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War Thunder works on 64-bit Windows 11 and can be installed in two official ways: through Steam or the official Gaijin launcher. Use Steam if you already manage games there; choose the Gaijin launcher for a direct publisher installation.
Check your PC before installing
Windows 11 compatibility does not guarantee smooth performance. Check these requirements and prepare the computer first:
- Operating system: 64-bit Windows 11 is supported. Gaijin lists Windows 10 64-bit as the minimum operating system and Windows 10/11 64-bit for the recommended configuration.
- Minimum hardware: dual-core 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and a DirectX 11-level graphics card such as a Radeon 77XX or GeForce GTX 660.
- Recommended hardware: Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 3600 or better, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce 1060 or Radeon RX 570 or better. Steam lists DirectX 12 for its recommended Windows configuration.
- Internet: a broadband connection is required.
- Display: the minimum listed resolution is 720p.
- Permissions: you may need administrator access, depending on Windows security settings.
- Drivers and updates: install current Windows updates and update your AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel graphics driver.
Storage figures differ between the official clients. Gaijin lists a 23.1 GB minimal client and a 75.9 GB full client, while Steam lists 70 GB minimum available space and 95 GB for its recommended configuration. Because updates, caches, temporary files, and additional content also need room, aim for at least 95 GB free, preferably more.
See the official FAQ and Gaijin system requirements for the publisher’s current figures.
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Choose Steam or the Gaijin launcher
| Method | Best for | Main advantage | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Existing Steam users | One library for downloads, updates, storage locations, and file verification | Steam manages the installation and updates |
| Gaijin launcher | Users who want direct publisher distribution | Built-in launcher controls, including file checking | Requires a separate launcher outside Steam |
Both routes install the free-to-play game, which has optional in-game purchases. Use the same platform consistently after installation to avoid confusion over shortcuts, files, updates, and account access. Account linking and access to existing progress or purchases can depend on how the account was created; do not assume that every entitlement transfers automatically.
Install War Thunder with the official Gaijin launcher
- Open the official War Thunder website.
- Select Download Game and save the Windows installer.
- Open the downloaded installer. If Windows displays a security prompt, confirm that the file came from the official War Thunder/Gaijin source before allowing it to run.
- Choose the installation language.
- Select the destination folder and drive. Make sure the drive has generous free space.
- Continue through the installer and select Finish when it completes.
- The War Thunder Launcher should open and begin downloading the game files. Leave it open until the download and installation finish.
- Start the game from the launcher and sign in or create the required Gaijin account.
- Allow any additional update to finish before entering the main menu.
The launcher’s exact button names and layout may change. Look for the controls that perform these same functions rather than relying on an older screenshot or interface description. Gaijin’s official installation and uninstall procedure is available at Gaijin Support.
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Install War Thunder through Steam
- Install and open the official Steam client.
- Sign in to Steam.
- Search for War Thunder and open the official listing published by Gaijin Entertainment.
- Select Play Game, Install, or the equivalent current button.
- Choose the Steam library drive and installation folder.
- Confirm that the selected drive has enough free space.
- Wait for Steam to download and install the game.
- Start War Thunder from Steam Library.
- Allow any first-run launcher, account, or anti-cheat setup to complete.
- Sign in with the appropriate account and follow any Steam/Gaijin account-linking prompts.
- Wait for Steam or the game launcher to finish updating before playing.
The official listing is the safest place to start: War Thunder on Steam.
What to do after installation
- Confirm that the game reaches the main menu.
- Check the monitor, resolution, and display mode.
- Allow the game through Windows Firewall if a prompt appears and you trust the installation.
- If the game crashes, shows corrupted graphics, or performs poorly, update the graphics driver.
- Begin with the game’s suggested graphics preset, then adjust quality settings gradually.
- Keep adequate free space on the installation drive.
Do not interrupt a large update unless necessary. An incomplete update can leave missing or corrupted files, requiring verification or another download. Download time varies with the selected client, connection speed, server conditions, and update size.
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Fix common installation and launch problems
The installer will not open
- Re-download the installer from the official War Thunder website and confirm that the download completed.
- Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator if Windows permissions are blocking it.
- Check whether antivirus or endpoint-security software quarantined or blocked the file.
- Do not use unofficial mirrors, random file-hosting sites, DLL downloads, cracks, or registry cleaners.
- If the publisher installer repeatedly fails, try the official Steam version instead.
The download is stuck or keeps restarting
- Check the launcher or Steam download status and available disk space.
- Pause and resume the download.
- Restart Steam or the War Thunder launcher, then restart Windows if necessary.
- After an interrupted update, verify the installation files.
- Launch the game through the platform used to install it.
The game downloads but will not launch
- Restart Windows and launch the game from its installation platform.
- Update the graphics driver.
- Check Windows Firewall and security software for a blocked game component.
- Verify or check the game files using the procedure below.
- Record the exact error message and system details before repairing or reinstalling.
- Contact Gaijin Support if the problem continues.
Repair a standalone installation
- Open the War Thunder Launcher.
- Select the wrench icon.
- Choose Check files.
- Wait for the scan to finish and allow the launcher to download damaged or missing files.
Gaijin’s technical documentation explains the launcher integrity check at War Thunder Technical Game Integrity.
Verify the Steam installation
- Open Steam and select Library.
- Right-click War Thunder and open Properties.
- Select Installed Files.
- Choose Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for Steam to scan the installation and replace files when required.
Error 81110007 or file-read errors
Error 81110007 can be associated with corrupted or incomplete files, storage problems, damaged cache data, or third-party software interfering with file access.
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- Check files through the launcher or Steam.
- Restart the PC.
- Confirm that the installation drive has free space.
- Check the drive for errors if other programs also report read/write failures.
- Only after closing the game and launcher, consider removing the relevant cache.
- Reinstall if verification does not solve the problem.
Gaijin gives an example cache path such as C:Program Files (x86)WarThundercache, but your path can differ according to the installation folder, Steam library, Windows account, and client version. Confirm the actual location before deleting anything. See the official file-read error guidance.
Anti-cheat setup fails
Some installations may configure anti-cheat components during first launch; the exact prompt depends on the client and installation state. If it fails, restart Windows, verify the game files, and check whether security software blocked the service. Reinstall affected components only through Steam, the War Thunder launcher, or official support. Never download anti-cheat files from third-party websites.
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You do not have enough disk space
Free additional space before starting or move the installation to a suitable drive. Keep room beyond the published requirement for temporary download data and updates. A healthy SSD is generally preferable to a nearly full or failing hard drive, but storage alone cannot compensate for weak CPU, GPU, or RAM.
Steam and standalone installations are mixed up
Check which shortcut and platform installed the game. Launch a Steam installation from Steam Library and a standalone installation from the Gaijin launcher. Avoid manually deleting the game directory as a first repair step; use the platform’s verification, repair, or uninstall tools instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Uninstall War Thunder
Gaijin launcher installation
- Open the launcher settings and turn off Auto Update.
- Open Windows Control Panel.
- Select Uninstall a program.
- Select War Thunder Launcher and confirm.
Steam installation
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click War Thunder.
- Choose Manage.
- Select Uninstall.
Uninstalling the game is not the same as deleting your Gaijin account or cloud-linked progress. Configuration files, caches, screenshots, and anti-cheat components may remain separately; Steam notes that BattlEye may require manual removal after uninstalling. Follow official instructions rather than deleting random folders.
Quick Recap
Key points to remember
- Use 64-bit Windows 11 and current graphics drivers.
- Choose Steam for centralized library management or the Gaijin launcher for direct publisher installation.
- Reserve at least 95 GB of free space when possible because official storage figures vary by client and installation selection.
- Repair files before reinstalling: the launcher uses wrench icon → Check files, while Steam uses Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.
- Use only official download and support sources.
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