Install Ruby on Windows

by Max Rohde,

In order to try out the Fastlane tool, I needed to install Ruby on my Windows development machine today. The process took me a few attempts, so I thought I share here some of the mistakes to avoid and how to get everything running.

How to Install Ruby

The easiest way to install Ruby is to use the excellent RubyInstaller that can be downloaded from:

RubyInstaller

Ruby Installer

Then click Download and next select the latest version of Ruby+DevKit:

Ruby+DevKit

Mistake to Avoid: Download the version without DevKit

After downloading the installer, run it.

When asked to select components, be sure to select MSYS2 development toolchain.

Select Toolchain

Mistake to avoid: Not installing the MSYS2 toolchain. Note even if you already have MSYS2 installed, select this option.

When asked to Run 'rdik install', select the option.

rdik install

Mistake to avoid: Not running 'rdik install'. Though you can do this manually later.

When prompted which components to install, select 3 - MSYS2 and MINGW development toolchain:

MSYS2 toolchain

Mistake to avoid: Running the update or the base installation only.

After this installation is complete you are good to go. To test if your Ruby installation is working well, try running:

$ ruby --version
ruby 3.2.2 (2023-03-30 revision e51014f9c0) [x64-mingw-ucrt]

$ bundle --version
Bundler version 2.4.18
Categories: code