Installing React Native on Windows 11
Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Windows 11)
- Install Node.js:
Download and install the LTS (Long Term Support) version of Node.js. This includes npm, which manages your project packages. Verify the installation in your terminal by running
node -v. - Install Visual Studio Code:
Download and install VS Code as your code editor. Helpful extensions to add later include ES7+ React/Redux/React-Native snippets and Prettier.
- Create Your React Native Project:
Open your terminal (PowerShell or Command Prompt) and run:
npx create-expo-app@latest MyFirstAppOnce generated, move into your project directory:
cd MyFirstApp - Start the Development Server:
Run the following command to boot up the local development server:
npx expo start - Test on Your Phone:
Download the Expo Go app on your physical iPhone or Android device. Scan the QR code displayed in your terminal using your phone camera (iOS) or the Expo Go app scanner (Android), and your app will load instantly!
Note on iOS development
While native local iOS compilation usually requires a Mac with Xcode, Expo lets you test directly on a real iPhone via Expo Go and build production versions for the Apple App Store using cloud builds (EAS Build) right from your Windows PC.
