diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 90ad445..10a587f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ This script will:
 - Detect your OS and architecture automatically
 - Download the appropriate prebuilt binary
 - Verify the checksum for security
-- Install to `~/.local/bin` (or use `INSTALL_DIR` to customize)
+- Install to `/usr/local/bin` on macOS/Linux or `~/.local/bin` on Windows (or use `INSTALL_DIR` to customize)
 - Make the binary executable
 
 **Custom installation directory:**
diff --git a/install.sh b/install.sh
index f92e234..d56d1b7 100755
--- a/install.sh
+++ b/install.sh
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ NC='\033[0m' # No Color
 
 # Configuration
 REPO="hdresearch/vers-cli"
-INSTALL_DIR="${INSTALL_DIR:-$HOME/.local/bin}"
+INSTALL_DIR="${INSTALL_DIR:-}"
 GITHUB_API="https://api.github.com/repos/${REPO}/releases/latest"
 
 # Helper functions
@@ -118,6 +118,15 @@ main() {
     ARCH=$(detect_arch)
     info "Detected OS: $OS, Architecture: $ARCH"
 
+    # Use a PATH location by default on macOS/Linux while preserving the
+    # existing Windows install location. An explicit INSTALL_DIR takes priority.
+    if [ -z "$INSTALL_DIR" ]; then
+        case "$OS" in
+            linux|darwin) INSTALL_DIR="/usr/local/bin" ;;
+            windows)      INSTALL_DIR="$HOME/.local/bin" ;;
+        esac
+    fi
+
     # Get version
     VERSION="${VERS_VERSION:-$(get_latest_version)}"
     info "Installing version: $VERSION"