Before you install

  • Platform: Windows or Mac through the Battle.net desktop app. Consoles and Linux are not supported officially.
  • Storage: the product page lists 128 GB of available storage as a requirement. The actual download is smaller, but leave room for updates.
  • Access: for the beta, your account needs beta access. For the full game (from November 4), it needs an active subscription or game time.
  • Graphics drivers: Blizzard recommends updating them before installing.

Install WoW Forever step by step

  1. Open and update the Battle.net desktop app, then sign in.
  2. Click World of Warcraft in the game list.
  3. Open the Game Version menu above the Install button.
  4. Choose World of Warcraft: Forever Beta under In Development (beta) or World of Warcraft: Forever (after launch).
  5. Click Install, check the install folder and wait for the download to finish.
  6. Click Play, pick the test realm or ruleset and create a character.

Always check the version name before downloading — installing Classic or the modern game by mistake is the most common slip.

When can I pre-download the full game?

Blizzard has not announced a pre-download date yet. For a new version, pre-download usually opens a few days before launch. We will add the date here as soon as it is announced; the launch itself is November 4 at 3 p.m. PST (see release date).

If the beta option is missing

Your account most likely does not have the beta entitlement yet. Selection by opt-in is not guaranteed, and upgrades can take up to 30 minutes to process. Follow the checks in beta not showing in Battle.net — reinstalling another version will not fix it.

If the game will not start

Note where it fails: downloading, updating, launching or connecting. Then follow WoW Forever won’t launch, or BLZ51901016 if you are disconnected at login. For low frame rates after the game starts, use the low FPS guide.

Addons

Many popular addons need Forever-specific versions. See addons for what works and how to install it safely.