Clash for Windows 0.20.39 (Discontinued)

Clash for Windows 0.20.39 was a graphical client by the developer Fndroid for Clash, a rule-based proxy core. It let users import proxy configurations, switch between servers and route traffic by rules through a friendly Windows interface. Development was discontinued on November 2, 2023, and the program has not been updated since. Copies still circulate, but we advise against using them today.

Overview

Clash for Windows was widely used by people who received proxy subscriptions from providers. Its strength was rule-based routing: some websites went through the proxy, others connected directly, and the rules could be updated from the subscription. A system tray icon, a dashboard with traffic statistics and a profile manager made it approachable for non-specialists. When the developer stopped the project on November 2, 2023, the official repository and download sources went away. The last builds remain in circulation on third-party sites. That is exactly the problem: the program handles all your network traffic, its components no longer receive security fixes, and unofficial copies may have been modified. In addition, the proxy protocols and server software it talks to keep evolving, so an unmaintained client gradually loses compatibility.

If it is still on your PC

1. Disconnect and exit the program, including the tray icon.
2. Turn off the system proxy setting it may have enabled in Windows.
3. Uninstall it and remove any leftover network adapters it created.
4. Scan the PC if the copy came from an unofficial source.
5. Move your configuration to a maintained client from a trusted source.

What to use instead

Maintained clients support subscription links and modern protocols and receive regular updates. Choose one that publishes its releases openly, ideally with public source code, and download it only from its official page. If you do not need a proxy client at all and just want privacy on public Wi-Fi, a mainstream VPN service with its own app is simpler.

Key facts

Moving your settings

Most maintained clients can import the same subscription links that Clash for Windows used, although rule files may need adjusting. Ask your provider for a subscription link in a format your new client supports, and test with a single server before switching everything over.

Legal note

Whatever client you use, follow the laws of your country and the rules of your workplace or school regarding proxies and VPNs.

Pros and cons

• Pro: was an approachable interface for rule-based proxying.
• Pro: supported subscription-based configurations.
• Con: discontinued, no security updates.
• Con: copies from unofficial sources may be tampered with.

Alternatives

Maintained clients in our listings include Hiddify, v2rayN and Happ. For a straightforward VPN, see Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN.