Skip to content

setup-tortoisegit.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
62 lines (42 loc) · 2.52 KB

setup-tortoisegit.md

File metadata and controls

62 lines (42 loc) · 2.52 KB

Task: Install TortoiseGit

Dependencies

Background

TortoiseGit is a Windows Shell extension that adds Git operations to the right-click context menu in File Explorer. It provides a graphical interface for committing, pushing, pulling, viewing history, and resolving merge conflicts without using the command line.

It is optional but strongly recommended for developers who are new to Git. TortoiseGit does not replace the git command line -- both remain available after installation.

Installation Options

Option A: Manual installer (recommended)

TortoiseGit is not currently available via winget. Download the installer directly:

  1. Go to https://tortoisegit.org/download/
  2. Download the 64-bit .msi installer (TortoiseGit-2.x.x.x-64bit.msi)
  3. Run the installer and accept the defaults

A language pack is available as a separate download on the same page if needed.

First Launch Configuration

On first use, TortoiseGit will run a First Start Wizard. It will check for Git for Windows and pre-populate your name and email from your global Git configuration if already set.

If the wizard reports that Git for Windows is not found, verify that setup-git-for-windows.md was completed and that git --version works in a new terminal before proceeding.

Verification

After installation, right-click any folder in File Explorer. You should see a TortoiseGit submenu in the context menu.

To confirm TortoiseGit can see your Git installation, open any repository folder, right-click, and select TortoiseGit > Show Log. If the log window opens and shows commit history, TortoiseGit is working correctly.

Confirm the version via the About dialog:

  1. Right-click any folder
  2. Select TortoiseGit > About
  3. Confirm version is 2.16.x or higher

Notes

  • TortoiseGit overlays (the coloured icons on files and folders showing Git status) may take a moment to appear after installation. A restart of Explorer or a reboot will clear any delay.
  • Windows limits the number of Shell icon overlays. If TortoiseGit overlays do not appear, other applications (Dropbox, OneDrive) may have taken the available slots. This is a Windows limitation and does not affect TortoiseGit functionality beyond the icons.
  • TortoiseGit has its own diff and merge tool (TortoiseGitMerge) which installs alongside it and integrates automatically.