SFS2X Docs / GettingStarted / install-windows
» Installing under Windows
SmartFoxServer 2X requires a recent 64-bit version of Windows, such as Windows 7, 8, 10, 11.
Once you have downloaded the installer double click it to start the setup process.
Important note on Windows SmartScreen
The Windows version of SmartFoxServer is distributed as a signed installer, but due to Microsoft approach to security, a reputation based on number of installations is also needed to prevent Windows SmartScreen from activating, informing the user about an unspecified threat.
For this reason, when launching the installer, you will be warned that the app is not recognized. You should (A) click on the More info link to make the Run anyway button appear, then (B) click it to start the installation procedure.
» Setup
Follow the installation wizard steps on screen.
By default SmartFoxServer 2X is installed as a Windows service. If you're setting up a local development machine make sure to tick off this option, so the server won't run in the background when you don't need it.
» Running SmartFoxServer 2X
SmartFoxServer 2X can be run in multiple ways:
- Standalone: in this mode you run the application normally as any other program, and the server will keep running until you close it. This is useful during evaluation and development phases.
You can run SFS2X in standalone mode by double-clicking the sfs2x-standalone.exe executable or the sfs2x.bat file, both contained in the {sfs-install-dir}/SFS2X/ folder.
NOTE
Using the sfs2x.bat file to run SFS2X in standalone mode is mandatory if you change the Java Virtual Machine settings using the AdminTool (see the Server Configurator documentation), because the sfs2x-standalone.exe executable uses its own embedded settings and ignores the others. - As a Service: in this mode you run the server as a Windows Service, which is ideal for production. The service is auto-started when the OS is booted and it keeps running in the background. It can also be controlled from the Windows Service Console.
During the installation process you will be asked if you want to install SFS2X as Service.
NOTE
When running SFS2X as a Service, if you restart it using the AdminTool Restart button, the Windows Service Console will display it as stopped, even if it isn't.
» Uninstalling SmartFoxServer 2X
A convenient Uninstall program is provided in the installation folder, which completely removes the software from your system. The removal implies also that your custom settings and data will be lost. Proceed carefully with uninstalling SFS2X if you want to keep your settings.