Last updated: September 28, 2026

Muse Code on Windows: native install, no WSL2 needed

Short answer Muse Code runs natively on Windows. Open PowerShell and run irm https://dev.meta.ai/install.ps1 | iex. You don't need WSL2, a Linux VM or a desktop app. Voice input and session messaging are the only features missing on Windows.

Do you need WSL2? No

A lot of guides still say "there is no Windows installer, set up WSL2 first". That is out of date. The official docs have a PowerShell installer and a Platform support section that says Muse Code "runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows from one codebase". The docs don't mention WSL at all.

If you already work inside WSL and like it, you can still install the Linux build there. It is a preference, not a requirement.

Install Muse Code on Windows in 5 steps

Open PowerShell. Open Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal as your normal user. You do not need to run it as administrator.
Run the official installer. Run: irm https://dev.meta.ai/install.ps1 | iex. It puts a native muse binary on your path.
Check the install. Open a new PowerShell window and run: muse --version.
Start Muse Code in a project. cd into a project folder and run muse. Trust the workspace, then sign in through the browser or with an API key.
Approve the sandbox prompt once. The first time the sandbox starts, Windows may show a User Account Control prompt. Approve it; normal use does not need administrator rights.

irm https://dev.meta.ai/install.ps1 | iex

muse --version

Only install from dev.meta.ai. There is no official Muse Code .exe, .msi or desktop app. See how to download Muse Code safely.

Source: Official docs: install and platform support

What works differently on Windows

Area	On Windows
Shell	Agent-run commands use PowerShell syntax and Windows command-line tools, not Bash.
Sandbox	The first sandbox start may show a UAC prompt. Normal use does not need administrator rights.
Voice input	Unavailable
Session messaging	Unavailable (supported on macOS and Linux)
Everything else	Same CLI, models, plans and commands as on macOS and Linux

Because commands run in PowerShell, keep that in mind when your project instructions (AGENTS.md) or scripts assume Bash.

Using Muse Code from VS Code on Windows

There is no official VS Code extension. Open the integrated terminal (it defaults to PowerShell), cd into your repository and run muse. Everything above applies unchanged.

Next steps

How to use Muse Code: sign-in, trust prompt, commands and your first task.
Muse Code pricing: plans and token rates.
Cost calculator: estimate your monthly bill.

FAQ

Does Muse Code support Windows?

Yes. Meta's docs say Muse Code "runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows from one codebase". On Windows you install it from PowerShell with irm https://dev.meta.ai/install.ps1 | iex.

Do I need WSL2 to run Muse Code?

No. The official installer puts a native Windows binary on your path. The official docs do not mention WSL at all. Guides that tell you to install WSL2 first describe an older state of the product.

Can I still use Muse Code inside WSL?

If you prefer a Linux shell, you can run the macOS/Linux installer (curl -fsSL https://dev.meta.ai/install.sh | sh) inside your WSL distribution like on any Linux machine. It is optional, not required.

Why does Windows ask for administrator approval?

Windows can show a User Account Control (UAC) prompt the first time the Muse Code sandbox initializes. Meta's docs say normal use does not require running as administrator.

What does not work on Windows?

Voice input and session messaging are unavailable on Windows. Agent-run commands use PowerShell syntax instead of Bash.

Is there a Muse Code Windows app or .exe download?

No. Meta ships Muse Code as a command-line tool installed with the PowerShell one-liner. Sites offering a "Muse Code for Windows" .exe or desktop client are not official.

Can I use Muse Code in VS Code on Windows?

Yes, from VS Code's integrated terminal (PowerShell). The official docs do not list a VS Code extension.