Add blog post Windows Installer

Author: chchwy

_posts/2025-12-08-windows-installer-available.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "Windows Installers Now Available in Nightly Builds!"
+tagline: ""
+categories: "News"
+author: "The Pencil2D Team"
+date: "2025-12-08"
+published: false
+comments: false
+---
+
+We're excited to announce that Pencil2D now has Windows installers! This long-awaited feature, developed by our core developer [J5lx](https://github.com/J5lx){:target="_blank"}, is available through our [nightly builds](https://www.pencil2d.org/download/nightly/){:target="_blank"}.
+
+## Why an Installer?
+
+For years, Pencil2D has been distributed as a portable ZIP file for Windows users. While this works great for some people, we also see challenges for many others who are less familiar with technical processes.
+
+We've seen requests from users who:
+- Didn't know they needed to extract all files from the ZIP archive
+- Were missing required MSVC runtime libraries
+- Had difficulty locating the executable after extraction
+- Simply wanted a more straightforward installation experience
+- Wanted only one icon on their desktop to launch Pencil2D
+
+The new installer addresses all of these issues, providing a smooth, professional installation process that anyone can follow.
+
+## What Does the Installer Offer?
+
+The new Windows installer provides several benefits over the portable ZIP distribution:
+
+- **Double-Click Installation**: No more ZIP extraction—just download and run
+- **Automatic Runtime Management**: The installer handles MSVC redistributable installation automatically
+- **Professional Experience**: A polished, localized installation wizard with proper branding
+- **Desktop & Start Menu Shortcuts**: Optional shortcuts for easy access to Pencil2D
+- **Proper File Association**: Register `.pclx` file types with Windows
+- **Clean Uninstallation**: Complete removal of all installed files when needed
+- **Upgrade Support**: Seamlessly update to newer versions while preserving your settings
+
+Special thanks to J5lx for the incredible dedication and technical expertise required to create this professional-grade Windows installer. The installer uses the WiX Toolset and includes support for multiple languages, custom branding, and features you'd expect from modern Windows software.
+
+## Try It Now!
+
+The installers are currently available in our [nightly builds](https://www.pencil2d.org/download/nightly/){:target="_blank"}. We encourage Windows users to give them a try and let us know what you think!
+
+You will find two installer formats in the nightly builds:
+
+### Setup (.exe) - Recommended
+- **Filename**: `Pencil2D-Setup-x64-<version>.exe`
+- **What it includes**: Complete installation bundle with Pencil2D and MSVC runtime libraries
+- **Best for**: Most users—provides a complete one-click installation experience
+
+### MSI Package (.msi) - Advanced
+- **Filename**: `Pencil2D-x64-<version>.msi`
+- **What it includes**: Pencil2D installation package only (without MSVC runtime)
+- **Best for**: System administrators, enterprise deployments, or users who already have the Visual C++ runtime installed
+
+**Important Note**: The nightly builds contain the latest development version of Pencil2D and may include experimental features.
+
+## Portable Version Still Available
+
+Don't worry—if you prefer the portable ZIP version, it will continue to be available! The installer is simply an additional option.
+
+## We Want Your Feedback
+
+As with any new feature, we'd love to hear your thoughts! If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvements, please let us know through our [forum](https://discuss.pencil2d.org/){:target="_blank"} or [Discord server](https://discord.gg/8FxdV2g){:target="_blank"}.
+
+Thank you for being part of the Pencil2D community. We hope the new Windows installer makes your life easier!
+