Upscayl image upscaler: install it and upscale one image

How do I install Upscayl and upscale my first image?

1. Install Upscayl. Copy the winget command, press Win+R, paste with Ctrl+V and press Enter, then approve the administrator prompt. On macOS or Linux, run the Homebrew or Flathub command from the same box instead.
2. Finish the welcome dialog. Open Upscayl from Start, choose your language and theme, decide on the Auto Update and Help Improve Upscayl switches, and click Get Started.
3. Select one image. In Step 1 click Select Image and pick a small PNG, JPG or WEBP picture that is not blurred.
4. Keep the defaults and click Upscayl. Leave the Upscayl Standard model and the 4x scale as they are, then click Upscayl in Step 4.
5. Check the new file. Open the PNG saved next to the original, whose name ends in _upscayl_4x_upscayl-standard-4x, and compare both files at 100% zoom.

The whole first run takes a few minutes on a working GPU. When the upscale fails, the cause is almost always the graphics driver or an unsupported integrated GPU rather than the picture; the Vulkan GPU check walks through the log. The full walkthrough, with what each step shows on screen, is in upscale your first image.

What does Upscayl do with its default settings?

Upscayl's defaults are tuned for a single test picture. We read each value below from the Upscayl 2.15.0 source code (user settings and the image command), so you know where the file will land before you click.

Which Upscayl model should I pick first?

Start with Upscayl Standard, the default, because it suits most pictures. Switch only after one result, and compare the same image through two models at 100% zoom before deciding. The model guide explains the scale slider, Double Upscayl and custom models.

Model list and descriptions from models-list.ts and en.json.

Where do I get the official Upscayl files?

Get Upscayl only from its GitHub releases, upscayl.org, winget, Homebrew or Flathub. The Windows installer for 2.15.0 is upscayl-2.15.0-win.exe (249 MB), and winget installs that same file after checking its SHA-256. The download page lists every file with its size and hash, and the Windows install guide covers SmartScreen and the portable ZIP.

Frequently asked questions

Is Upscayl free?

Yes. Upscayl is free and open source under the AGPL-3.0 licence, with no watermark and no sign-up. The Windows, macOS and Linux downloads on GitHub and upscayl.org are the full app. Three built-in models, Remacri, Ultramix and Ultrasharp, are labelled Non-Commercial in the app.

Does Upscayl upload my images?

No. Upscayl processes each picture on your own GPU and writes the result to a folder on your computer. It does send anonymous usage data, such as the GPU model and daily use, while Help Improve Upscayl is on, which is the default; you can switch it off in Settings.

Why does Upscayl not work on my computer?

Usually because the graphics card or its driver has no working Vulkan support. The README FAQ says most integrated GPUs and CPUs will not work. Try one small image, then read the log in Settings; the GPU check explains each error.

How much can Upscayl enlarge an image?

The built-in models all enlarge 4x, so 500 by 500 pixels becomes 2000 by 2000. The scale slider goes up to 16x, but the app says anything above 4x only resizes, except 16x with Double Upscayl, which runs the model twice.