* Go to the [SPT-AKI releases page](https://mods.sp-tarkov.com/files/category-file-list/58-releases/) and download the release compatible with that version.
If for any reason there is no compatible release is available for your game version, you will need to wait until SPT-AKI is updated to support the latest Escape from Tarkov version.
> A release of SPT-AKI is only compatible with a specific Escape From Tarkov game version due to the fact that some parts of the game's code are changing with each patch. If an uncompatible client/release combo is used, the game won't be able to start or work properly.
> For this guide we will use `C:\Games\SPT-AKI` as the location for our install. As such, our screenshot might reflect it, but you are free to install it wherever you want.
You now have created a copy of your regular Escape from Tarkov installation to avoid any unfortunate mishaps and potential ban, were you to install SPT-AKI over your main EFT install.
### Installing the release
You've made sure to have a compatible game version, created a copy of your EFT install and you're now ready to finally install the SPT-AKI release you downloaded earlier.
To do so:
* Extract the content of the release archive onto your Escape From Tarkov install copy.
It's now time to do a test run and start the server, launcher and game for the first time.
To do so, go into the SPT-AKI installation folder and:
* Go into the `Server\` folder and start the server by double-clickin on the `Server` executable.
> **Note**\
> On its first run, the server will generate a new self signed x509 certificate. On the following startups, the server output in the console will be slightly different. Below is a screenshot of the server console on its first start up.
If there is no error, or if the server is not crashing directly, you have successfully installed it and can proceed with the other step.
* Go into SPT-AKI installation folder and start the launcher by double-clicking on the `Launcher` executable.
As with the server, if there is no error message, or if the launcher is not crashing directly you can proceed with the other steps. If not, you may want to read the install guide again and check if your problem can be solved by one of the solutions listed in the [FAQ](./#getting_started/faq.md)
