# Install & first launch

> Download, install, the first-launch walkthrough and the dashboard.

Source: https://stygion.eu/docs/launcher/instalace
Updated: 2026-10-09

## Download

Get the launcher at **[stygion.eu](https://stygion.eu)** — the page offers the right build for **Windows** or **Linux**. Download, install, run. It is free.

The installer and the AppImage from stygion.eu **handle updates themselves** — they check for a new version on every start and offer it. A copy from another source (a store, a package manager) is updated by that source, not by the launcher; Settings → Updates tells you which one does it for you. See [Settings & updates](/docs/launcher/nastaveni).

The Windows installer from stygion.eu is not signed yet, so Windows shows the blue SmartScreen window. Choose "More info" and then "Run anyway".

## First launch — the walkthrough

A short three-step walkthrough sets you up on first run:

1. **Welcome** — what the launcher is and that it runs on your side.
2. **Data folder** — where instances, downloaded Java and game files live. Default is the system data folder, but you can choose your own (e.g. another drive). Move it later and the launcher copies, verifies and switches safely — you lose nothing.
3. **Setup** — the launcher prepares what it needs and you're done.

You change the look (System / Light / Dark) anytime in [settings](/docs/launcher/nastaveni). You add an account in the accounts dialog in the top bar: sign in with Microsoft to play online, or continue offline. See [Accounts](/docs/launcher/ucty). None of this needs a STYGION ID.

## Home

The Home screen is **neutral**, not a wall of promotion:

- **Continue** — the instance you played last (Play / Open).
- The **server** where your last session ended — back there in one click.
- **Recently played** and **news** below.
- **Launching** opens the launch window (progress, tips, **a live MC console**). After you close it a **bubble** stays at the bottom — reopen the window or stop the game. When the game stops the bubble closes by itself.
- **Join** on a server is a Quick Play join, not the pack detail.

The bar at the top: search (commands, `Ctrl+F`), **Feedback**, the bell, your account, window controls. On the right, the Friends panel (STYGION ID). Packs, servers, friends and instances each have their own **detail page**.

## Play from the web

The **Play** button on [stygion.eu](https://stygion.eu) (and on the sites of servers that made one) opens the launcher, asks once and installs the modpack in the version the server runs right now. In detail in [A Play button for your server](/docs/launcher/play-tlacitko).

## Where to go next

- [Accounts](/docs/launcher/ucty) — signing in and switching accounts.
- [Instances](/docs/launcher/instance) — how they work and how to manage them.
- [Modpacks & mods](/docs/launcher/modpacky) — installing content.