Introduction
ERPNext download is the first step for any business planning to adopt this powerful open-source ERP system. ERPNext helps companies manage operations efficiently, whether you are a small business streamlining processes or a growing enterprise seeking a complete business management solution.
With ERPNext Version 16 release notes in December 2025, businesses now have access to 2x faster performance, redesigned workspaces, and enhanced features. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about downloading and installing ERPNext successfully.
Why Download ERPNext?
Businesses choose ERPNext download because it offers complete freedom, zero licensing cost, and full customization.
Open Source Freedom: ERPNext is completely free to download under the GPL v3 license. You get full access to source code without licensing fees.
Complete Business Solution: Unlike basic accounting software, ERPNext includes modules for accounting, inventory, manufacturing, CRM, HR, project management, and more—all integrated seamlessly.
Cost-Effective: No per-user fees or recurring license costs. You only invest in implementation, hosting, and optional professional support.
Customizable: Being open source, ERPNext can be customized to fit your exact business requirements without vendor restrictions.
How to Download ERPNext: 3 Methods
Method 1: Download from GitHub (Official Repository)
The official ERPNext source code is hosted on GitHub, maintained by Frappe Technologies.
Steps to Download:
- Visit the official repository: github.com/frappe/erpnext
- Click the green “Code” button
- Select “Download ZIP” or clone using Git
- Choose your version (ERPNext v16 recommended)
Best For: Developers, IT teams, those who want full control over installation
Requirements: Technical knowledge of Linux, command line, and server administration
Method 2: Download ERPNext for Windows
While ERPNext is primarily designed for Linux servers, you can run it on Windows for development or testing.
Windows Installation Options:
Option A: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2)
- Install WSL2 on Windows 10/11
- Install Ubuntu from Microsoft Store
- Follow Linux installation steps within WSL2
Option B: Docker Desktop for Windows
- Install Docker Desktop
- Use ERPNext Docker images
- Simplest Windows installation method
Best For: Testing, development, small-scale deployments
Note: Production deployments should use Linux servers for optimal performance and stability.
Method 3: ERPNext Cloud (No Download Needed)
For businesses that want to skip technical setup entirely, cloud hosting eliminates the need to download and install.
Cloud Options:
Frappe Cloud: Official managed hosting by ERPNext creators
- Automatic updates
- Managed backups
- Technical support included
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
TCB Managed Hosting: Professional ERPNext hosting with India-based support
- Optimized for Indian businesses
- GST-compliant infrastructure
- 24/7 monitoring
- Free migration assistance
Best For: Businesses without IT infrastructure, quick deployment needs, those who prefer managed services
Complete ERPNext Installation Guide
Installing ERPNext on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
This is the recommended installation method for production environments.
Prerequisites:
- Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04 LTS (or Debian 11)
- Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
- 40GB disk space
- Root or sudo access
- Stable internet connection
Step 1: Update System
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Install Prerequisites
sudo apt install python3-dev python3-pip python3-venv
sudo apt install redis-server mariadb-server
sudo apt install nodejs npm
sudo apt install git
Step 3: Install Bench
Bench is the command-line tool for managing ERPNext installations.
sudo pip3 install frappe-bench
Step 4: Initialize Bench
bench init frappe-bench –frappe-branch version-16
cd frappe-bench
To understand what’s new in this version, review the complete Frappe Framework v16 release notes.
Step 5: Create New Site
bench new-site yourcompany.local
You’ll be prompted to set MySQL root password and Administrator password.
Step 6: Install ERPNext
bench get-app erpnext –branch version-16
bench –site yourcompany.local install-app erpnext
Step 7: Start ERPNext
bench start
Access ERPNext at: http://localhost:8000
Step 8: Production Setup (Optional)
For production deployment with nginx and supervisor:
sudo bench setup production yourusername
Installing ERPNext on Windows
Using Docker (Recommended for Windows):
Step 1: Install Docker Desktop
- Download from docker.com
- Install and restart computer
- Enable WSL2 integration
Step 2: Download ERPNext Docker Compose
git clone https://github.com/frappe/frappe_docker
cd frappe_docker
Step 3: Start ERPNext
docker-compose up -d
Step 4: Create Site
docker-compose exec backend bench new-site yoursite.local
docker-compose exec backend bench –site yoursite.local install-app erpnext
Access at: http://localhost:8080
Installing ERPNext on macOS
Prerequisites:
- Homebrew package manager
- Xcode Command Line Tools
Step 1: Install Prerequisites
brew install [email protected] nodejs mariadb redis
brew services start mariadb
brew services start redis
Step 2: Install Bench and ERPNext
Follow the same Linux installation steps from Step 3 onwards.
Post-Installation Setup
Initial Configuration Wizard
After installation, ERPNext launches a setup wizard. For deeper configuration guidance, you can also refer to the official ERPNext documentation:
If you want a full breakdown of what happens after installation, here is the complete ERPNext implementation process explained step-by-step.
Step 1: Language and Region
- Select your language
- Choose country (India)
- Set timezone (Asia/Kolkata)
Step 2: Company Information
- Company name
- Company abbreviation
- Financial year start
- Company domain (Manufacturing, Services, etc.)
Step 3: User Setup
- Add users
- Assign roles
- Set permissions
Step 4: Module Selection
- Choose modules to activate
- Accounting, Inventory, CRM, HR, etc.
Step 5: Sample Data
- Import sample data for testing (optional)
- Or start with clean slate
Essential Post-Installation Tasks
Configure Email: Set up email account for notifications and communication
Setup Chart of Accounts: Customize accounting structure for your business
Create Item Masters: Add products/services you sell
Configure Print Formats: Customize invoices and documents
Set User Permissions: Define who can access what
Common Installation Issues & Solutions
Issue 1: Port Already in Use
Error: “Port 8000 is already in use”
Solution:
sudo lsof -i :8000
sudo kill -9 [PID]
Or change port in bench configuration.
Issue 2: Database Connection Failed
Error: “Cannot connect to MariaDB”
Solution:
- Check if MariaDB is running: sudo systemctl status mariadb
- Restart MariaDB: sudo systemctl restart mariadb
- Verify credentials in site_config.json
Issue 3: Permission Denied Errors
Error: Permission errors during installation
Solution:
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER ~/frappe-bench
Issue 4: Node.js Version Conflicts
Error: “Node.js version not supported”
Solution:
- Install Node Version Manager (nvm)
- Install required Node.js version: nvm install 18
- Use correct version: nvm use 18
Issue 5: Bench Command Not Found
Error: “bench: command not found”
Solution:
export PATH=$PATH:~/.local/bin
echo ‘export PATH=$PATH:~/.local/bin’ >> ~/.bashrc
ERPNext System Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- CPU: 2 cores
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 40GB SSD
- OS: Ubuntu 20.04+ or Debian 11+
- Network: Stable internet for updates
Recommended for Production
- CPU: 4+ cores
- RAM: 8GB+ (16GB for 50+ users)
- Storage: 100GB+ SSD with RAID
- OS: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- Network: Dedicated server with backup connection
For Large Enterprises (200+ Users)
- CPU: 8+ cores
- RAM: 32GB+
- Storage: 500GB+ SSD with RAID 10
- Database: Separate MariaDB server
- Load Balancer: For high availability
Professional Installation Services by TCB Infotech
While ERPNext is free to download, professional installation ensures optimal setup, security, and performance.
Why Choose Professional Installation?
Time Savings: Expert installation in hours instead of days of troubleshooting
Optimal Configuration: Server tuning, security hardening, backup setup
Business Continuity: Minimize risk of data loss or downtime
Expert Guidance: Get recommendations based on your business needs
Ongoing Support: Post-installation assistance and training
If you’re comparing vendors, here’s a complete guide on choosing the best ERPNext implementation partner to ensure your project succeeds.
TCB Installation Services
Basic Installation Package
- Server setup and ERPNext installation
- SSL certificate configuration
- Basic security hardening
- Initial user training
- 15 days post-installation support
Installation + Configuration Package
- Everything in Basic package
- Company setup and configuration
- Chart of accounts customization
- User role setup
- Email configuration
- Print format customization
- 30 days post-installation support
Installation + Customization Package
- Everything in Configuration package
- Custom field creation
- Workflow automation
- Third-party integration setup
- Data migration assistance
- Comprehensive training
- 60 days post-installation support
What’s Included
- Pre-installation consultation
- Server requirements assessment
- Installation and configuration
- Security best practices implementation
- Backup system setup
- Performance optimization
- Documentation
- Knowledge transfer
Investment varies based on server environment, customization needs, and support requirements.
FAQ
Q: Is ERPNext free to download?
Yes, ERPNext is 100% free and open source under GPL v3 license. You can download, install, and use it without any license fees.
Q: What are the system requirements for ERPNext?
Minimum: 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores, 40GB storage. Recommended for production: 8GB RAM, 4 CPU cores, 100GB SSD storage.
Q: How long does ERPNext installation take?
DIY installation: 2-4 hours for experienced users. Professional installation: 1-2 hours. Complete setup with configuration: 1-3 days depending on complexity.
Q: Can I install ERPNext on Windows?
Yes, using Docker Desktop or WSL2. However, Linux is recommended for production environments for better performance and stability.
Q: Do I need technical knowledge to install ERPNext?
Basic installation requires Linux command line knowledge, server administration skills, and understanding of databases. For businesses without technical expertise, professional installation is recommended.
Q: What’s the difference between ERPNext v15 and v16?
Version 16 offers 2x faster performance, redesigned workspace, enhanced list views, better mobile experience, and improved security features. For businesses planning to upgrade, you can also explore our detailed ERPNext v16 migration services for a smooth and error-free transition.
Q: Is cloud hosting better than self-hosting?
Cloud hosting eliminates technical management, provides automatic updates, and includes support. Self-hosting offers more control and potentially lower long-term costs but requires technical expertise.
Q: Can I migrate from another ERP to ERPNext?
Yes, data can be migrated from systems like Tally, SAP, Odoo, or custom solutions. Professional migration services ensure data integrity and minimize disruption.
Conclusion
Downloading and installing ERPNext opens the door to comprehensive business management without expensive license fees. Whether you choose self-installation for maximum control or professional installation for peace of mind, ERPNext provides the flexibility to match your technical capabilities and business needs.
Key Takeaways:
- ERPNext is free to download from GitHub
- Linux installation is recommended for production
- Docker provides easiest installation on Windows
- Cloud hosting eliminates installation complexity
- Professional installation ensures optimal setup
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re comfortable with Linux and server administration, follow the installation steps in this guide. If you prefer expert assistance to ensure smooth setup and optimal configuration, our team at TCB Infotech has successfully installed ERPNext for 50+ businesses across India with zero failures. We also specialize in ERPNext rescue projects for businesses facing failed implementations, data issues, or incomplete setups.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your ERPNext installation needs and get expert guidance on the best approach for your business.
Related Articles:
- ERPNext Software: Complete Open Source ERP Guide
- ERPNext Version 16 Migration Services
- How to Choose the Best ERPNext Implementation Partner in India
