Sitecore 10.1 introduced a host of new features for both marketers and developers, building on the 10.0 release. While Sitecore supports installation via Docker, Kubernetes, and PowerShell scripts, this guide walks through using the Sitecore Installation Assistant (SIA) — the most straightforward approach for local development environments.

Prerequisites

11 Steps to Install Sitecore 10.1.0 Using SIA

Step 1 — Install SQL Server and SSMS

If you don't already have SQL Server 2017 or 2019 installed, do that first along with SQL Server Management Studio. Skip this step if you already have a compatible version.

Step 2 — Download the Sitecore packages

Log into dev.sitecore.net and download Packages for XP Single for Sitecore 10.1.0.

Step 3 — Extract and run setup

Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file and run setup.exe to launch the Sitecore Installation Assistant.

Step 4 — Start the setup wizard

On the Welcome screen, click Start to begin the guided installation process.

Step 5 — Install prerequisites

SIA will automatically install the required prerequisites, including .NET Framework 4.8.0, IIS, and other Windows Server modules. Once the prerequisites finish installing, you will be prompted to restart your machine. Do so before continuing.

Step 6 — Install Solr

After the restart, resume the installation and proceed to the Solr step. Sitecore 10.1 requires SOLR 8.4. SIA can install it automatically — follow the prompts.

Step 7 — Enter Sitecore settings

Set your desired Sitecore admin password and provide the path to your Sitecore license file when prompted.

Step 8 — Configure SQL Server

Enter your SQL Server instance name and provide credentials. SIA will use these to create the required Sitecore databases.

Step 9 — Set the Sitecore site name

Choose a site name that will be used for your IIS site and local hostname (e.g. sitecore1010.dev.local).

Step 10 — Run the installation

Review the summary of your settings and click Install. SIA will create the databases, configure IIS, and deploy all Sitecore files. This typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on your machine.

Step 11 — Access Sitecore

Once installation completes, SIA provides the URL for your new Sitecore instance. Open it in a browser and log in with your admin credentials to confirm everything is working.

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