Cloudflared-windows-amd64.exe -

– Check logs: cloudflared.exe tunnel run --config C:\path\to\config.yml my-first-tunnel (run manually first).

This article covers everything from download to advanced configuration. Cloudflared is the client that powers Cloudflare Tunnel (formerly Argo Tunnel). It establishes an encrypted connection between your origin server (your Windows PC) and Cloudflare’s edge. Traffic from the public internet hits Cloudflare, then travels through the tunnel to your local service.

cloudflared.exe tunnel route dns my-first-tunnel myapp.yourdomain.com This creates a DNS record at Cloudflare pointing to the tunnel. Create a configuration file config.yml in %USERPROFILE%\.cloudflared\ : cloudflared-windows-amd64.exe

Visit https://github.com/cloudflare/cloudflared/releases Look for the latest release and download: cloudflared-windows-amd64.exe amd64 means it’s for 64-bit Windows (most modern PCs). For 32-bit, use 386 . Alternative using command line (PowerShell as Admin):

cloudflared.exe tunnel login A browser window will open. Log in to your Cloudflare account and select the domain you want to use. This generates a cert.pem file in %USERPROFILE%\.cloudflared\ . That certificate is your global API credential—keep it safe. Tunnels are persistent connections with their own configuration. Let’s create one. – Check logs: cloudflared

– Ensure outbound TCP port 443 (HTTPS) and UDP 443 are allowed for cloudflared.exe . 10. Updating Cloudflared Cloudflared updates frequently. To update manually:

Open or PowerShell and navigate to where cloudflared.exe lives, then run: It establishes an encrypted connection between your origin

Start small: run a one-off tunnel to a test website. Then graduate to a named tunnel with a custom domain and persistent Windows service. You’ll never mess with port forwarding again. Cloudflared is maintained by Cloudflare, Inc. This guide is unofficial but follows best practices as of 2025.

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://github.com/cloudflare/cloudflared/releases/latest/download/cloudflared-windows-amd64.exe" -OutFile "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\cloudflared.exe" Move it to a permanent location, e.g., C:\cloudflared\cloudflared.exe , and add that folder to your PATH for easy access. Cloudflared needs to authenticate with your Cloudflare account.

cloudflared.exe tunnel run my-first-tunnel Your local service is now live at https://myapp.yourdomain.com . For persistent operation (reboots, logoffs), install Cloudflared as a Windows service.