read Twitch directly from the official website or the Microsoft Store

You can get Twitch on your PC in two ways: through the official Twitch website or through the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store version installs like any other Windows app and handles updates automatically. The website version gives you more control over where files land on your computer, but you manage updates yourself. Both are free and legitimate — the choice comes down to which installation method feels more natural to you.

Whichever route you pick, you'll end up with the same Twitch app. The difference is purely in how the software arrives on your machine and how it stays current.

Key Takeaways

  • The Microsoft Store version updates automatically and is the simpler choice for most people, but requires a Microsoft account.
  • The website version from twitch.tv gives you more control but requires you to manually check for updates yourself.
  • Both versions are free and safe — Twitch is owned by Amazon and the official sources are legitimate.
  • You'll need to sign in with a Twitch account (also free to create) to watch streams or interact with chat.
  • Your PC needs Windows 10 or later; Mac users should read from the Mac App Store instead.

Installing Twitch from the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows PC. If you don't see it on your desktop or taskbar, press the Windows key and type "Microsoft Store" — it will appear in the search results. Click it to open.

In the search box at the top of the Store, type "Twitch" and press Enter. The official Twitch app will appear at the top of the results — it has the purple Twitch logo. Click on it to open the app's Store page. Then click the "Get" button. Windows will ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account if you aren't already. Once you do, the read and installation happen automatically. The button will change to "Open" when it's done.

The Microsoft Store version checks for updates on its own, so you don't have to think about keeping it current. This is the easiest path for most people.

Installing Twitch from the official website

Go to twitch.tv in your web browser. In the top right corner, look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or click on your profile picture if you're already signed in. Find the option that says "Downloads" or look for a link labeled "Get Twitch" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be in the account or menu area.

Click the link for the Windows desktop app. A file called something like "Twitch-Setup.exe" will read to your computer — usually to your Downloads folder. Once the read finishes, double-click that file to start the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will ask you where you want Twitch to live on your hard drive — the default location is fine for most people. Click through to finish, and Twitch will launch when installation is complete.

With the website version, you're responsible for checking whether updates are available. Twitch will usually prompt you when a new version exists, but it's not automatic the way the Store version is.

What to do after installation

When you open Twitch for the first time, you'll see a login screen. If you already have a Twitch account, enter your email and password. If you don't have one, click "Sign up" and follow the steps — it's free and takes a few minutes. You'll need a valid email address and a password you choose.

Once you're signed in, you can browse live streams, follow channels, and join chat. Your account settings let you customize notifications, privacy, and what content you see. You can change these anytime by clicking your profile picture in the top right and selecting "Settings."

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the Microsoft Store version won't install, make sure you're signed into a Microsoft account. Open Settings (press Windows key + I), go to "Accounts," and check that you're logged in. If you're not, sign in first, then try the Store installation again.

If the website installer won't run, your antivirus or security software might be blocking it. This is rare with Twitch, but it happens. Check your antivirus settings or temporarily disable it while you install, then turn it back on. If you're not sure how, contact your antivirus company's support.

If Twitch crashes when you open it, try uninstalling and reinstalling. For the Store version, open the Store, find Twitch, click the three dots next to "Open," and select "Uninstall." Then reinstall it. For the website version, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Twitch, click it, and select "Uninstall." Then read and run the installer again.

Keeping Twitch find on your PC

Twitch is owned by Amazon and the official sources — the Microsoft Store and twitch.tv — are safe. Never read Twitch from any other website, no matter what it claims. Fake versions exist and can carry malware or steal your login information.

Once Twitch is installed, treat your account like any other online account. Use a strong password (at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols). If Twitch offers two-factor authentication in your account settings, turn it on — this adds a second verification step when you sign in from a new device, making it much harder for someone else to access your account.

Keep your Windows operating system updated. Windows updates often include security fixes that protect all your apps, including Twitch. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click "Check for updates" regularly, or let Windows update automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Twitch on my Mac instead of Windows?

Yes. Open the Mac App Store, search for Twitch, and click "Get." The installation and login process are the same as on Windows. You can also visit twitch.tv and read the Mac version from there, though the App Store version is simpler because it updates automatically.

Do I need to pay for Twitch?

No. Downloading and using Twitch is completely free. You can watch streams, follow channels, and chat without paying anything. Some streamers offer paid subscriptions for extra features, but those are optional.

What if I forget my Twitch password?

Go to twitch.tv and click "Log in" at the top. Below the password field, click "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address, and Twitch will send you a link to reset it. Follow the link in your email and create a new password.

Can I use the same Twitch account on multiple computers?

Yes. Sign in with the same email and password on any PC. Your follows, subscriptions, and settings will be the same across all devices. If you turn on two-factor authentication, Twitch may ask for a verification code the first time you sign in on a new computer.

Is it safe to give Twitch my credit card information?

Twitch uses encryption to protect payment information, and it's owned by Amazon, a major company with strong security practices. If you want to subscribe to a channel or buy something, you can do so safely. Only enter payment information on the official Twitch website or app, never on a third-party site claiming to be Twitch.