Installation

Run the SpectraSim setup program as an administrator. It installs the program, the unmodified OpenFOAM flow solver and, if missing, Microsoft MPI in a few minutes. At the first start a one-minute System check confirms that solving works. Uninstalling removes the program files and keeps your projects, runs, flow solver and settings.

Last updated 2026-11-01 · Ahmad Abosrea — developer of SpectraSim

Check the system requirements first. The setup program is on the download page.

Run the installer

Run SpectraSim-0.6.0a1-setup.exe (about 410 MB).
Confirm the administrator prompt. The installation takes a few minutes.
Start SpectraSim from the Start menu.

The installer puts each part in its own folder:

Part	Folder
Program	`C:\SpectraSim\0.6.0a1\`
OpenFOAM flow solver (unmodified, with its licence)	`C:\SpectraSim\openfoam\`
Your runs	`C:\SpectraSim\runs\` — change it later in File → Settings
Microsoft MPI	installed only if it is not there yet

The flow solver needs a short folder name, which is why everything goes under C:\SpectraSim\.

Check the installation with the System check

At the first start the System check runs by itself. It takes about a minute: two small flow solves and one small mesh. All rows should turn green.

If a row does not turn green, use Help → Create support bundle and send the zip to support. The bundle holds the logs needed to find the cause.

Open projects by double-clicking

The installer registers the .spsim project file. Double-clicking a .spsim file opens it in SpectraSim.

Install SpectraSim silently for IT deployment

For unattended installation on several workstations, run the setup program with these switches:

SpectraSim-0.6.0a1-setup.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES

It installs without questions, to the same folders as above. Administrator rights are still required.

Uninstall SpectraSim

Open Settings → Apps → SpectraSim → Uninstall.

This removes the program files. It keeps:

your project files (.spsim);
your runs folder;
the flow solver, which is shared by every installed version;
your settings in %LOCALAPPDATA%\SpectraSim.

Next: install a licence

Without a licence SpectraSim starts in explore mode: every step works, but solving is not available. See licence activation to request a 30-day trial or install your licence, then go through the quick start.