Welcome to the step-by-step guide on downloading and installing DaVinci Resolve on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
DaVinci Resolve stands out as a top choice for video editing software. Renowned for its exceptional color grading and non-linear editing capabilities, DaVinci Resolve is the go-to tool for producing high-quality video content.
This tutorial is designed to walk you through the entire process of downloading and installing DaVinci Resolve on your Windows system.
We understand that getting started with new software can sometimes be daunting, especially when dealing with sophisticated tools like DaVinci Resolve. That’s why we’ve broken down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation.
Let’s get started!
Download Davinci Resolve From The Blackmagic Website
Go to Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve product page. Scroll past a trailer showing a fraction of the famous blockbuster movies made with this software to locate your download options.
You’ll see two choices: ‘Davinci Resolve’ and ‘Davinci Resolve Studio’. Click on “Davinci Resolve”
Davinci Resolve is the free version.
Davinci Resolve Studio is the paid version.
This tutorial uses the free version, but the installation steps remain the same regardless of your version.
Tip: Downloading Davinci Resolve Studio When You Already Have A License
The link for Davinci Resolve studio on the Davinci Resolve product page will take you to a checkout page to purchase Davinci Resolve studio.
If you have already paid for Davinci Resolve studio and have a license, it can be downloaded from the product support page. Scroll down and look under the “Latest Downloads” column on the left.
Click on the respective version you need, and a new window will pop up asking you to register. In the lower left-hand side of that corner is a link to “Download Only.” Click that link, and Davinci Resolve Studio will begin to download.
Click On “Windows” In The Pop-Up Box
A pop-up box will appear once you have clicked on ”Davinci Resolve” on the product page.
The pop-up has two versions of DaVinci Resolve: the free and paid version. Click on the Windows button in the left box to download the free version of DaVinci Resolve.
Fill Out The Registration Form & Download Davinci Resolve
Once you click the Windows button, a new pop-up window will appear, asking you to register. Registering is not optional for the free version of DaVinci Resolve.
That said, your registration details are not verified, and the download will begin right after you fill out the required information and click “Regiester & Download.”
The download should automatically start, but if it does not, a new pop-up window appears and has a link you can click on to start the download.
Open Zip, Extract, and Run DaVinci Resolve Installer
After completing the download, right-click on the zip file and click the Extract Here option.
Once the file is extracted, an .exe file will be created. Double-click on the file to start the installation process.
Select Components To Be Installed
The first screen, once the DaVinci Resolve Installer has opened, shows the components that can be installed, with the components that must be installed pre-selected.
The default selections are typically fine, but choose the ones you need.
Here is what each component does:
DaVinci Control Panels: This is the software needed for those who have physical hardware. If you own a DaVinci control panel or similar(trackballs for color correction, speed editor), you need to install this.
Blackmagic RAW Player: Blackmagic RAW Player contains the codecs necessary for playing black magic raw video files, which have the .braw file extension. The player is needed when using Blackmagic cameras that record video footage in this format.
Fairlight Audio Accelerator Utility: The Fairlight Utility (Software) is the audio focal section used in DaVinci Resolve for those who have the Fairlight Audio Accelerator (Hardware), a PCIe card that plugs into the computer for ultra-low latency performance.
Once the components are selected, click the install button.
Complete Installation With DaVinci Resolve Setup Wizard
The first part of the installation installs all of the required libraries and supporting software. Now, it’s time to install the actual DaVinci Resolve program.
Click Next to continue the installation process.
Accept The DaVinci Resolve EULA
The DaVinci Resolve End-User License Agreement appears on the screen. Review the EULA and Click on the check box next to “I accept the terms in the License Agreement.” This will enable the Next button to be clicked. Click on the Next button.
Select Destination Folder
If you want to install DaVinci Resolve on a drive other than the default C:\ Drive, now is the time to change that.
I usually advise installing programs on the C:\ Drive in their default location.
I also advise putting nothing on the C:\ Drive but Windows and Programs. Use a second drive, either internal or external, to store data, images, and videos.
Once you have selected your installation directory, click next.
Start The DaVinci Resolve Installation
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Click Install to begin installing DaVinci Resolve.
The installation will begin, and as the software size is large, it will take several minutes to complete.
Click Finish And Restart Your Computer
Once Davinci Resolve has been successfully installed, the setup wizard will display a finish screen. Select the “Show ReadMe” toggle box if you wish to view the read me file. Lastly, click on the Finish button.
A pop-up window will appear, asking you to restart your computer to complete installation. Make sure all of your other programs and open files are saved. If you are ready to restart your computer, click Yes.
After restarting your computer, installation is now complete. You can start DaVinci Resolve by clicking the icon on the Desktop or by going into your start menu, scrolling down to the Blackmagic Design folder, and then selecting DaVinci Resolve.
Video Tutorial
Here is a video that demonstrates the process.
Additional Points And Clarifications
System Requirements
Obtained from the Blackmagic Design support page.
Minimum system requirements for Windows:
- Windows 10 Creators Update.
- 16 GB of system memory. 32 GB when using Fusion
- Blackmagic Design Desktop Video 10.4.1 or later
- Integrated GPU or discrete GPU with at least 2 GB of VRAM
- GPU which supports OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 11
- NVIDIA/AMD/Intel GPU Driver version – As required by your GPU
Internet Connection
A small note about needing a stable internet connection for downloading the software, as the file size is just over 2 GB.
Disabling Antivirus Software (Optional)
Some users may encounter issues with their antivirus software during installation. Temporarily turning off antivirus software during the installation process could be helpful.
Installation Time
I mentioned that the installation takes several minutes. Installation time can vary based on your system’s performance. It took me exactly 30 minutes to install DaVinci Resolve, following the exact steps in this guide.