Hey there, fellow Traveler! With the Genshin Impact 4.3 update, 'Roses and Muskets,' just around the corner in 2026, the excitement is real, isn't it? I know I'm counting down the days to explore all the new content. But let's be honest—nothing kills the hype faster than staring at a download bar on launch day. That's why I'm a huge advocate for pre-installation. Think about it: wouldn't you rather be the first to experience Navia's geo-powered elegance or dive into the Fontinalia Film Festival while others are still waiting for their files to unpack? I've been through enough update days to know that a little preparation goes a long way. So, let me walk you through everything you need to know about pre-installing the 4.3 update, tailored for your platform, so you can jump straight into Teyvat the moment the servers go live.
Why Should You Bother with Pre-Installation?
I get it—pre-installing might seem like an extra step. But let me ask you this: what's more frustrating than logging in on update day only to face a massive download? Pre-installation is your secret weapon against launch day delays. Here’s the simple breakdown of what it does:
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Saves Time: You download the bulk of the update files before maintenance ends.
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Reduces Stress: On launch, the game only needs to unpack these pre-downloaded files, which is significantly faster than downloading from scratch.
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Ensures Stability: It helps avoid potential server congestion when millions of players try to download simultaneously.
Remember, the 4.3 update is a substantial one, especially for PC players. Speaking of which, have you checked if you have enough storage space? Let's look at the numbers.
Update Size Breakdown: Is Your Device Ready?
One of the most crucial steps before hitting that pre-install button is checking your available storage. HoYoVerse has provided the estimated download sizes for the 4.3 update, and they vary quite a bit. Here’s a quick comparison table I put together:
| Platform | Pre-Installation Size | Notable Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| PC | ~12 GB | Requires an additional ~24 GB for final installation. Total game size will exceed 100 GB. |
| iOS | ~2.2 GB | Manage your storage in Settings > General > [Device] Storage. |
| Android | ~3.18 GB | Clear app cache or old screenshots/videos to free up space. |

For us PC players, that 100 GB+ milestone is a big deal! It's a good time to do some digital housekeeping. I highly recommend going through your in-game Quest menu and deleting completed quest resources you no longer need. This can free up a surprising amount of space on all platforms.
Step-by-Step: How to Pre-Install on Your Device
The process is super straightforward, but it differs slightly depending on whether you're playing on a phone or a PC. I'll guide you through both.
For Mobile Masters (Android & iOS)
If you're like me and sometimes play on the go, getting your mobile device ready is a breeze. You have two primary methods:
Method 1: From the Game Launch Screen (The Easiest Way)
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Launch the Genshin Impact app on your device.
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On the screen where you see the "Tap to start" prompt, look at the bottom-left corner.
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You should see a button that says "Pre-install resource package." Go ahead and tap it!
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The game will show you the file size and ask for confirmation. Just follow the prompts, and the download will begin.
Method 2: From Inside the Game Settings
Maybe you're already logged in and doing your daily commissions. No problem! You can start the pre-install without exiting:
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Open the Paimon Menu in the top-left corner. 👑
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Select Settings (the gear icon).
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Navigate to the Resources tab.
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Here, you'll find the same "Pre-install resource package" option. Click it to start!
Once it's downloading, you can minimize the app or even lock your screen—it will continue in the background. Just make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi to avoid using your mobile data!
For PC Players
We have it the easiest in terms of finding the option, but we face the largest file sizes. Here’s how to get it done on PC:
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Open the official Genshin Impact game launcher. Don't log into the game itself just yet.
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Look right next to the big, yellow "Launch" button (it might say "Play" or "Game Start").
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You should see a smaller button or option labeled "Pre-install" or "Pre-download." Click it!
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A window will pop up showing the download size. Ensure you have enough free space—remember, you need the 12 GB for the download plus extra space for the unpacking process.
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Hit "Confirm," and the launcher will handle the rest.
💡 Pro Tip for PC Users: If you have the game installed on a Solid State Drive (SSD), the unpacking process on launch day will be blazing fast compared to a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD). It's one of the best upgrades you can make for gaming!
What Are We Actually Pre-Installing? A Glimpse of 4.3 'Roses and Muskets'
So, what's all this data for? The 4.3 update is packed with content that I, for one, can't wait to experience. By pre-installing, you're getting ready for:
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New Characters: The elegant geo-wielder Navia and the fiery Chevreuse. I've been saving my Primogems for this!
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Character Reruns: A chance to pull for fan-favorite characters from the Inazuma region. Will your wish history get an update?
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Major Events: The centerpiece is the Fontinalia Film Festival in Fontaine. It promises unique gameplay and fantastic rewards.
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System Improvements: HoYoVerse always includes quality-of-life updates. Expect smoother menus and maybe some optimizations for the Genius Invokation TCG.
Final Checklist Before Launch Day
You've started the pre-installation—awesome! But your job isn't quite done. Here’s my personal pre-launch checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly:
✅ Storage Check: Double-check you have more than the required space listed for your platform.
✅ Stable Connection: Ensure your Wi-Fi is reliable. A dropped connection mid-download is no fun.
✅ Device Ready: For mobile, plug in your device to avoid battery drain. For PC, maybe give your system a quick restart.
✅ Patience: The pre-installed files will be in a compressed state. On launch day, the game client will unpack them. This process still takes time, but it's minutes instead of hours.
✅ Server Status: Keep an eye on official social media channels for the exact maintenance end time.
By following this guide, you're setting yourself up for the perfect launch day experience. Imagine this: maintenance ends, you log in, the game does a quick unpack, and you're immediately greeted by the new update screen while your friends are still downloading. That's the power of preparation!
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your device, start that pre-installation, and get ready to enjoy 'Roses and Muskets' without any annoying delays. I'll see you in Fontaine, Traveler! 🎬✨