Migration Guide
Clash for Windows was discontinued in 2023: its repository was deleted and it no longer receives security updates or bug fixes. If you are still using it, we recommend migrating to a client that is actively maintained. This site recommends a single replacement: Clash Light.
Why Clash Light
- Same mihomo (Clash Meta) kernel: The kernel lineage matches later versions of Clash for Windows, so subscriptions and config files are fully compatible
- Windows and macOS desktop builds, ready to use out of the box
- Automatic system proxy cleanup: Proxy state is cleaned up when the app stops or quits
- Local persistence: Subscriptions, node selection, and port settings stay on your machine—no account or cloud sync required
Get the installer from the Clash Light download page.
Migration Steps
1. Back up your subscription URL
Open the Profiles tab in Clash for Windows and note the remote subscription URL of the profile you use. If you imported a local file instead, keep a copy of that YAML file.
2. Install Clash Light
Download the installer for your platform and finish the installation. On Windows, choose "Keep" if a security prompt appears on first launch.
3. Import the subscription
Add a new subscription in Clash Light and paste the URL from step 1. Nodes, proxy groups, and rules load automatically—the subscription URL is universal, so there is no need to buy a new plan or request a new link from your provider.
4. Enable the system proxy and verify
Pick a node, turn on the system proxy, and open any web page to confirm. Once verified, you can uninstall Clash for Windows.
Where did the menu go?
If you know Clash for Windows well, the first problem after switching is finding familiar controls. The table follows your old habits:
| In Clash for Windows | In Clash Light | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Profiles tab → address bar and Download | "Subscriptions and nodes" → add a subscription URL | Paste the URL, then refresh the node list |
Proxies tab → proxy group | "Subscriptions and nodes" → pick a node, run a latency test | Routing still follows the rules in your config; nothing to re-enter |
Home tab → System proxy switch | "Start" page → Start / Stop | The proxy is written on start and cleaned up on stop |
Settings tab → ports | Local port shown on the "Start" page | Falls back to a free port if the default is taken |
| Tray icon colour (gold = active) | Core status and tray area on the "Start" page | Whether the core runs and the proxy is set is visible here at a glance |
Labels may differ slightly between versions; trust the in-app wording.
Capability comparison
Two columns only — CFW and Clash Light. This site does not review clients and does not pull third-party apps into a comparison table.
| Item | Clash for Windows (0.20.39, discontinued 2023) | Clash Light (maintained) |
|---|---|---|
| Kernel | Clash core (can be swapped for mihomo) | mihomo |
| Maintenance | Discontinued, repository deleted | Active |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows / macOS (arm64 and x64) |
| Subscription format | Clash YAML | Compatible, imports directly |
| System proxy cleanup | Often left behind after quitting | Cleaned up on stop and quit |
| Updates | Built-in updater (no longer works) | In-app check plus manual overwrite install |
| Data storage | Local | Local, no account, no cloud sync |
Common Migration Questions
- Subscription import failed? First confirm the URL still works in Clash for Windows. Subscription formats are universal; failures are usually caused by an incomplete copy or network issues—see subscription import troubleshooting.
- Can I reuse my old local config file? Standard YAML configs based on
rulesandproxy-groupsimport directly. Field details are covered in Proxy Groups and Rules. - Port already in use? Quit Clash for Windows (including the tray icon) before uninstalling, otherwise ports such as 7890 may remain occupied—see system proxy troubleshooting.
After Migrating
After migration, this site's tutorial, FAQ, and Wiki still apply—they explain concepts shared by all Clash-family clients, not one specific app.