How to Set Up React Native on Windows

Step 1: Install the JDK

React Native for Android needs a Java Development Kit (JDK), version 17 for current releases. Download and install it (for example the Microsoft Build of OpenJDK or Temurin).

Check it:

java -version

Step 2: Install Node.js and npm

Download the LTS version from nodejs.org and run the installer.

During setup you can tick the option to install the tools needed for native modules (Python and Visual Studio Build Tools).

Check:

node -v
npm -v

Step 3: Install React Native tooling

The old global react-native-cli is deprecated. The current way is to run the CLI with npx, and no global install is needed. If your guide asks for the old CLI:

npm install -g react-native-cli

Step 4: Create a project

npx @react-native-community/cli init Testproject

(The old command npx react-native init Testproject no longer works on new versions.)

Step 5: Set up Android

1. Install Android Studio. During setup tick Android SDK, Android SDK Platform and Android Virtual Device.
2. Set the environment variable ANDROID_HOME to the SDK folder (usually C:\Users\<you>\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk).
3. Add %ANDROID_HOME%\platform-tools to the Path variable.
4. Create an emulator in the Device Manager, or connect a phone with USB debugging turned on.

Step 6: Run the app

cd Testproject
npx react-native start

In a second terminal:

npx react-native run-android

The default screen "Welcome to React Native" appears on the emulator or phone.

Quick recap

• Install the JDK, Node.js and Android Studio.
• Create a project with the community CLI and run it with run-android.