Start by installing Rust with rustup, which downloads the standard toolchain and adds the command-line tools you need. After installation, open a new terminal and verify the setup by checking the rustc and Cargo versions. If the commands are not found, review your PATH so the Rust binaries are available in your shell. Rustup also handles toolchain basics, including keeping your default channel set and allowing you to update when new releases are available. When you want the latest stable version, update Rust through rustup rather than reinstalling manually. If you no longer need Rust, uninstall it cleanly with the rustup removal command so the toolchain and related components are removed from your system.
Install Rust with confidence
Set up rustup, verify Rust and Cargo, configure your PATH, and prepare your editor or IDE in a few clear steps.
Read setup guideCore setup at a glance
Install with rustup
Use rustup to install the Rust toolchain, manage stable and nightly channels, and keep your installation consistent across machines. It is the recommended installer for most developers.
Verify Rust and Cargo
Confirm that rustc and Cargo are available from the command line after installation. Version checks help you confirm that the toolchain is installed correctly and reachable from your shell.
Set PATH and toolchain basics
Make sure your shell can find the Rust binaries by configuring PATH correctly. Learn the basics of selecting a toolchain so you can switch versions when needed.
Prepare your editor or IDE
Choose a text editor or IDE with Rust support for code completion, inline diagnostics, and formatting assistance. A Rust-friendly workspace makes day-to-day development smoother.
Install, verify, update, and remove Rust
Common installation questions
What is rustup and why should I use it?
Rustup is the recommended installer and toolchain manager for Rust. It installs Rust, manages updates, and lets you switch between stable and other channels without manually replacing files.
How do I know Rust installed correctly?
Open a terminal and check the versions reported by rustc and Cargo. If both commands run successfully, the compiler, package manager, and shell path are set up correctly.
What should I do if rustc is not found?
The most common cause is an incomplete PATH setup. Reopen your terminal, confirm that the Rust bin directory is on PATH, and then try the version check again.
How do toolchains work in Rust?
A toolchain is the set of Rust components used by your system. Rustup can manage different toolchains and lets you choose the default version for everyday use.
How do I update Rust safely?
Use rustup to fetch the latest components and keep your installation current. This approach updates the managed toolchain without replacing Rust by hand.
How do I uninstall Rust completely?
Use the rustup uninstall or removal process to remove the toolchain and associated files. This is the cleanest way to remove a rustup-managed installation.
Do I need a special editor for Rust?
You do not need a special editor, but a Rust-aware editor or IDE improves the setup experience. Look for Rust support such as language integration, formatting, and diagnostics.