How to Download and Install Code::Blocks IDE on Windows 11 (with GCC and G++ Compilers)

If you’re planning to learn C Programming or C++, then Code::Blocks is one of the best IDEs you can use. It’s a free, open-source, cross-platform Integrated Development Environment (IDE) specifically designed for C, C++, and Fortran development.

Code::Blocks supports multiple compilers — including GCC and G++ — and allows you to install various plugins to extend its functionality.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of downloading, installing, and setting up Code::Blocks IDE on Windows 11, along with creating your first C program. Let’s dive right in.

How to Download Code::Blocks IDE for Windows 11

You can download the latest version of Code::Blocks directly from the official website. Here’s how:

1. Open your preferred web browser and go to the official site — codeblocks.org.
2. Click on Download in the top menu.
3. On the download page, you’ll see three options —
   • Download the binary release
   • Download the source code
   • Retrieve source code from SVN
4. Select Download the binary release.
5. Next, choose Windows as your operating system and click the link to download
   codeblocks-20.03mingw-setup.exe from SourceForge.net.

Tip: Always select the version that includes MinGW — this ensures that GCC and G++ compilers are automatically installed with Code::Blocks.

How to Install Code::Blocks IDE on Windows 11

Once the installer is downloaded, follow these steps to install Code::Blocks on your Windows system:

1. Double-click the downloaded file and allow Windows to make changes if prompted.
2. In the Setup Wizard, click Next to begin the installation.
3. Read and accept the License Agreement, then click I Agree.
4. Choose the components you want to install.
   • Recommendation: Keep all default components and plugins selected.
5. Select your installation location (or leave it as default), then click Install.
6. Wait for the installation to complete, then click Next → Finish.

You’ve now successfully installed Code::Blocks IDE on Windows 11!

How to Create Your First C Program in Code::Blocks IDE

Before you start coding, you’ll need to ensure that the GNU GCC Compiler is properly set as the default compiler. Code::Blocks will usually detect it automatically the first time you launch the IDE.

Here’s how to create and run your first C program:

1. Open Code::Blocks IDE. When prompted, select GNU GCC Compiler and click Set as Default.
2. Go to File → New → Project.
3. Choose Console Application, then click Go.
4. Select your programming language — choose C — and click Next.
5. Enter a project title, filename, and choose a folder where you want to save your project.
6. Click Next, then select GNU GCC Compiler from the dropdown list. Leave other settings as default and click Finish.
7. You’ll now see the main.c file in the project manager — this is where you can start writing your C code.
8. To compile and run your program, go to Build → Build and Run, or simply press F9 on your keyboard.

Your program will now compile and execute in the built-in console window.

Conclusion

That’s it! You’ve successfully installed Code::Blocks on Windows 11 and created your first C program.

Code::Blocks is one of the easiest IDEs to get started with if you’re learning C or C++, and its built-in compiler support makes coding much smoother for beginners.

If you’re new to programming, we recommend checking out beginner-friendly C Programming Tutorials to strengthen your understanding.