Nextcloud
A self-hosted file sync and share platform for greater control over your data.
Latest release (Desktop client): v34.0.4 · released Sep 16, 2026
In short
Open-source file sync and sharing, plus calendars, contacts and office documents, on a server you choose: a partner provider’s (with free starter accounts) or your own.
Made by: Nextcloud GmbH and contributors · Where your data lives: On whichever Nextcloud server you use: the provider you signed up with, or your own.
Logo from: apps.apple.com
The editor’s take
Choose a provider for an easy start, or run it yourself for full control. Either way, you decide where the files live.
Best for
Control over where files live
Families, teams and organisations that want calendars, contacts and files in one place they choose.
Check first
Who runs the server
Free accounts come from partner providers; self-hosting means updates and backups are your job.
Download & install
Every link goes to the official site, an official app store, or the project’s own GitHub releases.
Direct files from GitHub release v34.0.4: Nextcloud-34.0.4-x64.msi (132 MB)
Direct files from GitHub release v34.0.4: Nextcloud-34.0.4.pkg (146 MB)
Direct files from GitHub release v34.0.4: Nextcloud-34.0.4-x86_64.AppImage (64 MB)
Latest release (Desktop client): v34.0.4 · released Sep 16, 2026 · fetched from GitHub on Oct 3, 2026 · Releases on GitHub
Getting started without coding
Plain-language steps based on the official install guide.
An installer exists, but you need some extra setup.
No server is needed if you sign up with a provider, but you pick one and connect the apps to its address. Running your own server means Docker.
Is there an installer?
- Windows Installer
- Mac Installer
- Linux Package
- iPhone & iPad App store
- Android App store
Nextcloud Simple Signup (partner providers) — Partner providers run free single-user accounts of 2–5 GB; bigger plans cost extra and are run by the provider, not Nextcloud GmbH.
Steps for Windows
- Get an account first, then download the Windows client (.msi) from nextcloud.com/install.
- Run the installer and follow the wizard.
- Enter your server address, log in through the browser and choose folders to sync.
Steps for Mac
- Download the Mac client (.pkg) from nextcloud.com/install (macOS 13 or later; a legacy build covers macOS 11+).
- Open it and follow the installer.
- Enter your server address, log in and choose what to sync.
Steps for Linux
- Download the official AppImage from nextcloud.com/install (distribution packages are community-maintained).
- Make sure a keyring such as GNOME Keyring or KWallet is running so the client can stay logged in.
- Start the client, enter your server address and log in.
Steps for Web browser
- Open nextcloud.com/sign-up and pick a provider, or keep the one suggested for your location.
- Create the free account; problems with it go to the provider, who runs it.
- Log in at your provider’s Nextcloud address in a browser.
Steps for Your own server
- You need a Linux machine or virtual machine with Docker.
- Start the All-in-One “mastercontainer” with the command in the official README, then open its setup page on port 8080.
- Point a domain at the server for a valid certificate, then finish the setup in the browser.
What we could verify
We checked key factual claims and linked to primary sources so you can confirm the details. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026
Try before you move
A simple way to see if it fits your needs.
- Sync one non-critical folderStart with files you can afford to lose while you learn how it behaves.
- Check sharing and phone accessShare a file with someone outside your team and open it on your phone.
- Practise a restoreDelete a test file and bring it back before you trust it with everything.
Good to know
- Free accounts are run by partner providers, not by Nextcloud GmbH, so check the provider before storing important files. Source: nextcloud.com