How do I install Houdini on Windows?

Run the Houdini setup program by double-clicking the downloaded executable.

Note:

  • You do not need to Run as Administrator. As long as your user account has permissions to install programs, you should be fine.
  • Install the License Server component if:
    • installing for Houdini Indie or Houdini Apprentice.
    • the computer is a license server to serve licenses to client machines, or
    • a Workstation (nodelock, not using a remote license server) is installed.
  • If the computer is a client machine and will use a remote license server, you do not need to install the License Server component.

Windows Install

  • The licensing menu may appear during the installation process if no installed licenses can be detected, or the first time the software.
    • If you are installing Apprentice, choose "Install Houdini Apprentice license.
    • If you are installing a commercial product, choose I have a paid license for Houdini.

Once installed, the application is available by default through:

  • Start Menu → All Programs (if applicable)→ Side Effects Software → Houdini 20.5.xxx

The following two services (found in Services.msc) will need to be in the running state for Houdini to function:

  • HoudiniServer (client program to interact with the license server)
  • HoudiniLicenseServer (license server)

For more information about licensing Houdini please refer to Licensing a Houdini product