How to Install Dev C++ and Configure the Compiler on Windows 11

I can guide you step by step on installing Dev C++ on Windows 11 and configuring the compiler so you can run C++ programs smoothly. Let's go through it carefully.

Step 1: Download Dev C++

1. Go to the official Dev C++ website: https://sourceforge.net/projects/orwelldevcpp/
2. Click Download. You’ll get an .exe installer (usually named something like Dev-Cpp-2022.exe).

⚠️ Make sure to download the latest version, which comes with the GCC compiler built-in. This avoids separate compiler configuration.

Step 2: Install Dev C++

1. Run the downloaded .exe file.

2. Follow the installation wizard:

   • Click Next on welcome screen.
   • Choose installation location (default is fine, e.g., C:\Program Files\Dev-Cpp).
   • Click Next and Install.

3. Wait for the installation to complete and click Finish.

Step 3: Launch Dev C++

1. Open Dev C++ from Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
2. You should see the main IDE window.

Step 4: Configure the Compiler (if needed)

Newer Dev C++ versions usually include MinGW GCC compiler. But if your installation doesn’t detect the compiler:

1. Go to Tools → Compiler Options → Compiler Settings → Executables.

2. Check the Compiler's installation directory path:

   • Default: C:\Program Files\Dev-Cpp\MinGW64 (or similar).

3. Make sure the following executables exist in bin folder inside the compiler directory:

   • gcc.exe
   • g++.exe
   • gdb.exe (optional for debugging)

4. If not, you may need to download MinGW separately and set the path.

Step 5: Test the Compiler

1. Open Dev C++ → File → New → Source File.
2. Write a simple program:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
 
int main() {
    cout << "Hello, World!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

3. Save the file as hello.cpp.
4. Click Execute → Compile & Run (or press F11).
5. You should see a console window displaying:

Hello, World!

✅ If this works, your Dev C++ installation and compiler are properly configured.

Optional Step 6: Set Environment Variable (for command-line use)

If you want to compile programs using Command Prompt:

1. Add the path to the bin folder of your MinGW compiler to Windows PATH:

   • Right-click This PC → Properties → Advanced system settings → Environment Variables → Path → Edit → New → Paste path to bin.
   • Example: C:\Program Files\Dev-Cpp\MinGW64\bin

2. Open Command Prompt and type:

   g++ --version
   

   You should see the GCC version.