Postman Install and Setup
Postman is free to download and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This topic walks you through installing Postman and getting your workspace ready before you send your first request.
What You Need Before Installing
- A computer with internet access
- At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
- An email address to create a free Postman account
Download Postman
- Open your browser and go to postman.com
- Click the Download button on the homepage
- Postman detects your operating system automatically and offers the right installer
- Click Download to save the installer file
Install on Windows
- Open the downloaded .exe file
- Postman installs automatically — no options to configure
- Postman opens on its own when the installation finishes
Install on macOS
- Open the downloaded .dmg file
- Drag the Postman icon into your Applications folder
- Open Postman from Applications or your Launchpad
Install on Linux
- Download the .tar.gz file from postman.com
- Extract it to a folder of your choice
- Run the Postman binary file inside the extracted folder
Create a Free Account
Postman asks you to sign in when it opens for the first time. A free account lets you save your work, sync it across devices, and access shared collections.
- Click Create Account on the sign-in screen
- Enter your email address and set a password
- Check your email and click the verification link
- Sign in to Postman with your new account
You can also sign in with a Google account to skip the email step.
The Postman Web Version
Postman also runs in your browser at web.postman.co without any installation. The web version works the same as the desktop app, but some features like sending requests to private local servers require the desktop app or the Postman Agent.
Install the Postman Agent (Optional)
If you use the web version and need to reach a local or private server, install the Postman Desktop Agent. Download it from the web app when prompted. The agent runs quietly in your system tray and handles local requests for the browser version.
Choose a Workspace
After sign-in, Postman shows your Home screen. You land in your My Workspace by default. Think of a workspace as a project folder — it holds your collections, environments, and history.
| Workspace Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Personal | Learning and private practice |
| Team | Shared work with colleagues |
| Public | Sharing collections with the world |
For learning, stay in the default My Workspace.
Keep Postman Updated
Postman releases updates frequently. When an update is available, a notice appears inside the app. Click Update Now to install it. Staying updated gives you access to the latest features and bug fixes.
Summary
Download the Postman installer from postman.com, run it for your operating system, and create a free account. Your default personal workspace is ready to use as soon as you sign in. The web version is a quick alternative if you prefer not to install anything locally.