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Install on Windows

LanJAM on Windows requires a few extra setup steps, but don't let that put you off — we'll walk you through each one. You'll be using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), which gives Windows the ability to run Linux tools.

  1. 1

    Install WSL

    WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) lets you run Linux tools on your Windows PC. LanJAM uses it behind the scenes.

    Open PowerShell as Administrator (right-click the Start button → "Terminal (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)") and run:

    wsl --install

    Restart your computer when prompted. After restarting, a Linux terminal may open automatically — follow the prompts to create a username and password for your Linux environment.

    Microsoft's WSL install guide

  2. 2

    Install Docker Desktop

    Docker runs LanJAM's services in isolated containers. On Windows, Docker Desktop integrates with WSL automatically.

    Download Docker Desktop for Windows — run the installer and make sure "Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V" is checked during setup. Launch Docker Desktop once to finish setup.

  3. 3

    Install Ollama

    Ollama runs AI models on your hardware. On Windows, install the native Windows version.

    Download Ollama for Windows — run the installer and follow the prompts. Ollama will run in the background.

  4. 4

    Open your WSL terminal

    Open the Start menu and search for "Ubuntu" (or whichever Linux distribution WSL installed). Click it to open a Linux terminal window.

    This is where you'll paste the install command. It looks like a black window with a text prompt — that's normal.

  5. 5

    Run the install command

    Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter. The installer will walk you through a few simple questions.

    curl -fsSL https://dl.lanjam.dev/install.sh | sh
    What does this command do?

    curl -fsSL — Downloads the install script from the LanJAM website. The flags make it run quietly and follow redirects.

    | sh — Runs the downloaded script. It's an interactive installer that will ask you a few questions (like where to install and what port to use).

    The script checks that Docker and Ollama are installed, sets up configuration files, downloads the LanJAM containers, and starts everything up. It won't install anything outside the directory you choose.

  6. 6

    Open LanJAM

    Once the installer finishes, it will display the exact URLs you can use to access LanJAM — including addresses that work from other devices on your network.

    From the computer you installed on, open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000 (or your chosen port). From other devices like phones, tablets, or other computers, use the machine's hostname or IP address shown by the installer. If port 80 was available, you won't even need a port number.

    You'll be guided through creating your admin account and inviting family members. See the first-time setup guide for a walkthrough.

Accessing LanJAM from other devices

To connect from phones, tablets, or other computers on your network, you need the hostname or IP address of the machine running LanJAM.

Finding your hostname and IP on Windows:

  • Hostname: Settings → System → About → "Device name"
  • IP address: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi/Ethernet → Properties → IPv4 address
  • Or in PowerShell: hostname and ipconfig
  • From other devices, use the hostname without .local or use the IP address directly

Automatic restart

LanJAM restarts automatically whenever Docker is running. To make sure Docker starts when your computer boots:

Open Docker Desktop → Settings → General → enable "Start Docker Desktop when you sign in".

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