After moving from macOS to Windows, I missed using Zed, a favorite editor for its speed and efficiency. Zed’s minimal design and Vim mode boost productivity, but it’s not yet officially available for Windows. Thankfully, you can install a nightly release via Scoop or build it from source.
Why Use Zed?
- Speed: Handles large files effortlessly.
- Vim Mode: Offers familiar, efficient shortcuts.
- Minimalism: Keeps distractions away.
- Copilot Support: Integrates with GitHub Copilot for enhanced coding assistance.
- Assistant Panel: Lets you chat with your favorite AI directly within the editor.
- Collaboration Features: Includes tools for real-time teamwork.
How to Install Zed on Windows
Install Scoop: Open PowerShell and run:
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
irm get.scoop.sh | iex
Add the Versions Bucket:
scoop bucket add versions
Install Zed Nightly:
scoop install versions/zed-nightly
You can also update Zed to the latest version using this command
scoop update versions/zed-nightly
The nightly version lets you explore Zed’s features, though it may have some bugs.
Looking Ahead
Zed’s team plans to release full Windows support next year. Until then, the Scoop method is a great way to enjoy Zed’s speed, Vim mode, Copilot integration, and collaborative tools. Try it out and happy coding!