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Jenkins is one of the most powerful open-source automation and CI/CD tools. If you want to build pipelines for Laravel, Node, Java, React, or any modern stack, installing Jenkins correctly on Windows is the first step. This guide walks you through downloading Java (JDK), installing Jenkins, setting environment variables, choosing the correct service mode, and accessing Jenkins for the first time.
You can download Jenkins for Windows directly from the official website:
Before installing Jenkins, you MUST install Java JDK. Without Java, Jenkins will not start.
Jenkins requires JDK, not just JRE. You can install Java from two trusted sources: Oracle JDK or Adoptium Temurin (OpenJDK).
Download Adoptium Temurin JDK 21
After installation, you must set JAVA_HOME so Jenkins can detect Java properly.
JAVA_HOME = C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-21 echo %JAVA_HOME%
JAVA_HOME = C:\Program Files\Eclipse Adoptium\jdk-21.0.9+10
java -version javac -version
If both commands return version numbers (Java 21), you’re ready for Jenkins installation.
Run the Jenkins installer file you downloaded earlier. During installation, Jenkins will ask:
Pros
No password required
Works out of the box
Full machine access
Cons
No network share access
Cannot access remote servers or mapped drives
Not ideal for CI/CD
Too many privileges → not secure
This gives Jenkins the same access as a normal Windows user, making it ideal for CI/CD.
Pros
More secure
Control permissions easily
Required for Git, network folders, SSH keys, scripts
Perfect for local CI/CD testing
Cons
Needs valid username + password
User must have “Log on as a service” privileges
When selecting “Run as local or domain user”, you have two options:
Find your username:
whoami
Example:
ZeeTechGamingStore (your Windows username)
Enter:
Username: DESKTOP-XYZ\ZeeTechGamingStore Password: (your Windows login password)
If you want a separate account dedicated to Jenkins:
Open Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users
Create user:
Username: jenkins Password: 12345678
Open Local Security Policy
Go to Local Policies → User Rights Assignment
Open Log on as a service
Add user: jenkins
Windows does not create the profile folder until you log in at least once.
Log in as jenkins → then log out.
If your main user cannot open the jenkins folder:
Right-click C:\Users\jenkins
Properties → Security → Advanced
Click “Continue” to take ownership
Add your account (e.g., DESKTOP-XYZ\Shahroz) → Full Control
After installation, Jenkins runs on: depend on port you selected during instalation i.e 8083
http://localhost:8083
Jenkins will be installed by default at:
C:\Program Files\Jenkins
Right-click Desktop → New → Shortcut
http://localhost:8083
Name: Jenkins
Open Jenkins in the browser and it will ask for the initial admin password located at:
C:\Users\jenkins\AppData\Local\Jenkins\.jenkins\secrets\initialAdminPassword
Username: admin Password: 12345678 Full Name: jenkin admin Email: jenkinadmin@gmail.com
After submitting, your Jenkins dashboard will appear.
Jenkins setup on Windows is straightforward when Java is configured correctly and the service account is selected wisely. For CI/CD testing, using your Windows account or a dedicated “jenkins” user ensures full compatibility with Git, build tools, and project directories. After installation, you can start creating pipelines for Laravel, Node, React, or Java projects with ease.