DOWNLOAD + FULL GUIDE
Version
1.7.3
License
GPL-3.0
Platform
Windows
Price
Free
Download And Guide
Windhawk Download - Full Guide To Use
The free marketplace for customizing Windows and its programs with mods: download it, install it and learn how to use it safely
WINDHAWK 1.7.3
FREE
OPEN SOURCE
Windows Mods
Taskbar
Customization
2026
Windhawk calls itself the customization marketplace for Windows programs. Instead of one fixed set of tweaks, it gives you a library of small community-made mods that change how Windows and individual programs look and behave. You browse the mods, install the ones you want, and turn them on or off at any time. This guide covers the download, installation, first launch, installing mods, safety and troubleshooting.
Developer
Ramen Software
License
GPL-3.0
Type
Mod Marketplace
What Is Windhawk
Windhawk is a free, open-source tool whose goal is to make it easier to customize Windows programs. It describes itself as a customization marketplace: small pieces of code called mods are published by the community, and you install the ones that fit what you want, such as changing how the taskbar looks or fixing small annoyances in an app.
Technically, Windhawk works by injecting its engine into running programs so that mods can hook into them. By default the engine goes into all processes except those on predefined exclusion lists, which keep critical system processes and some known incompatible programs out. You can also add your own exclusions, which this guide explains later.
Mods are installed from inside Windhawk itself, and since version 1.7 they are downloaded precompiled by default, which makes installing and updating them much faster. Because mods change how programs behave, it is worth reading each mod description before you enable it.
Download Windhawk 1.7.3
Version
1.7.3
License
GPL-3.0
Price
Free
NOTE: Server 2 is the official Windhawk website. Download the installer from there if you want to be sure you are getting the original release. The official installer also includes the portable version.
Key Features
Mod Marketplace
Browse and install community mods from inside the app to customize Windows and individual programs.
Precompiled Mods
Since 1.7 mods are downloaded precompiled by default, so installs and updates are fast. This can be turned off in settings.
Older Mod Versions
You can view and install earlier versions of a mod if a new one causes problems.
Search And Filters
Search, filter and list views for installed mods, plus more filters in the Discover section.
Per-Mod Process Lists
Each mod can have its own process include and exclude lists to control where it applies.
ARM64 Support
Windows on ARM64 is supported from version 1.6, with some limits when customizing x86 and x64 programs there.
Create Your Own Mods
The project provides documentation for creating and debugging your own mods.
Open Source
The code is published on GitHub under the GPL-3.0 license.
Requirements
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows. Windhawk is especially popular for Windows 11 customization, and it supports ARM64 Windows from 1.6. Each mod lists the programs and Windows versions it supports, so read the mod description. |
| Permissions | Administrator permission is needed for the normal installer. Portable mode is available through the official installer. |
| Internet | Needed to browse, download and update mods. |
| Antivirus | Security software that blocks code injection can interfere. See the troubleshooting section. |
How To Install Windhawk
1
Download the installer from Server 1 or from the official site on Server 2.
2
Run the downloaded setup file. Windows may ask for administrator permission, which you should approve.
3
Follow the installer screens and finish the installation. The official installer also contains the portable version if you prefer not to install normally.
4
Open Windhawk from the Start menu or the system tray icon.
5
Optional: if you use winget, you can also install it from a terminal with the command below.
winget install RamenSoftware.Windhawk
First Launch Tour
1
When Windhawk opens you will see the main window with a home area for installed mods and an area to explore new mods.
2
Open the Explore section to browse available mods. Mod cards show details and ratings, and you can search and filter the list.
3
Open the Installed mods section to see what you have already added. Version 1.7 adds search, filter and list views here.
4
Open Settings to see options such as whether mods are downloaded precompiled and the advanced process exclusion list.
5
You can move back and forward between screens with Alt+Left and Alt+Right, and zoom with Ctrl+Plus, Ctrl+Minus and Ctrl+0.
How To Install And Use A Mod
1
Open Explore and search for what you want to change, for example a taskbar customization.
2
Click a mod to open its page and read the description. Check which programs it targets and any notes from the author.
3
Click Install. The mod downloads and is enabled.
4
Open the mod's Settings tab to adjust its options. Settings can also be edited in a text mode in version 1.7. Press Enter or Ctrl+S to save.
5
Some mods apply instantly. For others you may need to restart the target program, and for protected processes the change applies after that process restarts.
6
To undo a mod, open Installed mods and disable or uninstall it.
Example Mods You Can Look For
| Mod | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Dark Mode Context Menus | Applies dark styling to context (right-click) menus. |
| Taskbar reorder within/between groups | Lets you reorder taskbar items. |
| Windows 11 Taskbar Styler | Changes the look of the Windows 11 taskbar. |
| Windows 11 Start Menu Styler | Changes the look of the Windows 11 Start menu. |
The mod list changes over time. Search Explore for the current version of each mod and read its description before installing.
Is Windhawk Safe
NOTE: Windhawk is open source, but mods are third-party code that runs inside your programs. Only install mods you understand, read each description, and avoid enabling many mods at once. Install one, test it, then add the next. Download Windhawk from the official site or the official GitHub releases.
Windhawk excludes critical system processes such as csrss.exe, lsass.exe, services.exe, wininit.exe and smss.exe from injection, and it also excludes some well-known games, which often resist code injection because of anti-cheat. Known incompatible programs, such as Oracle VirtualBox paths, are excluded by default as well.
Exclude A Program From Windhawk
1
Open Windhawk and go to Settings.
2
Expand Advanced settings and click More advanced settings.
3
Add the program's process name to the Process exclusion list.
4
Click Save and restart Windhawk. An excluded process is completely unaffected by Windhawk, whatever mods are installed.
Troubleshooting
A mod does not work
Read the mod description to see whether your program is supported, update Windhawk, and check the mod's debug log. Possible causes are an unsupported target process, an outdated Windhawk, missing debug symbols, a bug, or antivirus interference.
How do I get a debug log
Disable the mod, open its Advanced tab, set Debug logging to detailed logs, then enable the mod. Reproduce the problem, save the log, and set logging back to None afterward.
The log is empty
An empty log suggests Windhawk failed to inject code into that process.
The log mentions HTTP_STATUS_NOT_FOUND
Debug symbols are unavailable for now. This may resolve within a day or two.
The log mentions ERROR_INTERNET_CANNOT_CONNECT
Symbols could not be downloaded. Check your internet connection and firewall.
My antivirus blocks Windhawk
Antivirus software can block Windhawk or code injection. Temporarily turn it off to test. If that fixes it, add Windhawk to the antivirus exclusions.
A program misbehaves after installing a mod
Disable that mod in Installed mods, or add the program to the process exclusion list. If a newer mod version caused it, install an earlier mod version.
Software Information
| Name | Windhawk |
| Developer | Ramen Software |
| Current Stable Version | 1.7.3 |
| Category | Windows Customization Tool |
| License | GPL-3.0 (open source) |
| Platform | Windows, including ARM64 from version 1.6 |
| Mods | Installed from inside Windhawk |
| Official Site | windhawk.net |
A 2.0 alpha pre-release also exists on the project GitHub page. This guide covers the stable 1.7.x line.
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DISCLAIMER: Windhawk is developed by Ramen Software. Tech Decode is not affiliated with the project. Mods are third-party code and can affect how Windows and your programs behave, so use them at your own risk, keep a restore point or backup, and download from official sources. Features and versions can change, so check windhawk.net for the latest details.
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