> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://rdswiki.raftmodding.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://rdswiki.raftmodding.com/tutorials/windows-installing-your-server.md).

# Windows: Installing your server

<figure><img src="/files/uOEFQNipF2GEso0wQJAL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

RDS is really easy to install as it is a single application named **RaftDedicatedServer.exe** that you can download on our master website available [here](https://master.raftmodding.com/).

### How to install ?

1 ) Download Raft from Steam and copy all the Raft files in a folder.\
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2 ) Put the downloaded **RaftDedicatedServer.exe** in the same folder and launch it.\
\&#xNAN;*<mark style="color:green;">Your folder should looks like the following image.</mark>*\
![](/files/dE2VBPgoDL0ky65HKdMF)\
On the first start, RDS will generate all the required directories, required files and the configuration files as shown below.\
![](/files/NJqib3AjC582DuubBR79)\
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3 ) Now go in `YourFolder/RDS_Data/config` and open the file `rds_config.ini` with your favorite text editor (We recommend [Notepad++](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/) or [VSCode](https://code.visualstudio.com/)).\
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4 ) In order to successfully start and secure your server you need an RDS Private Key obtainable [here](https://master.raftmodding.com/keys) and a Steam API Key obtainable [here](https://steamcommunity.com/dev/apikey). After getting both keys, add them in the configuration after the `=` symbol. (If you don't know how .ini config files works, visit our configuration guide available [here](/tutorials/configuring-your-server.md)).\
\&#xNAN;*<mark style="color:green;">Your configuration file should then be similar to this except it'll have your own private keys.</mark>*![](/files/LHxoCkUZql9NssyS0Fwv)\
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5 ) Finally, start the **RaftDedicatedServer.exe** again and you should be good to go !
