How to Download & Install FiveM (incl. the Free Steam Version)

Evidence key: Official means Cfx.re / FiveM documentation (install, system requirements, where to buy GTAV) or SteamDB; community means player reports. Every source below was reviewed October 20, 2026.

Before you start

Official: FiveM needs a legitimate, fully updated copy of GTA V already installed on your PC. You can own it on Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the Rockstar Games Launcher. Cfx.re states FiveM "requires a fully updated installation of GTAV" and "does not condone pirated software." FiveM reads the game files from that installation — it is not a stand-alone package that bundles GTA V. Official "Where to buy GTAV" · Checked October 20, 2026.

A pirated or borrowed copy will not work and is outside Cfx.re's supported use. Console copies of GTA V cannot run FiveM — the client is Windows-only.

Download and install

Official: the standard install is:

1. Go to fivem.net and download FiveM.exe.
2. Run the installer. It downloads the client into %localappdata%\FiveM by default; you can point it at an empty folder if you prefer a custom location.
3. When the installer finishes, launch FiveM from the Start menu shortcut (not the original FiveM.exe you downloaded — see "already installed" below).

Cfx.re's getting-started guide walks through the same flow. Official installing FiveM · Checked October 20, 2026.

The free Steam version (app 2676230)

Official: FiveM is also published as a free application on Steam under app 2676230. Installing it from your Steam library gives you the same client — you do not pay for it. The one thing that does not change: you still need your own legitimate GTA V. SteamDB lists app 2676230 as a free app with a large concurrent player base. SteamDB app 2676230 · Checked October 20, 2026.

Owning the Steam version of FiveM does not by itself grant GTA V. If Steam shows FiveM but not GTA V, install or buy GTA V on the same store first.

System requirements

Official: FiveM requires a fully updated Windows 8.1, Windows 10 or Windows 11. Cfx.re publishes the following minimum and recommended specs (they mirror the base game's needs plus FiveM's cache). Official system requirements · Checked October 20, 2026.

Some older AMD laptop GPUs may not work (a CEF-related limitation, not a FiveM setting). The 105 GB is for the base game plus FiveM's additional cache.

Antivirus or "already installed" issues

• Antivirus blocks FiveM: some vendors flag the client for unknown reasons. If install or launch fails, submit a support ticket to Cfx.re rather than disabling protection blindly.
• "FiveM is already installed": after the first run you no longer need the downloaded FiveM.exe. Use the Start menu shortcut. If you deleted the shortcut, reinstall properly from Settings > Apps.

See the troubleshooting guide for launch and crash errors by message. Official installing FiveM · Checked October 20, 2026.

How to uninstall

Official: remove FiveM the same way as any Windows app — Settings > Apps > FiveM, or appwiz.cpl. You can also delete the %localappdata%\FiveM folder; note this also removes your cached data, so back up anything you want first. Official installing FiveM · Checked October 20, 2026.