The fastest way to get TikTok back on your computer
If you deleted TikTok and want to reinstall it, the process depends on whether you use Windows or Mac. On Windows, you read it from the Microsoft Store. On Mac, you get it from the App Store. Both take about two minutes and work the same way you installed it the first time — search, click install, wait for the read to finish.
You do not need a new account. When you open TikTok after reinstalling, you log in with the same username and password you used before, and your account, followers, and saved videos are exactly where you left them.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users read TikTok from the Microsoft Store by searching for "TikTok" and clicking the Install button.
- Mac users read TikTok from the App Store using the same search-and-install method.
- Your TikTok account does not disappear when you uninstall the app — you straightforward log back in after reinstalling.
- The read takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed, and you need about 200 MB of free storage space.
How to reinstall TikTok on Windows
Open the Microsoft Store by clicking the Windows Start button and typing "Microsoft Store" into the search box. Click the app when it appears. Once the Store opens, click the search icon at the top and type "TikTok" in the search field.
When TikTok appears in the results, click on it to open the app's page. You will see a blue button that says "Install" — click that button. The read begins when ready and shows a progress bar. When it finishes, the button changes to "Launch" and you can click it to open TikTok for the first time since reinstalling.
If the Install button is grayed out or does not appear, your computer may already have TikTok installed. Check your Start menu or search for TikTok directly to confirm.
How to reinstall TikTok on Mac
Click the App Store icon in your dock, or open Finder, click Applications, and double-click App Store. Once the App Store opens, click the search icon at the top right and type "TikTok" into the search field.
When TikTok appears in the results, click on it. You will see a button that says "Get" — click that button. Your Mac may ask you to sign in with your Apple ID. Enter your password when prompted. The read begins and shows a progress bar. When it finishes, the button changes to "Open" and you can click it to start TikTok.
If you see a button that says "Install" instead of "Get", your Mac is asking permission to install the app on your system. Click Install and follow any prompts that appear.
What to do when you open TikTok for the first time after reinstalling
When you launch TikTok, you will see a login screen. Click "Log In" and enter the phone number, email address, or username you used when you first created your account. Enter your password on the next screen.
If you forgot your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login screen. TikTok sends a reset link to the email or phone number connected to your account. Follow the link, create a new password, and log in again.
Once you log in, your account loads exactly as it was. Your followers, the accounts you follow, your saved videos, and your watch history are all there. You do not lose anything by uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Checking your storage space before downloading
TikTok takes up roughly 200 MB of space on your computer. Before you reinstall, make sure you have at least that much free storage. On Windows, right-click your C: drive, click Properties, and look at the "Free space" number. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, click Storage, and look at the available space shown.
If you do not have 200 MB free, delete files you no longer need or move large files to an external drive. Once you have cleared space, the read will complete without problems.
Troubleshooting if the read does not start
If you click Install or Get and nothing happens, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes the store needs a fresh start to process the read correctly.
If the read starts but gets stuck, check your internet connection. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm you are connected. If your connection is slow or unstable, wait a few minutes and try again. If the read still fails, close the Microsoft Store or App Store completely, wait 30 seconds, reopen it, and try installing TikTok again.
On Windows, if you see an error message, note the error code and search for it in the Microsoft Store help section. On Mac, if you see an error, try signing out of the App Store (click your account icon at the top right, then click Sign Out), signing back in, and attempting the read again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new TikTok account after reinstalling?
No. Your account remains active even after you uninstall the app. When you reinstall and log in with your original username and password, everything is restored — your followers, videos, and account settings are unchanged.
Will I lose my saved videos or drafts when I uninstall TikTok?
Saved videos and watch history stay in your account and reappear when you log back in. However, draft videos stored only on your computer are deleted when you uninstall. If you have drafts you want to keep, publish them or export them before uninstalling.
How long does the TikTok read take?
The read usually takes two to five minutes on a standard internet connection. Slower connections may take longer. Once the read finishes, the app opens when ready without additional setup steps.
Can I read TikTok on a work or school computer?
That depends on your organization's policies. Many workplaces and schools restrict which apps you can install. Check with your IT department or administrator before attempting to read TikTok on a device you do not own.
What if TikTok will not open after I reinstall it?
Close the app completely and reopen it. If it still will not load, restart your computer. If the problem continues, uninstall TikTok again, restart your computer, and reinstall it fresh. This resolves most startup issues.