How to Download and Install UniFi Controller on Windows
If you are looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable solution for managing your network, you might want to consider Ubiquiti's UniFi platform. UniFi is a comprehensive ecosystem of network devices, such as switches, routers, access points, and security cameras, that can be controlled from a single interface. In this article, we will show you how to download and install UniFi Controller on your Windows machine, and how to set up your UniFi network with it.
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What is UniFi Controller and Why You Need It
UniFi Controller is a software application that allows you to manage your UniFi devices and network settings from a centralized location. It can run on almost any operating system, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even in the cloud. You can also access it from any web browser or mobile device.
UniFi Controller Features and Benefits
Some of the features and benefits of using UniFi Controller are:
Unified management and intuitive interface: You can monitor, configure, update, and troubleshoot your devices from a single dashboard. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Scalability and flexibility: You can start with a few devices and expand as needed without any loss of functionality or performance. You can also mix and match different devices to create a customized network solution tailored to your needs.
Cost-effectiveness: UniFi devices offer enterprise-level features and performance at a fraction of the cost of competing solutions. You also save money by eliminating the need for costly hardware controllers.
Seamless roaming and high-performance wireless: UniFi access points deliver high-performance Wi-Fi coverage and seamless roaming for an unparalleled user experience. They also support features like band steering, airtime fairness, load balancing, and zero-handoff roaming.
Robust security and network insights: UniFi Controller provides built-in firewall functionality, intrusion detection and prevention systems, secure guest networking, and more. It also offers deep insights into your network usage, performance, and potential issues.
UniFi Controller Requirements and Compatibility
To run UniFi Controller on your Windows machine, you need to meet the following requirements:
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A Windows PC with at least 4 GB of RAM and 20 GB of free disk space.
A stable internet connection.
A compatible web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari).
A compatible UniFi device (see for a list of supported devices).
How to Download UniFi Controller from Ubiquiti's Website
The first step to install UniFi Controller on your Windows machine is to download the software from Ubiquiti's website. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Go to Ubiquiti's Download Page
Open your web browser and go to . This is the official download page for all Ubiquiti products.
Step 2: Find the UniFi Section and Scroll Down to the Software Section
On the download page, you will see different categories of products, such as AmpliFi, EdgeMAX, airMAX, and UniFi. Click on the UniFi section to expand it. Then, scroll down until you see the Software section. This is where you can find the UniFi Controller software for different operating systems.
Step 3: Locate the Windows Install Version and Click the Download Icon
In the Software section, you will see different versions of UniFi Controller for Windows, macOS, Linux, Debian, and Ubuntu. You can also see the release date, file size, and changelog for each version. Locate the latest version of UniFi Controller for Windows (it should have a .exe extension) and click on the download icon on the right side of the row.
Step 4: Accept the EULA and Download the File
Before you can download the file, you need to accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) from Ubiquiti. Read the terms and conditions carefully and click on the "I Agree" button if you agree with them. Then, the file will start downloading to your default download folder.
How to Install UniFi Controller on Your Windows Machine
Once you have downloaded the UniFi Controller software, you need to install it on your Windows machine. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Locate the UniFi-installer File and Run It
Go to your download folder and find the UniFi-installer file that you downloaded. It should have a name like "UniFi-installer.exe" followed by some numbers. Double-click on the file to run it. You may see a security warning from Windows asking you if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click on "Yes" to proceed.
Step 2: Follow the Instructions to Complete the Installation
The UniFi Controller Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation process. You will need to choose a language, accept the license agreement, select a destination folder, and configure some options. The default settings are usually fine for most users, but you can change them if you want. Click on "Next" to continue until you reach the end of the wizard.
Step 3: Launch the UniFi Controller Application
After the installation is complete, you can launch the UniFi Controller application by clicking on "Finish". You can also find a shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu. The application will start automatically and open in your web browser.
How to Set Up Your UniFi Network with UniFi Controller
The final step is to set up your UniFi network with UniFi Controller. You will need to connect your UniFi devices to your network, adopt them in the controller, and configure your network settings and preferences. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Connect Your UniFi Devices to Your Network
The first thing you need to do is to connect your UniFi devices to your network using Ethernet cables. You can use any switch or router that supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) or use a PoE injector or adapter if your switch or router does not support PoE. Make sure that your devices are powered on and connected to the same network as your Windows machine running UniFi Controller.
Step 2: Adopt Your UniFi Devices in the Controller
The next thing you need to do is to adopt your UniFi devices in the controller. This means that you will assign them to your controller and give them a name and a location. To do this, open your web browser and go to . This is the web interface of your UniFi Controller application. You will see a login screen where you need to enter your Ubiquiti account credentials or create a new account if you don't have one.
After logging in, you will see a dashboard where you can manage your devices and network settings. You will also see a list of devices that are pending adoption on the left side of the screen. These are devices that are connected to your network but not yet adopted by your controller. To adopt a device, click on it and then click on "Adopt". You can also change its name and location by clicking on "Edit". Repeat this process for all the devices that you want to adopt. You can also use the "Adopt and Upgrade" option if you want to update the firmware of your devices to the latest version.
Step 3: Configure Your Network Settings and Preferences
The last thing you need to do is to configure your network settings and preferences according to your needs and preferences. You can do this by clicking on the "Settings" icon on the bottom left corner of the screen. You will see a menu with different categories, such as Site, Wireless Networks, Network, Services, Profiles, and more. You can click on each category to access its settings and options.
Some of the settings and options that you can configure are:
Site: You can change the name, timezone, country, and device password of your site. You can also enable or disable features like auto backup, auto optimize network, advanced features, and more.
Wireless Networks: You can create and manage your wireless networks, such as SSIDs, security modes, encryption types, guest policies, user groups, and more.
Network: You can create and manage your network segments, such as VLANs, DHCP servers, DNS servers, firewall rules, port forwarding, and more.
Services: You can enable or disable services like UPnP, mDNS, SNMP, NTP, syslog, and more.
Profiles: You can create and apply profiles to your devices, such as device settings, radio settings, switch port profiles, Wi-Fi schedules, and more.
You can also use the "Map" icon on the bottom left corner of the screen to view a graphical representation of your network topology and device status. You can also use the "Devices" icon to view a list of your devices and their details. You can also use the "Insights" icon to view statistics and reports on your network performance and activity.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to download and install UniFi Controller on your Windows machine, and how to set up your UniFi network with it. UniFi Controller is a powerful and versatile software application that allows you to manage your UniFi devices and network settings from a single interface. It offers many features and benefits that can help you create a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable network solution for your home or business. We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about UniFi Controller and UniFi devices:
Q: How do I update UniFi Controller?
A: To update UniFi Controller, you need to download the latest version of the software from Ubiquiti's website and run the installer file. The installer will automatically detect your existing installation and update it accordingly. You may need to restart your Windows machine after the update.
Q: How do I reset UniFi Controller password?
A: To reset UniFi Controller password, you need to use the "Forgot Password?" link on the login screen. You will need to enter your email address associated with your Ubiquiti account and follow the instructions to reset your password.
Q: How do I reset UniFi device to factory defaults?
A: To reset UniFi device to factory defaults, you need to use a paperclip or a similar tool to press and hold the reset button on the device for about 10 seconds. The device will reboot and return to its default settings. You will need to adopt it again in UniFi Controller.
Q: How do I backup UniFi Controller settings?
A: To backup UniFi Controller settings, you need to go to Settings > Maintenance > Backup > Download Backup. This will download a file with a .unf extension that contains all your controller settings. You can restore this file in case of data loss or migration.
Q: How do I migrate UniFi Controller to another machine?
A: To migrate UniFi Controller to another machine, you need to backup your controller settings on the old machine and restore them on the new machine. You also need to update the inform URL of your devices to point to the new machine's IP address or hostname. 44f88ac181