---
title: "Install CAT studio"
description: "OK, CAT seems cool. What do I do to start using it?"
url: "https://docs.justcat.it/get-started/cat-studio/install/"
---
# Install CAT studio



## Install Prerequisites

CAT Studio works out-of-the-box with majority of data providers (like major database providers, Power BI etc.). However, some of them might need a prerequisite. And MS Excel data is such exception - it needs the Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable.

**CAT Studio 3.0 and later installs it for you** — the installer from our download page bundles it, and the Microsoft Store package declares it as a dependency, so the Store installs it alongside. You only need the manual step below for CAT Studio 2.x.

### Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (CAT Studio 2.x only)

Go to this Microsoft webpage: <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170#latest-microsoft-visual-c-redistributable-version" target="_blank">Latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Version</a>

Download and install "X64" version:

![Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable web download link](visual-cpp-redistributable.png)

If you get a dialog with "Repair", "Uninstall" and "Close" buttons, just close it - you already have this prerequisite. Otherwise install it (next, next, next...).


## Install CAT Studio from the Microsoft Store

Find *Microsoft Store* in your MS Windows start menu:

![Microsoft Store icon in MS Windows start menu](microsoft-store-start-menu.png)

In the Microsoft Store app, search for *CAT Studio* (be sure to search for *CAT Studio*, NOT only *CAT*). Click on *Get* button and install it:

![CAT Studio in Microsoft Store](cat-studio-in-ms-store.png)


## Run CAT Studio

From now on, CAT Studio is on your machine and you can start it from your Start menu:

![CAT Studio in MS Windows Start menu](cat-studio-start-menu.png)

When you start CAT Studio, it looks like this:

![CAT Studio intro screen](cat-studio-intro-screen.png)

## Sign in / Sign up

If you already have a CAT account, sign in. If not, click the sign up link and proceed through the sign-up process. We'll send you a sign-up
code to your email address, you'll need to use it to finish the sign-up.

![Sign in form with sign up link and Unlock with a license key link](studio-signin.png)

## What Next?

OK, you have CAT Studio. In the next step, [create a sample project](/get-started/cat-studio/explore/) and explore it.