Desktop

# Install Synnax Desktop

> Download and install Synnax Desktop on macOS or Windows.

Synnax Desktop is one free app that connects to your hardware, records and shows its data, and controls it. It includes the Synnax Console, a Synnax Core, and a Synnax Driver. You install it once, with nothing to run from a terminal. It needs a free Synnax account.

> Looking for the Enterprise install guide? See [Set up Synnax Enterprise](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/enterprise). Not sure which edition you need? See [Synnax editions](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/get-started/editions).

## Requirements

| Operating system | Processor             |
| ---------------- | --------------------- |
| macOS            | Apple silicon (arm64) |
| Windows          | x64                   |

There is no Synnax Desktop build for Linux or for Intel Macs. To run Synnax on Linux, use [Synnax Enterprise](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/enterprise). For the CPU, memory, and graphics that Synnax Desktop needs, see [Console hardware](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/enterprise/requirements#console-hardware).

NI devices work with Synnax Desktop only on Windows, because NI-DAQmx does not support macOS. For more information, see [NI devices](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/hardware/ni/configure-device).

You also need:

* **A Synnax account** -> you make one or log in at first launch.
* **Internet access at least once every 30 days** -> Synnax Desktop renews its license in the background. To learn what happens without it, see [Your login has lapsed](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/desktop/troubleshooting#synnax-desktop-shows-your-login-has-lapsed).
* **A firewall that allows HTTPS to `portal.synnaxlabs.com` and `us.i.posthog.com`** -> for login, license renewal, and [usage data](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/desktop/usage-data).

## Download

Download the latest release for your operating system:

[Download v1.0.0 for macOS](https://github.com/synnaxlabs/synnax/releases/download/desktop/v1.0.0/Synnax-Desktop_1.0.0_aarch64.dmg)[ Download v1.0.0 for Windows](https://github.com/synnaxlabs/synnax/releases/download/desktop/v1.0.0/Synnax-Desktop_1.0.0_x64-setup.exe)

Earlier versions are on the [Synnax releases page](https://github.com/synnaxlabs/synnax/releases).

## Install

**Windows**

1. Open the downloaded `-setup.exe` file.
2. Follow the steps of the installer.
3. Open Synnax Desktop from the Start menu.

**macOS**

1. Open the downloaded `.dmg` file.
2. Drag Synnax Desktop into the Applications folder.
3. Open Synnax Desktop from the Applications folder.

## First launch

1. Synnax Desktop shows “Starting Synnax…” and then “Preparing your workspace…”.
2. On the “Log in to continue” screen, select **Log in**. Your web browser opens. Log in to your Synnax account, or make one, then select **Continue**. When your browser asks, open Synnax Desktop.
3. Synnax Desktop shows the list of projects, which is empty on the first launch. Select **Open sample project** to open a simulated tank system, or select **New project** to start with an empty project.

![The empty projects screen of Synnax Desktop, with Open sample project and New project](https://synnax.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/docs/get-started/install-desktop/cc146f207711/projects-light.webp)

In the EU, the EEA, the UK, and Switzerland, the login page in your browser asks if you want to share usage data. Everywhere else, it shows a notice, and sharing is on. See [Usage data](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/desktop/usage-data).

Each user account on the computer has its own Synnax Desktop data. Your channels, recorded data, and projects stay on your computer. For the license, the Synnax portal keeps the name of the computer and its fingerprint with your account. The license works only in Synnax Desktop. To run a Core on its own, use [Synnax Enterprise](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/enterprise).

When a new version is ready, the top bar shows **Update available**. Select it, then select **Update and restart**.

## Next steps

* [Explore the sample project](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/get-started/sample-project) -> run a simulated test.
* [Your first run](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/get-started/first-run) -> record and plot your first data.
* [UI overview](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/get-started/ui-overview) -> learn the parts of the Console.