Your Quick-Start Guide to Playing Genshin Impact on PC & Mac

your Tech Avatar October 31, 2025 PC Tech Guide | Web Tech Tutorial | How To Guide No comments

Ready to dive into the breathtaking world of Teyvat? You’re not alone! Genshin Impact has captivated millions with its stunning visuals, engaging story, and fun combat. But before you can meet Paimon and embark on your adventure, you need to get the game installed.

Whether you’re a dedicated PC gamer or a Mac user wondering if you can join the fun, this easy, step-by-step guide is for you. We’ll walk you through everything from checking your PC’s specs to clever workarounds for Mac, ensuring you’re exploring with your favorite characters in no time!

First Things First: Can Your Computer Handle It?

Let’s make sure your setup is ready for an adventure! Genshin Impact is a gorgeous game, and you’ll want a smooth experience as you explore its vast landscapes. Here’s a quick look at what your system needs:

For a Solid, Enjoyable Experience (Minimum Specs):

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
CPU: Intel Core i5 (6th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
RAM: 8 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 or AMD Radeon RX 550
Storage: At least 100 GB of free space

For a Truly Stunning Adventure (Recommended Specs):

OS: Windows 10 or 11 64-bit
CPU: Intel Core i7 (7th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580
Storage: 150 GB of free space on an SSD (for much faster loading times!)

A Quick Tip on Storage: The game files are huge and get bigger with every update. Going for the recommended 150 GB on an SSD from the start will save you from having to move things around later!

Your Easy Guide to Installing Genshin Impact on Windows PC

Getting the game on your desktop is a breeze. Here are the two best ways to do it:

Method 1: The Direct Download (Our Top Pick!)

This is the straight-from-the-source method and is often the most reliable.

1. Grab the Launcher: Head over to the official Genshin Impact website. Look for the “Windows” download button and click it. This will download a small installer file.
2. Run the Installer: Find the file you just downloaded (it’s usually called GenshinImpact_installer.exe) and double-click to run it. Give it permission if your computer asks.
3. Choose Your Install Location: Before you click “Install Now,” take a second to click “Advanced” or “Customize.” Here, you can choose where to install the game. If you have an SSD, this is the place to use it!
4. Let the Launcher Do Its Thing: The installer will set up the launcher on your PC. Once that’s done, open it up.
5. Download the Game: Inside the launcher, you’ll see a big “Download” or “Get Game” button. Click it! Now’s the time to grab a snack—this is the big download (around 80-90 GB).
6. Launch! Once the download finishes, that button will change to “Launch.” Click it, and your journey begins!

Method 2: Via the Epic Games Store

If you already use the Epic Games Store for your other games, this is a great option for keeping your library tidy.

Simply open the Epic Games Store app on your PC.
Use the search bar to find “Genshin Impact.”
Click “Get” and follow the on-screen prompts. The Epic launcher will handle the rest automatically.

Which should you choose? Both are great! The official launcher is a direct line to the developers, while the Epic Games version is super convenient if you’re already in that ecosystem.

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No Native Mac Version? No Problem! How to Play Genshin Impact on Mac?

We won’t sugarcoat it—it’s a bummer that there’s no official Mac version yet. But don’t worry, fellow Apple fan, you still have some excellent options to join the action.

Method 1: Cloud Gaming with NVIDIA GeForce Now (The Easiest Way)

This is our top recommendation for most Mac users. It streams the game from a powerful remote computer right to your Mac, so you don’t need a fancy graphics card!

Sign up for an account on the NVIDIA GeForce Now website and download the Mac client.
You can start with the free tier to test it out, or subscribe for longer, premium sessions.
Search for Genshin Impact in the app and start playing instantly. It’s like magic!

Method 2: Using Boot Camp (For Intel-Based Macs)

If you have a Mac with an Intel processor, you can install Windows directly on a separate part of your hard drive.

You’ll need a copy of Windows 10. Use the built-in Boot Camp Assistant app (found in your Utilities folder) to guide you through the setup.
Once Windows is installed, you can restart your Mac into Windows and follow our PC installation guide above.

Heads-up: This method requires a lot of disk space and means you have to restart your computer whenever you want to switch between macOS and Windows.

Method 3: Virtual Machine (For Apple Silicon & Intel Macs)

Software like Parallels Desktop lets you run Windows inside a window on your Mac, without rebooting.

This is more convenient than Boot Camp, but the performance might not be as smooth, especially for a demanding game like Genshin.
It’s a good option to try if you have a powerful Mac (especially with an M-series chip) and want the convenience.

See it in Action:

Quick Troubleshooting: Solving Common Hiccups

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. If you hit a snag, here’s how to fix it:

“Not Enough Disk Space” Error: This pops up even if you think you have enough room. Remember, the game needs extra temporary space to unpack all those beautiful graphics. Try freeing up more space than you think you need.
Painfully Slow Download: If your download is crawling, try pausing and then resuming it in the launcher. For a bigger boost, connect directly to your router with an Ethernet cable and temporarily pause any VPNs.
“Failed to Check for Updates”: This is usually a connection issue. First, check the official Genshin Impact Twitter account to see if the servers are down for maintenance. If they’re up, try temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software (just remember to turn it back on later!).

You’re In! What’s Next?

Welcome to Teyvat, Traveler! Before you rush off, here are a few tips for your first steps:

Tweak Your Settings: Head to the Settings menu and adjust the graphics options to match your PC’s power. This ensures the game looks great and runs smoothly.
Secure Your Account: Create your HoYoverse account and enable two-factor authentication. It’s a simple step that keeps all your hard-earned characters safe.
Claim Your Rewards: Check your in-game mail for beginner bonuses! Also, look online for active “promo codes” for free Primogems and other goodies.

We hope this guide gets you exploring the seven nations of Teyvat without any hassle. The world of Genshin Impact is an incredible place to get lost in, and now you’re all set to experience it. Happy adventuring.