Git
Git is an open-source distributed version control system designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency. It allows software developers to track source code changes locally, manage multiple branches simultaneously, and collaborate on shared repositories.
github.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 2.56.0.4
- Release date
- Oct. 26, 2026
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Installer type
- inno
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id Git.Git -eSHA256 (file verification)
4961a4a8cc778d8b6e00a5819e5fe4d078b754555aff7aedc2d77a5d74c2de80We couldn't find a macOS version of Git in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Linux version of Git in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Android version of Git in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
Platform pages: Windows · macOS · Linux · Android
Old versions (10)
Security update: according to the publisher's release notes, Git 2.56.0.4 fixes security vulnerabilities. If you use an older version, update.
CVE-2026-111497
Official release notes →
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has confirmed that these vulnerabilities in older versions of Git were used in real attacks. Keep the program up to date:
- CVE-2025-48384 – Git Link Following Vulnerability (Aug. 25, 2025)
Git 2.56.0.4: what's new?
Highlights
- Distributed architecture with complete local repository history
- Fast and lightweight branching and merging capabilities
- Cryptographic integrity tracking using SHA hashing
- Staging area for granular commit preparation
- Command-line environment including Git Bash and basic GUI tooling
Who is it for?
Git is designed for software developers and teams who need to track source code changes and manage concurrent development branches. It is used for version control in both small personal scripts and massive enterprise codebases.
Good to know before installing
- Command-line usage presents a steep learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with version control concepts.
- Visual management and repository hosting require separate third-party graphical tools or web services.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on this page, or run 'winget install --id Git.Git -e' in your terminal.
- Launch the downloaded installer to open the setup wizard.
- Select your preferred configuration options, such as default editor and PATH environment, and finish the setup.
Alternatives
- Mercurial
- Subversion
- Bazaar
Frequently asked questions
Is Git free to use for commercial projects?
Yes, Git is open source and licensed under GPL-2.0, allowing free use for both personal and commercial projects.
What is the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is the version control tool that runs locally, while GitHub is a web-based hosting service for Git repositories.
Does Git for Windows include a terminal?
Yes, the Windows package includes Git Bash, an emulation environment providing standard Unix command-line utilities.