# How to Install Kimi CLI on Windows: PowerShell and UV Methods

> Install Kimi CLI on Windows with PowerShell or UV. Follow our easy guide to get the Kimi CLI for Python 3.13 running quickly on your Windows system.

- Repository: [Moonshot AI/kimi-cli](https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-07-25

---

**Run the PowerShell command `Invoke-RestMethod https://code.kimi.com/install.ps1 | Invoke-Expression` to automatically install the UV package manager and Kimi CLI for Python 3.13 on Windows systems.**

Kimi CLI (now branded as Kimi Code CLI) is MoonshotAI's command-line interface for interacting with Kimi AI models. According to the MoonshotAI/kimi-cli source code, the tool is distributed as a Python UV package, and Windows users can install it via a one-line PowerShell script that handles all dependencies.

## Prerequisites for Installing Kimi CLI on Windows

Before running the installer, ensure your system meets the basic requirements. While the installation script handles most dependencies automatically, understanding the underlying technology helps troubleshoot potential issues.

### System Requirements

Kimi CLI requires **Python 3.13** for optimal performance, managed through **UV**, a fast, modern Python package manager written in Rust. The installation process will automatically download and configure UV if it is not already present on your system, placing the `kimi` executable in your PATH.

## Method 1: Install Kimi CLI Using the PowerShell Installer (Recommended)

The fastest and most reliable method uses the official PowerShell installation script hosted at `code.kimi.com`. This approach mirrors the Unix installer logic found in `[scripts/install.sh](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh)` but is adapted for Windows environments in `[scripts/install.ps1](/blob/main/scripts/install.ps1)`.

Open PowerShell and execute:

```powershell
Invoke-RestMethod https://code.kimi.com/install.ps1 | Invoke-Expression

```

This command performs three critical operations:

- Detects your Windows environment and downloads the appropriate UV installer
- Installs UV locally if it is not already detected on your PATH
- Executes `uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli` to download and install the CLI

## Method 2: Manual Installation with UV

If you already have UV installed on your Windows machine, you can bypass the PowerShell script and install Kimi CLI directly. This method is useful for developers who manage multiple Python tools through UV and want precise control over the installation environment.

Run the following command in your terminal:

```powershell
uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli

```

This command is identical to the one invoked by the automated installer at line 31 of `[scripts/install.sh](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh#L31)`, ensuring consistency across platforms.

## Verify Your Installation

After installation completes, confirm that the `kimi` command is accessible from your terminal. UV automatically places the executable in a directory included in your system PATH.

Run the verification command:

```powershell
kimi --version

```

If the installation succeeded, this command returns the current version number of Kimi CLI. If you receive a "command not found" error, restart your terminal session to refresh the environment variables.

## Upgrade or Uninstall Kimi CLI on Windows

The MoonshotAI/kimi-cli repository provides straightforward commands for lifecycle management through UV, documented in `[docs/en/guides/getting-started.md](/blob/main/docs/en/guides/getting-started.md#L66-L75)`.

To upgrade to the latest release while bypassing the local cache:

```powershell
uv tool upgrade kimi-cli --no-cache

```

To completely remove Kimi CLI from your system:

```powershell
uv tool uninstall kimi-cli

```

These commands ensure that your Windows installation remains current with the latest features and security updates published to the Python Package Index.

## First Run and Configuration

Once installed, navigate to your project directory and invoke the interactive AI session by typing `kimi`. On first launch, the CLI prompts you to configure an LLM provider using the `/login` slash command, as detailed in the official guide at lines 77-92 of `[docs/en/guides/getting-started.md](/blob/main/docs/en/guides/getting-started.md#L77-L92)`.

## Summary

- **Use the PowerShell one-liner** `Invoke-RestMethod https://code.kimi.com/install.ps1 | Invoke-Expression` for automated installation of Kimi CLI on Windows.
- **UV is required** but installed automatically by the script; manual installers can run `uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli` directly.
- **Verify installation** by running `kimi --version` after installation completes.
- **Manage the tool** using `uv tool upgrade kimi-cli --no-cache` for updates and `uv tool uninstall kimi-cli` for removal.
- **Configuration happens interactively** on first run via the `/login` command.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I install Kimi CLI on Windows without using PowerShell?

While PowerShell provides the most streamlined experience via `[scripts/install.ps1](/blob/main/scripts/install.ps1)`, you can manually install UV from the official Astral website, then run `uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli` in any Windows terminal that supports UV, including Command Prompt or Windows Terminal.

### What Python version does Kimi CLI require on Windows?

The installation targets **Python 3.13** specifically, as defined in the installation scripts and `[pyproject.toml](/blob/main/pyproject.toml)`. The UV tool ensures this version is used even if you have other Python installations on your system.

### How do I update Kimi CLI to the latest version on Windows?

Run the command `uv tool upgrade kimi-cli --no-cache` in your terminal. This command fetches the latest release from the Python Package Index and updates your local installation, bypassing any cached versions that might interfere with the update.

### Where is the Kimi CLI executable installed on Windows?

UV places the `kimi.exe` executable in its default tools directory, typically located at `%USERPROFILE%\.local\bin` or within the UV installation path. The installer automatically adds this location to your system PATH, making the command available in new terminal sessions.