🪟 Install Frigate NVR on Windows

Free, open-source security camera system with AI detection

1Install Docker Desktop

Download and install Docker Desktop for Windows:

Download Docker Desktop →

Requirements: Windows 10 64-bit Pro/Enterprise/Education or Windows 11

2Enable WSL 2

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

wsl --install

Restart your computer after installation completes.

3Create Installation Folder

Open PowerShell and create a folder for Frigate:

mkdir C:\webcam-nvr cd C:\webcam-nvr

4Download Frigate Configuration

Download the docker-compose.yml file:

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri https://webcam.org/frigate-config.yml -OutFile docker-compose.yml mkdir config Invoke-WebRequest -Uri https://webcam.org/frigate-template.yml -OutFile config/config.yml

5Start Frigate NVR

Launch Frigate using Docker Compose:

docker-compose up -d

Wait 30-60 seconds for Frigate to start, then open:

Open Frigate Web UI →

6Add Your Cameras

Edit config/config.yml to add your cameras. Examples:

USB Webcam:

cameras: front_door: ffmpeg: inputs: - path: /dev/video0 input_args: preset-usb-camera roles: [detect, record]

IP Camera (RTSP):

cameras: backyard: ffmpeg: inputs: - path: rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream roles: [detect, record]

Save the file and restart Frigate:

docker-compose restart

7Buy Recommended Hardware

Get the best cameras and doorbells tested for Frigate:

View Hardware Guide →

Recommended starter setup:

  • Amcrest AD410 Doorbell - $99
  • Raspberry Pi 5 (or use your Windows PC)
  • TP-Link PoE Switch - $49

✅ Installation Complete!

Your Frigate NVR is now running. Next steps:

Open Frigate → Setup Guide → Test Your Webcam →
⚠️ Troubleshooting: