In This Article we will Learn about How to Install n8n Locally on Your PC for Free
n8n has become a favorite for people building AI agents and automation workflows, and it is easy to see why. You can connect apps, move data, trigger actions, and test ideas without writing a full application.
This guide shows how to install n8n locally on your PC using Docker Desktop, then open it in your browser and finish the first-time setup. It is a practical setup for learning, testing, and building your first workflows.
Why n8n Is Blowing Up for AI Agents
n8n is blowing up because it gives you a simple way to build automations that can support AI agent style flows. It works well for beginners because you can run it locally and experiment without paying for hosting.
A few reasons people start with it:
- You can build workflows visually.
- Local setup is free and fast.
- It is a good place to test ideas before moving to a server.
What Is Docker, and Why Use It for n8n?
Docker is like a box that runs an app in its own environment, so it does not interfere with the rest of your PC. For n8n, that means Docker bundles what n8n needs, then runs it in one contained space.
Download from the official site for safety. Use the Docker website to get Docker Desktop.
If you want the official n8n steps as a reference, review n8n Docker installation documentation.
Step 1: Download Docker Desktop
Start by downloading Docker Desktop from Docker’s official site.
- Select Download Docker Desktop
- Choose the correct file for your system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- The download may be around 580 MB (as shown in the video)
Waiting for the Download
Let the download complete before starting the install. If you selected the wrong version for your system, it is better to catch that now than mid-install.
Step 2: Install Docker Desktop
Open the installer after it downloads.
- Double-click the Docker installer file.
- Click OK to begin the installation.
- Wait a few seconds for it to finish.
- Close the installer window when completed.
A simple but important note: you may need to restart your PC after installing Docker Desktop so it runs properly.
Finding the Docker Shortcut
After installation, you should see a Docker Desktop shortcut on your desktop. Open it to continue.
Step 3: First-Time Docker Setup
When Docker starts for the first time, it prompts a few setup items:
- Accept the Docker Desktop agreement
- Choose Use recommended settings, then select Finish
Docker may ask you to sign in or create an account. The video notes this is not required for this setup, so you can skip it. You can also skip the welcome survey.
Step 4: Pull the n8n Docker Image
Inside Docker Desktop:
- Open the Images tab.
- Search for n8n.
- Look for n8nio/n8n (the video shows it has over 100 million downloads).
- Select Pull to download the image.
Confirm the Image Is Downloaded
After the pull completes, go back to the Images list. You should now see the n8n image available to run.
Step 5: Run the n8n Container (Key Settings)
Next to the n8n image, select the Run icon. Expand the settings using the dropdown arrow.
Set these values:
- Container name: set a name like
n8n(the video names it similarly). - Port: the default is 5678.
- If n8n does not open after installation, delete the container and run it again using a different port, like 5688.
Set Up a Folder for n8n Files (Persistence)
To keep your n8n data saved on your PC, you need a host folder.
- For Host path, use the three-dot button to select a folder.
- Create a new folder (or choose an existing one). The video uses a folder named
n8n. - For the Container path, enter:
/home/node/.n8n
This mapping is what keeps your n8n configuration and data available between restarts.
Step 6: Start n8n and Open It in Your Browser
Select Run. Docker will start the container, and after a few seconds you should see a message like:
Editor is accessible via localhost:5678
Open the link in your browser. You should now see the n8n setup screen.
Accessing the Dashboard
Once the page loads, n8n is ready to finish the initial setup. At this point, your local install is working.
Step 7: Create Your Owner Account
On first launch, n8n asks you to create the owner account. Enter:
- Email address
- First name
- Last name
- Password
Select Next. You may see a few optional questions. Complete them or skip as desired, then choose Get started.
Step 8: Activate a Free License Key (Optional)
n8n offers paid features that you can unlock using an activation key. In the product flow shown in the video:
- Enter your email address.
- Select Send me a free license key.
- Check your email and copy the license key.
- In n8n, open Usage and plan.
- Paste the key and select Activate.
For the official UI steps, see n8n license key documentation.
License Activated
After activation, you can begin building workflows right away.
Troubleshooting: “This Site Can’t Be Reached”
If your browser shows “This site can’t be reached”, the fix is often simple.
- Open Docker Desktop.
- Go to the Containers tab.
- Select the Start icon for your n8n container.
- Wait a few seconds, then refresh your browser tab.
In many cases, restarting the container restores access.
Local vs Production: One Quick Reminder
Running n8n locally is excellent for testing and learning. For real automation that needs to run all day, it is better to host it on a cloud server so it stays online 24×7.
The video references two cloud hosting walkthroughs:
n8n cloud hosting setup video (1)
Video Timestamps (Quick Navigation)
- 0:00 Introduction
- 0:09 Installing Docker and setting up n8n
- 2:58 Accessing the n8n dashboard
- 3:45 Fixing the error and conclusion
Get Started With n8n Today
You now have a working local install and a clear path to fix the most common startup issue. From here, start small, build one workflow, then improve it step by step. Once you are ready for always-on automations, move from local testing to a hosted setup. n8n rewards steady practice with real, useful results.
