your downloads folder. Double-click the setup file to launch the installer. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click 'Yes' to allow the installer to make changes to your system.

Step 3: Installation process

The installer will guide you through the installation process. Follow these steps:

1. Choose installation options: You will be given the option to select the components you want to install. By default, all required components will be selected. Unless you have any special requirements, it is recommended to keep the default settings.
2. Choose the install location: By default, GitKraken will be installed in C:\Program Files directory. You can change this location if necessary by clicking the 'Browse' button and choosing a different directory. Click 'Next' to continue.
3. Start the installation: Click the 'Install' button to begin the installation process. The installer will copy the required files and set up GitKraken on your system.

Step 4: Completing the installation

Once the installation is complete, a message will appear indicating that GitKraken has been successfully installed. You can choose to launch GitKraken immediately by checking the 'Launch GitKraken' checkbox and clicking 'Finish'.

4. Setting up GitKraken

Step 1: Launch GitKraken

To launch GitKraken, you can either use the shortcut placed on your desktop during installation or search for GitKraken in the Start menu. Once you open GitKraken, you will be greeted with a welcome screen.

Step 2: Sign in or register

To use the GitKraken client you must sign in or create a new account. You have the following options to sign in:

• GitKraken Account: You can create a new account using your email and password or log in if you already have an account.
• Sign in with GitHub: If you have a GitHub account, you can easily sign in using your GitHub credentials, which is a convenient option for most developers.
• Sign in with GitLab or Bitbucket: Similar to GitHub, if your repository is hosted on GitLab or Bitbucket, you can authenticate using those accounts.

Follow the instructions to sign in or create a new account according to your preference.

Step 3: Integration with Git hosting providers

After signing in, GitKraken will prompt you to integrate with your preferred Git hosting providers. This step is important as it allows GitKraken to access your repositories and streamline your workflow. You can connect to services like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. Provide the necessary authentication, such as your OAuth credentials, to allow GitKraken to connect smoothly to your repository hosting services.

Step 4: Configuring your Git identity

Now that GitKraken is connected to your repository, you need to set up your Git identity within the client. Your Git identity includes your name and email address, which will be used in your repository's commit history. To configure your Git identity, follow these steps:

1. Click the gear icon or select 'Preferences' from the GitKraken menu.
2. Go to the 'Profile' settings tab.
3. Enter your name and email address in the designated fields.
4. Click 'Save' to apply these settings.

Step 5: Create or clone the repository

After you set up GitKraken, you are ready to create a new repository or clone an existing repository. Here is how you can create or clone a repository:

Creating a new repository:

1. Click on the 'File' menu and select 'New Repository.'
2. Choose the directory where you want to initialize your repository. Optionally, you can also choose to create a README file, a .gitignore file, and a license file during this process.
3. Click on 'Create Repository' to initialize a new repository in the chosen directory.

Cloning an existing repository:

1. Click on the 'Clone a Repository' option on the GitKraken welcome page.
2. Input the repository URL (e.g., from GitHub) that you want to clone. Select the destination folder where you want to clone the repository.
3. Click 'Clone' to start the cloning process. GitKraken will download and set up the repository in the specified folder.

5. Using GitKraken for Git operations

After installing and configuring GitKraken, you can now start using it to perform various Git operations. Here's how to perform common Git actions within GitKraken:

Committing to change

To commit changes made to files in your repository, follow these steps:

1. Open the repository in GitKraken.
2. Stage the changes by clicking the '+' sign next to each modified file, or use the 'Stage All Changes' button.
3. Enter a commit message in the specified field.
4. Click on the 'Commit Changes' button to commit the changes to the repository.

Creating branches

Branches help you work on different tasks without affecting the main codebase. To create a branch, do the following:

1. Go to the Branch dropdown menu at the top of the GitKraken window.
2. Click on the 'New Branch' button.
3. Provide a name for the branch and select the base branch from which to create it.
4. Click 'Create' to set up the new branch.

Merging of branches

Once you've finished working on a branch, you may need to merge it back into the main branch. Here's how:

1. Switch to the branch you want to merge changes from.
2. Locate the main branch (or target branch) in the branch dropdown menu and click on it.
3. Select the 'Merge' option.
4. GitKraken will try to merge the changes automatically. If there are any conflicts, you will be asked to resolve them.

Pushing and pulling changes

To sync your local changes with the remote repository or receive changes made by others, you need to perform push and pull operations:

Driving the change:

1. After applying your changes, click the 'Push' button in the top-right corner of GitKraken.
2. Make sure the correct remote and branch are selected, then click 'Push' to upload your changes to the remote repository.

Pulling changes:

1. To pull changes from the remote repository, click the ‘Pull’ button in GitKraken.
2. If there are any new changes in the remote repository, GitKraken will merge them into your local branch.

6. Conclusion

By following the steps in this comprehensive guide, you have successfully installed and set up GitKraken on your Windows machine. With GitKraken, you can now easily manage your Git repositories, make commits, create branches, resolve conflicts, and synchronize your changes with remote repositories.

GitKraken is a powerful tool that enhances your Git experience and simplifies the process of managing your code. With its intuitive interface and robust features, you can better focus on developing your projects and collaborating with others.

We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to get started with GitKraken on Windows. As you become more familiar with the tool, you will find additional features and workflows to suit your specific needs. Enjoy your GitKraken journey!

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