Download the right build

Open the Releases page of 2dust/v2rayN on GitHub. On Windows, choose the 64-bit archive whose name contains SelfContained — it bundles the .NET runtime, so it runs straight after unzipping with nothing else to install.

Unzip to a permanent folder

Extract it to a folder you won't delete by accident, e.g. D:\v2rayN. Don't leave it on the Desktop or in Downloads, where antivirus cleanups may sweep it away. The first launch downloads and unpacks the core automatically.

Import your first node

  • Have a subscription URL: main window → Subscriptions → Subscription settings → paste the URL → Update.
  • Have a single node link (starting with vmess:// or vless://): copy it and press Ctrl+V to import from the clipboard.

Turn on the system proxy

Select a node, double-click to test latency, then right-click the tray icon → System proxy → "Set system proxy". Open a site abroad in your browser to confirm. If it fails, first check whether that node's latency is a timeout.