In this article, I will show you how to download and install older versions of Blender (both LTS releases and other previous versions) and how to manage multiple versions simultaneously.
1. What Are Previous Versions of Blender?
Past releases of Blender are stored in the official archive and are available for download at any time.
1.1 Why Might You Need a Previous Version?
You might find yourself needing a previous (older) version of Blender in the following situations:
- To run specific add-ons: Add-ons are highly useful extensions, but they aren’t always updated immediately to support the absolute latest version of Blender. By using a verified, compatible older version, you can use your add-ons without any issues.
- To open “.blend” files without errors: If you open a “.blend” file in a version of Blender different from the one it was created in, the visual layout might break, or it might not function correctly. Using the exact version the “.blend” file was created in guarantees it will open flawlessly.
- To follow along with older tutorials: By using the exact same version shown in an instructional video or textbook, you can follow the tutorial smoothly without getting confused by differences in the UI or features.
1.2 Which Version Should You Choose?
Blender versions can generally be categorized into three types.
If you are unsure which version to choose, please refer to the breakdown below.
1.2.1 Latest Release
With the latest release, you get access to all the newest features, along with benefits like performance improvements and bug fixes.
However, the downside is that some add-ons might not yet be compatible, and there may be fewer tutorials or informational articles available compared to older versions.
1.2.2 LTS (Long Term Support) Release
LTS (Long Term Support) versions are technically older versions since they lack the absolute latest features, but they are incredibly stable because they receive bug fixes and critical support for two years.
Add-ons are often developed using an LTS version as a baseline, and there is usually an abundance of tutorial articles and videos available for them.
1.2.3 Previous Versions
Previous versions aside from LTS are legacy releases for which development and official support have already ended.
These are meant for users with a clear, specific purpose, such as wanting to perfectly replicate an old tutorial video or needing to use an older add-on that is incompatible with newer releases.
1.3 Can You Manage Multiple Versions Simultaneously?
Yes, you can have multiple different versions of Blender installed and running side-by-side.
For example, you can keep your usual LTS environment intact while adding an older version for a specific task, or safely install the latest version just to test out new features.
2. Downloading Previous Versions of Blender
2.1 Downloading an LTS Release
If you want to download an LTS version, first open the following page:
https://www.blender.org/download/lts/
Look beneath the text “LTS Releases Currently Maintained” to find the LTS builds (see the image below) and click on one.
As of March 2026, versions 4.5 and 4.2 are available, but the LTS lineup changes over time, so please check the page for the most up-to-date availability.
Once the page loads, select your OS from the “Download” section, and choose either the “Installer” or the “Portable (.zip)” to download the file (see the image below).
I will explain the difference between the “Installer” and “Portable (.zip)” in section “2.3 Differences Between the Downloadable Files”.
A donation page titled “Give Back to Blender” will appear. Donations are completely optional, so you can safely proceed directly to your download.
If you already know the specific version number of the LTS release you want, you can also download it using the method introduced in the next section, “2.2 Downloading Previous Versions Other Than LTS”.
2.2 Downloading Previous Versions Other Than LTS
Navigate to the Blender website below and click on where it says “Download Any Blender” (see the image below).
https://www.blender.org/download/previous-versions/
Alternatively, you can go directly to the following site:
https://download.blender.org/release/
Once you reach the site, a list of available versions will be displayed. First, select the version you need, and then download the file that matches your environment.
For Windows, there are primarily three types: “.msi”, “.msix”, and “.zip”. I will outline the differences between these in “2.3 Differences Between the Downloadable Files”.
For example, if you want to download the .zip version of Blender 4.5.8 for Windows (64-bit), first select “Blender4.5”, and then click on “blender-4.5.8-windows-x64.zip” to download the file (see the image below).
2.3 Differences Between the Downloadable Files
The three file formats for Windows have the following differences.
Note that the terminology might vary depending on the official download page, but the file downloaded as “Installer” is the “.msi”, and the one downloaded as “Portable (.zip)” is the “.zip”.
If you use the “Installer” or “.msi”, Blender will be installed as a standard Windows application. It will appear in your Windows “Installed apps” list, and you can easily uninstall it from there.
If you use the “Portable (.zip)” or “.zip”, you can use Blender independently without it interfering with your core Windows system. Uninstalling is also incredibly simple—you just delete the entire folder.
The “.msix” format is a next-generation version of “.msi”. Its benefits include an easy installation process and leaving no residual, unnecessary files on your PC upon uninstallation. However, due to its security specifications, it can be difficult for users to directly modify files within the installation directory. Please note that some older versions do not offer an “.msix” option.
There is no single correct answer regarding whether to choose the “Installer” (“.msi”) or the “Portable (.zip)” (“.zip”). However, for the purpose of this article—which is managing multiple versions of Blender simultaneously—the “Portable (.zip)” is by far the most suitable choice because it does not interfere with the Windows system and allows you to manage and delete each version independently by folder.
Therefore, the remainder of this tutorial will primarily focus on the steps using the “Portable (.zip)” or “.zip” format.
3. Installing Previous Versions of Blender
3.1 Before Starting: The Difference Between a “Portable Setup” and a “Standard Setup”
Extract (unzip) the downloaded ZIP file to your preferred location.
Running the “blender.exe” file located inside the extracted folder will launch Blender. However, the location where Blender saves the settings configured in Preferences, as well as your installed add-on files, differs depending on whether you opt for a “Portable Setup” or a “Standard Setup”. Please decide which method you prefer before launching the software, and then proceed to the next step.
3.2 Using a “Portable Setup”
Open the extracted folder and locate “blender.exe”.
In the same directory as “blender.exe”, create a new folder and name it “portable” (see the image below).
As long as this “portable” folder exists, Blender will save all your settings and add-ons directly into it. This completes the portable setup.
Once you run “blender.exe” and make changes to Blender’s settings or install new add-ons, everything will be safely contained within the “portable” folder you created.
* Note: The process is slightly different for Blender 4.1 and earlier. Inside the directory containing “blender.exe”, you will find a folder named after the version number, such as “4.1” or “3.6”. Open that specific folder, and create a new folder named “config” inside it.
When managing multiple versions side-by-side, it is highly convenient to add shortcuts for each version’s “blender.exe” to your Windows desktop or taskbar.
3.3 Using a “Standard Setup”
If you simply execute “blender.exe” directly from the extracted folder without creating a portable folder, configuration files and add-ons will be saved in the following location. They are categorized by version number so they don’t interfere with each other. Keep in mind that “AppData” is a hidden folder.
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Blender Foundation\Blender\(Version Number)
It is perfectly fine to choose the “Standard Setup.” However, if you are uncomfortable navigating through hidden files and directories, the portable setup is highly recommended.
Deleting files during uninstallation is also much easier if you have made the setup portable.
To view hidden files and folders in Windows, click on View in the top menu bar of your file explorer > Show > Hidden items (hidden folders will appear slightly transparent).
If you decide you want to switch to a portable setup later, simply create a new folder named “portable” in the same directory as “blender.exe”. Then, copy all the contents (such as the “config” folder) from the version-specific “AppData” directory mentioned above into your newly created “portable” folder.
If you are not using any other versions of Blender, you can safely delete the entire “Blender Foundation” folder inside “AppData” after copying.
4. Migrating Settings and Resetting Blender to Factory Defaults
When using older versions or LTS releases of Blender, it is vital to know how to migrate the settings you made in Preferences, along with your installed add-ons. I will also explain how to revert Blender back to its factory defaults in case the migration process causes any glitches.
4.1 How to Migrate Settings
4.1.1 Migrating in a “Portable Setup”
Simply copy the entire “portable” folder you created and paste it into the directory containing the “blender.exe” of your destination Blender version.
When using a portable setup, the splash screen that appears when launching Blender will not display the “Import Blender (Version) Preferences” option (see the image below). Therefore, you must copy the folder manually as outlined above.
4.1.2 Migrating in a “Standard Setup”
You can easily migrate your settings by clicking the “Import Blender (Version) Preferences” button on the splash screen that pops up when you launch Blender (see the image below).
Alternatively, you can manually migrate them by copying the configuration files directly from the version-specific folder inside “AppData”, as explained in “3.3 Using a Standard Setup”.
4.2 How to Reset to Factory Defaults
While migrating settings is very convenient, it can occasionally trigger issues if there have been significant architectural changes between Blender versions. You might encounter broken UI layouts, crashes upon launch, settings failing to apply, or add-ons totally failing to function.
These issues are exceptionally common when attempting to carry over settings generated in a newer version into an older version, so please exercise caution.
When you are unable to isolate the cause of a bug, you should heavily consider deleting all migrated settings and restoring Blender to its initial blank slate.
To reset to factory defaults, ensure Blender is closed. If you are using a “Portable Setup”, delete all the contents inside the “portable” folder (be sure to keep the empty “portable” folder itself intact).
If you are using a “Standard Setup”, delete the folder named after the specific version located in the directory below.
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Blender Foundation\Blender\(Version Number)
Loading Factory Settings
If you utilize the File > Defaults > Load Factory Settings option natively inside Blender, your Preferences will be reset, but certain add-on data and deeper custom settings will persistently remain. If you want to absolutely guarantee a clean slate, please perform the manual folder deletion described above.
4.3 After Resetting to Defaults
Once you have completely restored the initial state, return to Preferences and reconfigure any essential settings.
Remember that add-ons may refuse to function entirely in unsupported versions, so always verify their compatibility notes.
Resetting to factory defaults wipes out all your modified settings and installed add-ons, which can be surprisingly easy to forget. If you plan to test multiple versions frequently, I highly recommend maintaining a written text file or memo of your custom setups.
5. Uninstalling Previous Versions of Blender
5.1 Using a “Portable Setup”
If you are running a portable setup, simply delete the extracted folder (e.g., blender-4.5.8-windows-x64) in its entirety. Since all internal settings and add-ons are housed inside the nested “portable” folder, trashing the main directory uninstalls the software flawlessly.
If you no longer need it, you can also delete the originally downloaded ZIP file.
5.2 Using a “Standard Setup”
If you chose the standard setup rather than a portable one, first delete the extracted application folder (e.g., blender-4.5.8-windows-x64).
Next, you must delete the version-specific folder located in the directory detailed below. If you do not plan on using Blender ever again, you can safely wipe out the entire “Blender Foundation” folder inside “AppData”.
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Blender Foundation\Blender\(Version Number)
If you no longer need it, you can also delete the originally downloaded ZIP file.
5.3 If You Used the “Installer” or “.msi”
If you installed Blender via the “Installer” or “.msi”, please cleanly uninstall it through Windows by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
6. Important Notes When Managing Multiple Versions of Blender
Aside from the migration complications covered in “4. Migrating Settings and Resetting Blender to Factory Defaults”, here is a crucial summary of points to keep in mind when running multiple versions concurrently.
6.1 File Compatibility
A “.blend” file might not open correctly in any version other than the specific one it was created in.
Please be exceptionally careful: if you open a file, notice that the visual layout is fractured, and then overwrite the save in that broken state, you risk corrupting the file to the point where it won’t open properly even if you switch back to the native version.
This common pitfall frequently occurs when trying to force open a “.blend” file created in a modern version using a much older version.
If you accidentally saved over a file and can no longer open it cleanly in any version, try to restore it from a manual backup or by recovering it using Blender’s Save Versions feature.
If that proves impossible, try to salvage individual data elements—like distinct objects or node materials—using Append, or attempt exporting and re-importing the geometric data using universal formats like FBX or OBJ.
6.2 File Associations
When you double-click a “.blend” file to open it while having multiple versions installed, the OS might launch it in the wrong version entirely.
To prevent this headache, avoid double-clicking. Instead, proactively launch the specific version of Blender you want to work in first, and then either navigate to File > Open, or simply drag and drop the file into the Blender window.
7. Regarding Blender Alpha and Beta Releases
Experimental Alpha and Beta builds can be downloaded from the repository below:
https://builder.blender.org/download/daily/
As firmly stated by the phrase “Use at your own risk,” Beta and Alpha builds are completely unrecommended for critical production work. They should be utilized strictly for experimenting with fresh features or participating in bug reporting.
That covers everything you need to know about downloading, installing, and managing multiple previous versions of Blender. Happy blending!
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