> ## 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.

<Info>
  **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.
</Info>

## 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.

## Install on Your OS

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="macOS">
    Lava Desktop ships as a signed and notarized universal build, so it runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs and opens without any security warnings.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="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.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Drag Lava to Applications">
        Drag the Lava Desktop icon onto the Applications folder shortcut. macOS copies the app to `/Applications`.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Launch the app">
        Open Launchpad or Spotlight and search for **Lava**, then click the app to launch it.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    Lava Desktop for Windows is not yet code-signed. Windows SmartScreen will display a warning on first install. This warning is expected for the current build.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Run the installer">
        Double-click the downloaded `.exe` installer. Windows SmartScreen may show a blue dialog: "Windows protected your PC."
      </Step>

      <Step title="Dismiss the SmartScreen warning">
        If prompted, click **More info** in the SmartScreen dialog, then click **Run anyway**. The installer proceeds.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Complete the installation">
        Follow the installer prompts. Lava Desktop installs and a shortcut appears in your Start menu and on your desktop.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Launch the app">
        Open Lava Desktop from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## 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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="bolt" href="/desktop/quickstart">
    Connect your first app and give the agent its first task.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/desktop/troubleshooting">
    Fix SmartScreen warnings, launch failures, and sign-in issues.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>