> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.heylinger.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Install the desktop app > Download the Linger desktop app, get past the first-launch security prompts, and connect this computer without a terminal. The **desktop app** is the simplest way to run Linger on your own computer. It opens Linger in its own window, connects this computer so agents can work on it, and keeps running in the tray. You need no terminal and no source code. You download a package for your system, install it, and finish setup inside the app. The packages are not yet signed with a publisher certificate that macOS and Windows recognize. Both systems block the first launch until you confirm it. This page shows each confirmation step, so follow the section for your system. ## Check what you need You need a supported computer and a Runtime for real agent work. * A Mac with Apple silicon, a Windows 11 x64 PC, or a Linux x64 computer with glibc 2.35 or later, such as Ubuntu 22.04 or Debian 12. * Claude Code, Codex, or Pi. Setup can install one and walks you through its sign-in. See [Choose a runtime](https://docs.heylinger.com/models/choose-a-runtime.md). Intel Macs are not supported. To check your Mac, open the Apple menu and select **About This Mac**. A supported Mac shows a chip name that starts with **Apple**. ## Download the package for your computer Download the latest package from the [Linger releases page](https://github.com/simplexai-labs/linger/releases/latest). | Your computer | Package | | - | - | | Mac with Apple silicon | `Linger--arm64.dmg` | | Windows 11 x64 | `Linger--x64-setup.exe` | | Linux x64 | `Linger--linux-x64.tar.gz` | Windows also has `Linger--x64.zip`. It holds the same app, for running without installing. ## Install on a Mac macOS blocks the first launch because Apple has not checked the app. You allow it once in System Settings. **1. Install the app** Open the `.dmg` file and drag **Linger** into **Applications**. **2. Open Linger once** Open Linger from Applications. macOS says it could not verify the app. Select **Done**. Do not select **Move to Trash**. **3. Allow Linger** Open **System Settings**, select **Privacy & Security**, and scroll to **Security**. Select **Open Anyway** next to the message about Linger. The button stays for about an hour after the blocked launch. **4. Confirm** Select **Open Anyway** again, then enter your Mac password or use Touch ID. Linger opens, and macOS does not ask again for this version. On macOS 14 or earlier, you can Control-click Linger in Applications and select **Open** instead. ## Install on Windows Windows SmartScreen blocks the setup program because it is not signed. You allow it once. **1. Run the setup program** Double-click `Linger--x64-setup.exe`. **2. Allow the setup program** When Windows shows **Windows protected your PC**, select **More info**, then **Run anyway**. **3. Open Linger** Setup installs Linger for your account only, in `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Simplex`, and adds a Start menu shortcut. It does not ask for administrator rights. > [!WARNING] > > Do not use **Run as administrator** for the setup program or for Linger. The local server refuses to start in an elevated session. ## Install on Linux The Linux package is a folder that runs from wherever you unpack it. It needs no installer. **1. Unpack the package** ```bash theme={null} tar -xzf Linger-0.16.20-linux-x64.tar.gz ``` Replace `0.16.20` with the version you downloaded. **2. Open Linger** ```bash theme={null} ./Linger-0.16.20-linux-x64/linger ``` Run it as your own user, not with `sudo`. ## Finish setup in the app The setup screen offers two paths, and both end on **Linger is ready**. * **Quick Install** sets up a Linger server on this computer, signs you in, and connects the computer. Choose it when you run Linger for yourself. * **Server address** connects the app to a Linger server that already runs. Enter the address you open in the browser, such as `https://linger.example.com`. Closing the window keeps Linger running in the tray, so agents keep working. To stop it, quit from the tray icon. ## Grant macOS privacy permissions Agents act on your Mac through the Linger app, so macOS asks the app for each permission. The app does not request one on its own. A permission card in the Room asks only when you select **Request**. | Permission | Needed for | What to know | | - | - | - | | Screen Recording | Agents seeing the screen. | It applies only after Linger restarts. Use the restart step on the card. | | Accessibility | Agents clicking and typing in apps. | macOS opens System Settings for you to turn it on. | | Files and Folders | Work in Desktop, Documents, and Downloads. | macOS asks once for each folder. | | Automation | Controlling other apps. | macOS asks once for each app. | | Full Disk Access | Every folder with one switch. | Optional. It has no prompt, so turn it on in System Settings. | All of these are under **System Settings**, **Privacy & Security**. [Computer permissions](https://docs.heylinger.com/security/computer-permissions.md) explains what each one lets an agent do. ## Fix common problems Most install problems are a blocked launch or a permission that was refused. | Problem | What to try | | - | - | | macOS says Linger "is damaged and can't be opened" | The app is not damaged. macOS marked the download as untrusted. Run `xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Linger.app` in Terminal, then open Linger again. | | There is no **Open Anyway** button | Open Linger again to bring the button back, then return to **Privacy & Security**. | | You selected **Don't Allow** on a macOS prompt | The prompt does not return. Turn on the switch for Linger under **Privacy & Security**, then restart Linger. | | Windows shows no **Run anyway** button | Your organization blocks unrecognized apps. Ask your administrator to allow Linger. | | The browser or antivirus removes the download | Select **Keep** in the browser's download list. In your antivirus, restore the file and add an exception. | | Linux exits with "The SUID sandbox helper binary was found, but is not configured correctly" | In the unpacked folder, run `sudo chown root:root chrome-sandbox && sudo chmod 4755 chrome-sandbox`. Then open Linger again. | | Setup stops on a failed step | Select **Save Diagnostics**. It saves `linger-diagnostics-