> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://lava.so/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install Lava Desktop

> Download and install Lava Desktop on macOS or Windows, and verify the app launches to the sign-in screen.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Prerequisites:** A Lava account and a recent Mac or Windows PC. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one on the sign-in screen after launch.

## Download Lava Desktop

Go to [lava.so/lavadesktop#download](https://www.lava.so/lavadesktop#download) and download the installer for your operating system. The page offers separate downloads for Mac and Windows, and recommends the Mac build that matches your computer.

## Install on Your OS

> [tab] macOS
>
> Lava Desktop has separate Mac builds for Apple Silicon and Intel. Both are signed and notarized, so they open without any security warnings. To check which Mac you have, open the Apple menu and choose **About This Mac**: a **Chip** line means Apple Silicon, and a **Processor** line naming Intel means Intel.
>
> **1. Open the disk image**
>
> Double-click the downloaded `.dmg` file. A window opens showing the Lava Desktop app icon alongside a shortcut to your Applications folder.
>
> **2. Drag Lava to Applications**
>
> Drag the Lava Desktop icon onto the Applications folder shortcut. macOS copies the app to `/Applications`.
>
> **3. Launch the app**
>
> Open Launchpad or Spotlight and search for **Lava**, then click the app to launch it.

> [tab] Windows
>
> Lava Desktop for Windows is code-signed, so it normally installs without any security warnings. If Windows SmartScreen still shows one, it's the new signing certificate's reputation building — follow the steps below to continue.
>
> **1. Run the installer**
>
> Double-click the downloaded `.exe` installer. Windows SmartScreen may show a blue dialog: "Windows protected your PC."
>
> **2. Dismiss the SmartScreen warning**
>
> If prompted, click **More info** in the SmartScreen dialog, then click **Run anyway**. The installer proceeds.
>
> **3. Complete the installation**
>
> Follow the installer prompts. Lava Desktop installs and a shortcut appears in your Start menu and on your desktop.
>
> **4. Launch the app**
>
> Open Lava Desktop from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

## Verify the App Launched

When Lava Desktop opens successfully, the first screen you see is the sign-in form. It shows options to sign in with an email address or a social login, which confirms the app installed and launched correctly.

Sign in to continue. If you don't have a Lava account yet, follow the prompts on that screen to create one.

## Updates

Lava Desktop downloads updates automatically in the background. You don't need to check manually or re-run the installer. When an update is ready to apply, a **"Restart to update"** affordance appears at the bottom of the sidebar. Click it to restart the app and apply the update.

## Next Steps

> [card] [Quickstart](https://lava.so/docs/desktop/quickstart.md)
>
> Connect your first app and give the agent its first task.

> [card] [Troubleshooting](https://lava.so/docs/desktop/troubleshooting.md)
>
> Fix SmartScreen warnings, launch failures, and sign-in issues.


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