How To Install FiveM on Windows (10 / 11)

Prerequisites

Before installation, verify your system meets these requirements:

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 8.1, Windows 10 or Windows 11 (fully updated)
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Q6600 @ 2.4GHz / AMD equivalent
• RAM: 8GB (4GB possible but not recommended)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT / AMD HD 4870
• Storage: 190GB free space (110GB for GTA V + 76GB for FiveM + cache)
• Internet: Minimum 1Mbps, recommended 5-10Mbps

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 10/11 (latest version)
• CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 / AMD X8 FX-8350
• RAM: 16GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 / AMD equivalent
• Storage: 200GB+ on SSD
• Internet: 10-25Mbps

Required Software

• Legitimate copy of GTA V installed (Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar Launcher)
• Rockstar Social Club account linked to your GTA V copy
• GTA V single-player launched at least once

Step 1: Verify GTA V Installation

Steam Users:

1. Open Steam Library
2. Right-click Grand Theft Auto V
3. Select Properties → Installed Files
4. Click “Verify integrity of game files”
5. Wait for verification to complete

Epic Games Users:

1. Open Epic Games Launcher
2. Navigate to Library
3. Click three dots (…) next to Grand Theft Auto V
4. Select “Verify”
5. Allow launcher to complete verification

Rockstar Launcher Users:

1. Open Rockstar Games Launcher
2. Navigate to Settings
3. Select Grand Theft Auto V
4. Click “Verify game files”

Step 2: Download FiveM

1. Open your web browser
2. Navigate to the official website: https://fivem.net
3. Click the “DOWNLOAD CLIENT” button
4. Read and accept Terms of Service by clicking “SURE, I AGREE!”
5. Save FiveM.exe to your Downloads folder

You can also use our direct link here

Security Note: Always download from the official website or vertexmods.com to avoid malware!

Step 3: Install FiveM

1. Create Installation Directory: C:\FiveM or any location outside your GTA V directory
2. Run Installer:
   • Locate FiveM.exe in Downloads
   • Right-click → “Run as administrator”
   • If Windows SmartScreen appears, click “More info” → “Run anyway”
   • Installation Process:
     • FiveM will download approximately 1-2GB of data
     • When prompted, browse to your GTA V installation folder:
       • Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V
       • Epic: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\GTAV
       • Rockstar: C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto V
       • Complete Installation:
         • Wait for all updates to download
         • FiveM will create shortcuts automatically

           Step 4: First Launch Configuration

           1. Launch FiveM:
              • Use desktop shortcut or Start Menu entry
              • Do NOT use the original FiveM.exe installer again
              • Rockstar Social Club Login:
                • Enter your credentials when prompted
                • This verifies GTA V ownership
                • Initial Cache Download:
                  • FiveM will download about 200MB of files
                  • This process is automatic

                    Step 5: Join a Server

                    1. Click “Servers” in FiveM main menu
                    2. Browse server list or use search
                    3. Double-click server to connect
                    4. Wait for additional assets to download (first connection may take longer)

                    Troubleshooting Common Issues

                    Installation Errors

                    “Your selected game folder doesn’t look like a valid GTA V installation”

                    • Verify GTA V through your launcher
                    • Ensure you’re selecting the main GTA V folder, not a subfolder
                    • Run GTA V single-player once to ensure proper initialization

                    “FiveM cache outdated, DLC files missing or corrupted”

                    • Update GTA V to latest version
                    • Verify game files through your launcher
                    • Delete FiveM cache: %localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\cache

                    Connection Issues

                    “Could not establish game authentication session”

                    • Check Rockstar services status
                    • Restart router
                    • Temporarily disable Windows Firewall/antivirus
                    • Add FiveM exception in Windows Firewall

                    Connection timeouts

                    • Ensure stable internet connection
                    • Disable VPN/proxy if using one
                    • Check if server is online

                    Performance Issues

                    Low FPS/Stuttering

                    • Lower in-game graphics settings
                    • Enable Windows 10/11 Game Mode
                    • Update graphics drivers
                    • Close background applications

                    Crash Issues

                    “Could not load dependent module CitizenGame.dll”

                    • Antivirus has removed critical files
                    • Add FiveM folder to antivirus exceptions
                    • Reinstall FiveM after adding exception

                    d3d11.dll crashes

                    • Update graphics drivers
                    • Remove graphics mods from GTA V
                    • Install latest Visual C++ Redistributables

                    Security Considerations

                    1. Antivirus Exceptions: Add these to your antivirus whitelist:
                       • C:\FiveM (or your installation directory)
                       • %localappdata%\FiveM
                       • Firewall Rules: Allow FiveM through Windows Firewall:
                         • Windows Security → Firewall & network protection
                         • Allow an app → Add FiveM.exe
                         • Enable both Private and Public networks
                         • Ban Protection:
                           • FiveM doesn’t modify your GTA V installation, so you can switch between GTA:O and FiveM without getting banned
                           • Never use FiveM with a pirated copy of GTA V

                             Best Practices

                             1. Installation Location: Always install FiveM in a separate directory from GTA V
                             2. Updates: FiveM auto-updates on launch; never decline updates
                             3. Mods: Remove all GTA V single-player mods before using FiveM
                             4. Backups: Keep a backup of your GTA V installation if you mod frequently
                             5. Server Choice: Test on official FiveM.net server first to isolate issues

                             Post-Installation Optimization

                             1. SSD Installation: Install both GTA V and FiveM on SSD for faster loading
                             2. Cache Management: Clear cache periodically: %localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\cache
                             3. Resource Monitoring: Use Task Manager to identify performance bottlenecks
                             4. Network Optimization: Use wired connection when possible

                             Successfully installing FiveM on Windows 10/11 requires a legitimate GTA V copy, meeting system requirements, proper installation procedures, and addressing common issues through systematic troubleshooting—follow these steps precisely for optimal multiplayer modification experience.

                             How to create your own server

                             How to create a FiveM server