Chapter 2. Installing MiKTeX

Table of Contents

Installation Instructions
Prerequisites
Choosing an installation size
Shared vs. private installation
Installing a basic MiKTeX system
Installing a complete MiKTeX system
Items in the Start Menu
Removing MiKTeX

Installation Instructions

Prerequisites

MiKTeX 2.6 requires one of the following Windows operating systems:

  • Windows Server 2003
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows Millennium Edition
  • Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition

Choosing an installation size

You can choose between two installation sizes:

Basic MiKTeX

A basic MiKTeX installation which gets you started.

Complete MiKTeX

A complete MiKTeX installation.

Choose Basic MiKTeX, if you have to download over a slow Internet connection, or if you want to conserve disk space. Missing files can be installed later (in the course of use).

Shared vs. private installation

You have the option to create a shared MiKTeX installation. Use this option if you are the administrator of your computer and if you want to install MiKTeX for all users. This option is not available if you are logged into a limited user account.

Installing a basic MiKTeX system

Get the “Basic MiKTeX Installer” (basic-miktex-2.6.xxxx.exe) from the download page and run it.

Installing a complete MiKTeX system

Get the MiKTeX Net Installer (setup-2.6.xxxx.exe) from the download page. You will use the installer to a) download the complete MiKTeX distribution and b) install MiKTeX.

Download

Start the installer and choose Download MiKTeX on the task page. You will be prompted to choose an installation size (choose Complete MiKTeX), a download source and a destination directory.

Install

Start the installer a second time and choose Install MiKTeX on the task page.