# Uniform Siphon - Installation

> How to install and configure Uniform Siphon migration toolkit on Windows

Source: https://docs.uniform.app/docs/guides/migration/sitecore/install

This guide covers how to install and configure the Uniform Siphon toolkit on your Windows machine.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

1. **Windows** operating system
2. **Direct HTTP access** to Sitecore instance

   - The Windows workstation needs direct HTTP(s) access to the source Sitecore instance
   - HTTP proxy is supported when configured via Windows' `Settings` → `Proxy` → `Manual proxy setup`
3. The Siphon distribution package (`siphon-download-{ver}.zip` or `siphon-{ver}.zip`)

## Installation Steps

> **How to get Siphon:**
>
> Siphon is licensed and provided separately from your Uniform Platform subscription. You can request the tool via [a support ticket](mailto:support@uniform.dev) or your Uniform account representative. In your request, provide details about your migration project, including the source CMS and timelines.

### 1. Extract the Siphon package

Extract the contents of the `siphon-download-{ver}.zip` file to `C:\siphon`.

> **Recommeneded directory:**
>
> It is advised to use recommended `C:\siphon\` directory to make use of these guides easier.

```powershell
# After extraction, your directory should contain:
C:\siphon\
  ├── {ver}\
  |   ├── Siphon.Download.exe
  |   ├── playwright.ps1
  |   └── ... other files
  └── siphon.ps1
```

### 2. Unblock the executable files

Windows may block executable files downloaded from the internet. You need to unblock them before use:

1. Navigate to `C:\siphon` in File Explorer
2. Locate `Siphon.Download.exe`
3. Right-click on `Siphon.Download.exe` and select **Properties**
4. If you see a security message at the bottom stating "This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer", check the **Unblock** checkbox
5. Click **Apply**, then **OK**

Alternatively, you can use PowerShell (as Administrator) to unblock all files in the directory:

```powershell
PS> Get-ChildItem -Path "C:\siphon" -Recurse | Unblock-File
```

### 3. Install Playwright

Install Playwright to enable downloading presentation (not required for basic content-only migration):

```powershell
PS> cd C:\siphon\{ver}\ ; .\playwright.ps1 install
```

Review the command output in order to verify the installation was successful.

### 4. Add Siphon to your PATH (Optional)

Add `C:\siphon` to your machine's PATH environment variable:

1. Open **System Properties** (press `Win + R`, type `sysdm.cpl`, and press Enter)
2. Click the **Advanced** tab
3. Click **Environment Variables**
4. Under **System variables**, find and select **Path**, then click **Edit**
5. Click **New** and add `C:\siphon`
6. Click **OK** to save all dialogs

Alternatively, you can use PowerShell with administrator privileges:

```powershell
PS> [Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", $env:Path + ";C:\siphon", "Machine")
```

> After modifying the PATH, restart your terminal or command prompt for changes to take effect.

## 5. Verify Installation

Open a new terminal window and verify the installation:

```powershell
PS> siphon
```

or

```powershell
PS> C:\siphon\siphon.ps1
```

If the command outputs help information, the installation was successful.

## Next Steps

- [Download Sitecore data](https://docs.uniform.app/docs/guides/migration/sitecore/download)