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You can run n8n on your own computer either as a quick npm trial or in Docker. For the quickest try, install a supported Node.js version and run npx n8n; for a containerized setup with deliberately configured persistent storage, use Docker Compose. In either case, open http://localhost:5678 while the local service is running.
Choose an installation method
| Method | What you need | Data persistence | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
npm trial with npx |
Node.js 20.19 through 24.x, inclusive, per n8n’s npm installation documentation. | The cited quick-start instructions do not specify a separate volume-mount setup. | Trying the editor locally when the required Node.js runtime is already installed. |
| Docker Compose | Docker with Compose v2 and a running daemon; Windows users should use WSL with Docker Desktop’s WSL2 backend or Docker Engine in their Linux distribution, as n8n’s Compose guide specifies. | Configure a persistent mount for n8n’s user data. The example uses SQLite by default when no database service is configured. | An isolated container setup where you want to configure storage explicitly. This is n8n’s recommended Docker route. |
For a local instance that runs only while you are using it, either method can work. Scheduled workflows need the computer and n8n process to remain running. The local installation instructions do not establish a public webhook or production-ready, always-on deployment procedure.
Before you start
If you choose npm
Install Node.js 20.19 through 24.x, inclusive, as specified in n8n’s current npm instructions. The n8n documentation establishes the supported version range but does not prescribe one universal installer for every operating system; use the Node.js distribution or a version manager that suits your system.
If you choose Docker Compose
Install Docker and Compose v2, then make sure Docker’s daemon is running. Docker Desktop is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. On Windows, n8n’s Compose guidance calls for WSL with Docker Desktop’s WSL2 backend or Docker Engine installed in the Linux distribution. See the Docker Compose instructions for the supported setup.
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Option A: Start a quick local trial with npx
- Open a terminal and check that the installed Node.js version is within n8n’s documented range: 20.19 through 24.x, inclusive.
- Run
npx n8n. This lets npm download and start n8n for the trial. - When startup completes, open http://localhost:5678 in your browser to access the local editor.
- Keep the terminal open while you use n8n. To stop the process, use your terminal’s interrupt key, commonly
Ctrl+C.
n8n’s npm documentation also describes a global installation using npm install n8n -g, followed by n8n or n8n start, and gives npm update -g n8n as an update command. However, n8n says npm-based installations are deprecated from n8n 3.0. Check the official npm instructions before beginning a new setup or planning future upgrades, because the transition timing may change.
Option B: Install n8n with Docker Compose
- Install Docker with the Compose v2 plugin and start the Docker daemon. If you use Windows, follow the WSL setup described in n8n’s Compose guide.
- Open n8n’s current Install using Docker Compose page and create the Compose configuration shown there. Docker Compose is the recommended Docker method.
- Before starting the services, confirm that the configuration mounts persistent storage for n8n’s user data. The documented example uses SQLite by default when no database service is configured; without a volume, that database is stored inside the container and can be lost if the container is replaced.
- Start the services with the Compose command in the guide,
docker compose up -d. Check service status withdocker compose ps. The example configuration waits for its sandbox API health state before dependent services start. - Use the health check shown in the guide to verify n8n responds at http://localhost:5678/healthz, then open http://localhost:5678 in your browser.
- For upgrades, follow the current Compose update procedure and back up important workflow data first. Use the guide for image and migration details rather than relying on a hard-coded version.
Why the short Docker command is not the recommended setup
n8n’s separate Install with Docker page shows a single-container example with a named n8n_data volume mounted at /home/node/.n8n and port 5678 mapped to the host. The page labels itself outdated and directs readers to Docker Compose. For a new Docker installation, use the Compose guide rather than treating the older one-container example as the current recommended path.
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Troubleshoot a local n8n installation
The editor does not load
- For npm, check that the terminal process is still running. For Docker Compose, inspect services with
docker compose ps. - Confirm you are opening
http://localhost:5678and that port 5678 is available on your computer. - With Compose, check the documented health endpoint at
http://localhost:5678/healthz.
Workflows or settings disappeared after replacing a container
Check that your Compose configuration mounts persistent storage for n8n’s user data. In the documented example, SQLite is stored inside the container if no database service is configured; data stored there can be lost when the container is replaced.
The npm command fails before n8n starts
- Check your Node.js version against the documented 20.19 through 24.x range.
- Check n8n’s npm installation page for changes related to the announced deprecation of npm-based installations from n8n 3.0.
A workflow needs to receive a public webhook
localhost is a local address, not a public endpoint. The local installation pages do not establish a current, safe public-tunneling procedure. Treat external webhook access as a separate configuration and security question, and consult n8n’s documentation for current guidance rather than assuming a local instance is internet-accessible.
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