Get Started with Flutter on Windows: Quick Setup Guide

Installing Flutter on Windows is your first step toward creating stunning mobile apps. Let’s make this quick and easy.

Why Flutter?

It’s fast, cross-platform, and backed by Google. Flutter is a game-changer in app development, allowing you to build for Android, iOS, and more from a single codebase.

Step 1: Download the Flutter SDK

Grab the Flutter SDK

Visit Flutter’s official site and download the latest stable version for Windows. If you develop apps in China, check out using Flutter in China.

To install and run Flutter, your Windows environment must meet the following hardware and software requirements.

Step 2: Install Git for Windows

Essential for Managing Flutter Projects

Flutter uses Git for managing the SDK. If you don’t have it installed, get it here. Git is crucial because Flutter uses it to manage its SDK updates and project versions. Without Git, you won’t be able to keep your Flutter installation up-to-date or use version control effectively in your projects.

Installation Steps for Git on Windows

1. Download Git:
   Head over to Git’s official website and download the Windows installer.
2. Install Git:
   Run the installer, and follow the default settings. Make sure to select the option to “Use Git from the Windows Command Prompt” during installation. This step ensures that Git is accessible system-wide.
3. Verify Installation:
   After installation, open Command Prompt and type git --version. You should see the installed version of Git displayed, confirming a successful installation.

By installing Git, you’re setting up the backbone of your Flutter development environment, ensuring that your projects are always organized, up-to-date, and easy to manage.

Step 3: Configure Your System Path

Add Flutter to Your Path

After downloading the SDK, extract it to a location of your choice. To run Flutter commands globally, you need to add the flutter/bin directory to your system’s environment variables.

Steps to add to your Path – Environment Variable for Flutter SDK

1. Open Environment Variables:
   Right-click on “This PC” > Properties > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables.
2. Locate Path Variable:
   Under “System variables,” find and select the “Path” variable, then click Edit.
3. Add Flutter Path:
   Click New and paste the path to your flutter/bin directory. Click OK to save.

Step 4: Run Flutter Doctor

Open Command Prompt, type flutter doctor, and hit enter. This tool checks your system for any missing dependencies like Android Studio, necessary SDKs, or additional tools.

Common Issues and Fixes

Missing Dependencies

Doctor found issues in 1 category or Android toolchain – develop for Android devices (Android SDK version xx.x.x)

If flutter doctor shows missing components, like Android Studio, make sure to install them. Follow the detailed instructions provided by Flutter Doctor.

Git Not Found

Error: Unable to find git in your PATH

If you encounter a “Git not found” error, ensure Git is installed and that its path is also added to your system’s environment variables.

Command Not Recognized

'flutter' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

If Flutter commands aren’t recognized, double-check the path to flutter/bin in your system’s environment variables.

Android Licenses Not Accepted

Some Android licenses not accepted. To resolve this, run: flutter doctor --android-licenses

This issue arises if you haven’t accepted the necessary Android SDK licenses. To fix this, open Command Prompt and run flutter doctor --android-licenses. Follow the prompts to accept each license, ensuring all Android components are correctly set up.

These common errors might seem daunting at first, but they are usually simple to resolve. By addressing them head-on, you can ensure a smoother Flutter development experience on Windows. Start building your app today, and let nothing hold you back!

Peace ✌️