Install Tailscale on Windows

This guide explains how to install and set up Tailscale on Windows so the computer can participate in remote control features.

Supported systems

Applies to both desktop and laptop computers.

What this setup does

After completing this guide:

Step 1: Download Tailscale

  1. Open a web browser
  2. Go to the official Tailscale website
  3. Download the Windows installer

Always download Tailscale from the official website. https://tailscale.com/download

Step 2: Install Tailscale

  1. Run the downloaded installer
  2. Follow the installation wizard
  3. Accept the default options
  4. Complete the installation

Administrator privileges may be required.

Step 3: Sign in to Tailscale

After installation:

  1. Tailscale will start automatically
  2. A browser window will open
  3. Sign in using one of the supported login providers
  4. Authorize the device

Once authorized, the computer joins your Tailscale network.

Step 4: Verify connection

After signing in:

  1. Open the Tailscale app from the system tray
  2. Confirm that:
    • The status shows Connected
    • The device appears in the list of connected machines

At this point, Tailscale is active.

By default, Tailscale starts automatically with Windows.

To verify:

  1. Open Task Manager
  2. Go to Startup
  3. Ensure Tailscale is enabled

This ensures remote features continue to work after reboot.

Step 6: Allow network access (firewall)

Windows Firewall is automatically configured during installation.

If you use third-party firewall software: