🌐 clash-for-windows - Manage network traffic with simple tools

📖 Overview

Clash for Windows serves as a graphical interface for the Clash core. This application helps you route network traffic through proxy servers. It translates complex configuration files into a visual window. You can manage your network rules, switch between different servers, and monitor connection speeds without typing commands. The software supports common protocols including Shadowsocks and allows for custom rule sets to filter web traffic.

⚙️ System Requirements

This software runs on any modern Windows operating system. Ensure your computer meets these basic requirements before you begin:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
• Memory: At least 2 gigabytes of RAM.
• Storage: 200 megabytes of free space.
• Network: An active internet connection.

If you use third-party firewall software, you might need to grant permission for the application to change network settings during the initial setup process.

🚀 Downloading the Application

You need to access the release page to get the installer. Follow these steps to find the correct file:

1. Visit the official release page.
2. Look for the section labeled "Assets" under the most recent version tag.
3. Select the file ending in .exe that matches your naming convention.
4. Download the file to your desktop or downloads folder.

🛠️ Installation Steps

Once the installer file saves to your computer, follow this sequence to install the software:

1. Double-click the downloaded .exe file.
2. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard.
3. Click "Next" to continue through the default setup path.
4. Select "Finish" when the progress bar completes.
5. The application will launch automatically unless you uncheck the box during the final step.

If Windows shows a security pop-up, choose "More info" and then "Run anyway" to allow the installer to proceed. This is standard for apps downloaded from the internet.

🕹️ Basic Setup and Usage

After the first launch, the main window will appear. You might see a blank interface if you have not added a configuration file. Most users obtain a configuration link from their network provider.

1. Locate the "Proxies" tab on the left sidebar. This area shows your available connection nodes.
2. Select the "Profiles" tab to add your subscription link.
3. Paste the URL provided by your service provider into the input box.
4. Click "Download" to fetch the configuration rules.
5. Right-click the name of the profile and select "Activate" to apply the settings.

📡 Managing Network Rules

The core strength of this application lies in its rule-based traffic management. You can decide which websites use the proxy and which use your direct connection.

• Global Mode: Sends all your web traffic through the proxy.
• Rule Mode: Uses a list of pre-defined rules to decide traffic flow. This is the recommended setting for daily use.
• Direct Mode: Bypasses the proxy servers entirely.

You can modify these modes by clicking the icon on the main dashboard. The app shows your current upload and download speeds in real-time. Use these indicators to verify that your connection remains active.

🛡️ Firewall Permissions

The software modifies your system's network settings to redirect traffic. Windows might ask for your permission to let the app communicate through the firewall. You must approve these requests. If the app fails to connect, check your firewall settings and ensure that the "Clash for Windows" process has full internet access.

🔍 Troubleshooting Tips

If you face issues with the connection, try these steps in order:

1. Connection Error: Check if your subscription link has expired or reached its limit.
2. No Traffic: Ensure that "System Proxy" is enabled in the settings menu.
3. Performance: Use the "Latency Test" button on the proxy list to find the server with the fastest response time.
4. Configuration: If the app crashes, delete the profile and download it again to ensure the file is not corrupted.

📜 Privacy and Security

The application runs locally on your machine. Your configuration files and traffic history stay on your hard drive. The app does not transmit your private network logs to external servers unless you use a remote subscription service. Always source your configuration files from trusted providers to keep your connection secure.

💡 Advanced Configuration

While the graphical interface covers essential needs, you can edit the underlying configuration files directly. Right-click any profile to open its folder in File Explorer. You can open these files with any text editor to add custom rules or modify the core settings. Only perform this step if you need to adjust specific routing logic that the interface does not support.