Zero Install
Zero Install is a free, open-source system for running applications without first installing them through a traditional system installer.
What Zero Install is
Zero Install is a free, open-source system for running applications without first installing them through a traditional system installer. Software developers can publish directly from their own websites, with feeds hosted on ordinary websites rather than requiring a central app catalog. Zero Install resolves dependencies, shares libraries when possible and allows conflicting versions to coexist. It checks for updates automatically, with configurable check frequency, and verifies package signatures before new software runs. Users can cache packages without root privileges; caching does not run package code or write to system software directories, and use does not affect other computer users. It can also use packages from Linux distributions and PackageKit for system packages when a Zero Install package is unavailable. Downloads are offered for Linux, Windows and macOS, and source builds can run on most Unix-like systems. Developer resources include Python, .NET and JSON APIs, plus tools for publishing, testing, mirroring and managing feeds. The project says administrators cannot yet restrict which programs users may install through Zero Install.
Good
- Free and open source under the LGPL.
- Resolves dependencies and allows conflicting versions.
- Checks package signatures before new software runs.
- Users can cache packages without root privileges.
- Offers tools and APIs for developers.
Watch out
- Administrators cannot yet limit installable programs.
- Normal operation contacts servers, such as for update checks.
- Source builds are described for most, not all, Unix-like systems.
Who it suits
Zero Install may suit users who want to run software without a traditional system install, and developers who publish or manage software feeds. Its administrator limitation is relevant for organizations that need to control which programs users can access.
Verdict
Zero Install offers a distinct approach to software distribution, with dependency handling, signature checks and developer tools. Its lack of administrator controls over available programs may make it unsuitable where software access must be restricted.
Plans and prices
From Zero Install's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Zero Install | Free | LGPL software · Linux, Windows, macOS · no central app catalog requirement |
The facts
Each one read from Zero Install's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Available apps
- The project’s apps site lists tools and libraries for ecosystems including Docker, Kubernetes, Python, JavaScript, Java, .NET, Go, Rust, and Ruby.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Platform downloads
- The download page provides platform choices for Linux, Windows, and macOS, and says source builds can run on most Unix-like operating systems.checked 11 Oct 2026
What it does
- Dependencies
- Zero Install resolves dependencies, shares libraries when possible, and allows conflicting versions to coexist.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Developer tools
- The documentation lists Python, .NET, and JSON APIs, plus tools for publishing, testing, mirroring, and managing feeds.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Zero Install can use packages installed by a Linux distribution and can use PackageKit to install system packages when no Zero Install package is available.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Notable limits
- The project says administrators cannot yet limit which programs users may install through Zero Install.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The project describes Zero Install as fully open source and releases it under the GNU Lesser General Public License.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Package distribution
- Developers can publish software directly from their own websites, and feeds can be hosted on any normal website.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The download page says Zero Install contacts servers during normal operation, such as to check for updates, and does not transmit personal information unless specifically requested by the user.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Zero Install is a decentralised, cross-platform software installation system that lets users run applications without first installing them through a traditional system installer.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Project history
- The project documentation says Zero Install started in 2003 and is developed by volunteers around the world.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project says package signatures are checked before new software runs and caching a package does not run its code or write to system software directories.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs bug reports and feature requests to GitHub Issues and offers a mailing list for questions and suggestions.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Updates
- Zero Install checks for updates automatically, with the check frequency configurable.checked 11 Oct 2026
- User access
- Users can cache packages without root privileges, and installation does not affect other users of the computer.checked 11 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2003checked 28 Sep 2026
