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

# Desktop app

> Use the Knowledge viewer and control a separately paired local replica.

The desktop app provides the Knowledge interface and local tray controls on
macOS and Windows. You can use it as a signed-in viewer without synchronizing
files.

## Install

1. Sign in to the web app and choose **Get the desktop app** near the bottom of
   the navigation.
2. Select **Mac · Apple silicon**, **Mac · Intel**, or **Windows · x64** to
   match your machine.
3. Read the installer dialog and compare the file's SHA-256 with the displayed
   checksum.
4. Install, open the app, and sign in.

First-install packages are not Apple-notarized or Windows code-signed. Follow
the in-app steps for the exact downloaded package. On macOS, the dialog
describes moving the app to Applications and using **System Settings → Privacy &
Security → Open Anyway** after the initial warning. On Windows, it describes
**More info → Run anyway** in SmartScreen. Do not approve a different download
or a mismatched checksum.

## Decide whether to sync

Installing the viewer does not create a connection or start sync. Open
**Connections → Set up this machine** and use the
[agent prompt or Manual install](/connections/local-sync) to create a replica.
Alternatively, choose **Use as viewer only**.

The desktop viewer adopts that machine's existing replica for status and
controls. Its card is labeled **This computer**. Other connections, such as
Remote MCP, do not mean this computer is syncing.

## Use the local controls

Once paired, the control panel and tray expose health, queue and conflict
information, pause/resume, open folder, diagnostics, and service controls.
Pausing transfer still allows local changes to queue.

Closing the viewer does not stop the independently installed sync service.
Stopping the service is a separate action.

## Update

When the desktop header shows an update, open its details and confirm
installation. The updater verifies the package and restarts the viewer. A
headless replica can also be updated with `nlkb update`; connection cards offer
**Copy update prompt** when a newer stable replica release is available.

If an installer or update is unavailable for your target, use the web app and
[contact support](/reference/troubleshooting).