C++

Windows Installation Options

There are two main ways to install OpenCV on Windows:

1. Using Pre-built Binaries (Recommended)

The easiest way to get started with OpenCV on Windows is to use the pre-built binaries:

1. Download the latest Windows release from the official OpenCV releases page
2. Run the self-extracting archive
3. Add the opencv/build/bin directory to your system PATH
4. Set up the following environment variables:
   • OPENCV_DIR pointing to C:\opencv\build\x64\vc15 (adjust path as needed)
   • Add %OPENCV_DIR%\bin to your PATH

2. Building from Source

If you need custom modules or specific optimizations, you can build OpenCV from source:

1. Install Visual Studio 2019 or later with C++ development tools
2. Install CMake 3.5 or later
3. Clone or download the OpenCV source code
4. Follow the official Windows build guide for detailed steps

Visual Studio Integration

To use OpenCV in your Visual Studio projects:

1. Create a new C++ project
2. Right-click on your project in Solution Explorer
3. Select "Properties"
4. Under "C/C++" → "General" → "Additional Include Directories", add:

   $(OPENCV_DIR)\..\..\include

5. Under "Linker" → "General" → "Additional Library Directories", add:

   $(OPENCV_DIR)\lib

6. Under "Linker" → "Input" → "Additional Dependencies", add:

   opencv_world460.lib

   (Replace 460 with your OpenCV version number)