Clash for Windows: Usage Guide & Alternatives
Clash for Windows (CFW) was once the most popular Clash desktop client. In November 2023, its developer stopped work on it and deleted the official repository. It has received no updates since.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Last version | 0.20.39 |
| Source | Closed source; official repository deleted |
| Modern protocols | No VLESS, Hysteria2, TUIC, etc. |
| Recommended replacement | Clash Verge Rev (Windows / macOS / Linux) |
Why you should switch
- No security updates: problems found after it was discontinued will never be fixed.
- Outdated protocols: its old Clash core can't use servers with newer protocols, and a single unsupported server can make the whole profile fail to import.
- A better replacement exists: Clash Verge Rev looks and works much like CFW, so there's almost nothing new to learn.
Migrate to Clash Verge Rev
Install Clash Verge Rev
Download and install it from the official GitHub page by following the Clash Verge Rev guide.
Quit Clash for Windows
Turn off System Proxy in CFW, then quit it from the system tray so both clients don't change the system proxy at the same time.
Import the same subscription
A subscription link works in any Clash client. Paste the link you used in CFW into Profiles in Clash Verge Rev, import it, and turn on the system proxy.
For existing users
If you're still using an installed copy of CFW for now, here are the basics.
Import a subscription
Click Profiles in the sidebar, paste the subscription link into the Download from a URL box at the top, and click Download.
When a new profile appears with data usage and an expiry date, the import worked. Click it to select it.
Turn on the system proxy
Click General in the sidebar and turn on System Proxy.
TUN mode and IPv6
You can turn on IPv6 and TUN Mode on the General page. TUN mode requires the service: click Manage next to Service Mode to install it first.
FAQ
This is the most common CFW problem. The subscription contains servers using newer protocols such as VLESS or Hysteria2, the old core can't read them, and the whole profile fails to parse. CFW can't be upgraded, so the only fix is to switch to a client that supports these protocols, such as Clash Verge Rev.
