MiKTeX
MiKTeX 26.5 is a TeX and LaTeX distribution for Windows, macOS and Linux with MiKTeX Console, TeXworks, package management and TeX, LaTeX and LuaTeX toolchains.
What MiKTeX does
MiKTeX provides the TeX and LaTeX engines, package management, MiKTeX Console and related desktop tools for document compilation. It supports private per-user installations and shared installations maintained by an administrator.
Version and installer naming
The 26.5 core release and the Windows Basic bootstrap installer can show different version labels. After installation, use MiKTeX Console to update core components and packages, then record the resulting environment rather than relying on the installer filename.
Private, shared and reproducible builds
Private and shared installations maintain separate configuration, package and update state. Automatic package installation is convenient for an online personal environment, while teaching labs, CI and archival builds benefit from a pinned package set and repository snapshot.
Compilation safety
TeX source can invoke external commands when shell escape is enabled. Keep it disabled for untrusted documents, review build scripts and custom packages and compile in a controlled directory with ordinary user permissions.
Maintenance note
Review date: 2026-08-23. The page was checked against MiKTeX 26.5, the Windows 25.12 bootstrap label, Console setup, package policies, private or shared state and safe compilation.
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MiKTeX 26.5 installation, Console update and first LaTeX build guide
Install the platform environment, choose private or shared scope, initialize and update through MiKTeX Console and compile a minimal document with repeatable fonts and packages.
Before you start
- Prepare Windows x64, a supported macOS build or a listed Linux distribution and repository; verify Apple silicon compatibility before using an older Intel image.
- Choose private installation for one user or shared administration for a managed multi-user machine and avoid mixing the two modes.
- Back up TeX configuration, personal packages, fonts, source files and package locks, especially if TeX Live is also installed.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the base environment
Run the Windows 25.12 Basic x64 bootstrap installer, open the macOS DMG or install through a signed Linux repository, then choose a private scope unless a managed shared setup is required.
- 02
Initialize MiKTeX Console
Complete setup, refresh the file-name database, choose paper and package policies and confirm that the private bin directory is on PATH for user installations.
- 03
Update core components and packages
Apply updates in batches, restart Console and check again until core tools and packages have no pending update; record final versions rather than the bootstrap filename.
Quick start
- 01
Compile a minimal document
Create a source with a title, prose and one formula, compile it with the chosen engine and inspect the log for the actual engine, inputs and missing packages.
- 02
Test automatic package policy
Reference a package absent from a disposable environment and confirm that the policy asks, always installs or never installs as intended, recording added versions.
- 03
Test language and reproducibility
Compile a Unicode sample with the project engine and fonts, rebuild offline after clearing auxiliary files and compare logs, embedded fonts and PDF pages.
Usage tips
- A TeX distribution contains many independently licensed projects. Save the package list, engine version and fonts with an important paper.
- On-demand package installation reduces initial setup but can make output depend on date and repository state. Pin packages for archives and CI.
- Keep shell escape disabled for untrusted source. Enabling external commands gives document code the current user's privileges.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why can the terminal not find lualatex or pdflatex?
Finish MiKTeX Console setup, check the user bin or system installation directory on PATH and inspect which executable the terminal resolves. TeX Live or an older MiKTeX can shadow it.
Why do package updates keep failing?
Separate private and shared modes, refresh the repository and file-name database and check proxy, mirror, disk permission and system date. Do not update concurrently as two privilege levels.
- Archive the build environmentKeep source, personal packages, configuration, fonts, package list, engine versions and final PDFs, and verify that a copy can compile in isolation.
- Clean the selected installation scopeUse MiKTeX setup to remove private data, clean shared data from administrator mode and then remove the application or repository without deleting project files or TeX Live assets.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Windows MiKTeX installer still show 25.12 when the core release is 26.5?
The bootstrap installer and core release use different labels. Complete installation, update through MiKTeX Console and record the installed core version rather than judging by the filename.
Should I choose a private or shared installation?
Private installation is simpler for one user. Shared installation fits an administrator-managed multi-user machine but requires separate user and administrator maintenance of packages and configuration.
Should automatic package installation be enabled?
An online personal setup can use the ask-first policy. Labs, CI and offline archives should pin packages and use a repository snapshot for repeatable builds.