Install kubectl on Windows (Step-by-Step 2026)

Here is how to install kubectl on Windows in 2026. Tested and verified.

Method 1: Chocolatey (Recommended)

choco install kubernetes-cli

Method 2: Winget

winget install -e --id Kubernetes.kubectl

Method 3: Direct Download

curl.exe -LO "https://dl.k8s.io/release/v1.31.0/bin/windows/amd64/kubectl.exe"
# Move kubectl.exe to a directory in your PATH

Verify

kubectl version --client

Enable PowerShell Completion

kubectl completion powershell | Out-String | Invoke-Expression
# Add to $PROFILE for persistence
kubectl completion powershell >> $PROFILE

Related Resources

• Kubernetes Cheat Sheet
• Install Helm on Windows
• Install kubectl on macOS
• Install kubectl on Ubuntu