--- title: "Desktop App" description: "Install Y2 for Mac or Windows, connect your existing workspace, and manage desktop updates." canonical: https://y2.dev/docs/apps/ --- # Desktop App Install Y2 for Mac or Windows, connect your existing workspace, and manage desktop updates. Y2 Desktop puts your chats, projects, reports, and intelligence workspace in a dedicated app for Mac and Windows. The installer bundles the application and its runtime. You do not need Node.js, Bun, developer tools, or a separate browser installation to run it. Y2 Desktop is in beta The [Y2 download page](https://y2.dev/download) offers **unofficial, unsigned beta** installers alongside release notes and checksums. They install as **Y2** and use your existing account and workspace. Apple notarization and Windows publisher signing are planned for a future release. If the page says **Downloads not published yet**, use [Y2 in your browser](https://y2.dev/login). ## Requirements | Platform | Requirements | Installer | | -------- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | Mac | macOS 12 or later, Apple silicon or Intel | Universal `.dmg` | | Windows | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit x64 processor | `.exe` setup wizard | An internet connection and a Y2 account are required. Desktop uses the same cloud service, workspace data, plan, and usage limits as the web app. It does not provide an offline copy of your workspace or run AI models on your device. No separate desktop subscription is required. ## Install on Mac 1. Open [Y2 downloads](https://y2.dev/download) and select **Download for Mac** when available. 2. Open the downloaded `.dmg` file and drag **Y2** into **Applications**. 3. Eject the disk image, then open Y2 from Applications or Launchpad. 4. This beta is unsigned and not notarized. After macOS blocks the first launch, open **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway** for Y2 if you choose to trust this download. Confirm **Open** when prompted. See [Apple's instructions](https://support.apple.com/102445). 5. Sign in with the email address or phone number you already use for Y2, then enter your verification code. New users can create their workspace through the same sign-in flow. ## Install on Windows 1. Open [Y2 downloads](https://y2.dev/download) and select **Download for Windows** when available. 2. Open the downloaded `.exe` installer. An **Unknown publisher** warning is expected for this unsigned beta. If SmartScreen offers **More info → Run anyway**, you can use it after verifying the download's checksum. Smart App Control or organizational policies may block unsigned apps without an override. Use [Y2 in your browser](https://y2.dev/login) on those devices. 3. Follow the setup wizard to choose the installation location and complete installation. 4. Open **Y2** from the Start menu or desktop shortcut. 5. Sign in with your existing Y2 account, or complete the new-workspace setup. ## Verify a download The download page links the release notes and a versioned `SHA256SUMS.txt` file. To check file integrity, calculate the installer's SHA-256 digest and compare the full result with its entry in the checksum file. Replace the example path below with your downloaded file's path. On macOS, use Terminal: ``` shasum -a 256 "/path/to/Y2-installer.dmg" ``` On Windows, use PowerShell: ``` Get-FileHash "C:\path\to\Y2-installer.exe" -Algorithm SHA256 ``` If the digest differs, discard the file and download it again from [Y2 downloads](https://y2.dev/download). Checksums verify file integrity. These unofficial builds do not have a verified publisher signature. ## Use your workspace Your saved chats, projects, intelligence profiles, and reports are shared with the web app. Changes synchronize through Y2's cloud service while you are online. Select the same workspace on each device to see the same information. Feature availability follows your [workspace plan](https://y2.dev/docs/plans). Billing opens securely in your default browser. After checkout or managing a subscription, choose **Open Y2 Desktop** on the return page. If your browser does not open the app, reopen Y2 directly and check **Settings → Billing**. Billing status may take a moment to refresh. For research and account workflows, the rest of the [Y2 documentation](https://y2.dev/docs) applies to desktop as well. ## Sign-in on your device Y2 connects directly to its cloud API using your normal sign-in. You do not need a developer account or a deployment key. The desktop app saves sign-in credentials with your operating system's encryption so you can reopen it without signing in each time. On Mac, this can prompt for access to Y2's Keychain item. If secure storage is locked or access is denied, unlock it and choose **Try again** in Y2. **Clear saved sign-in** removes the local credentials so you can sign in again. Signing out also removes the saved credentials. Your cloud workspace remains available. ## Updates These unofficial builds use **manual updates**. Download the latest installer from [Y2 downloads](https://y2.dev/download), quit Y2, and install the new version. Your account and cloud workspace remain the same. The app may display its internal channel as **local**. Automatic updates are not configured for this build. Signed automatic updates are planned for a future release. If Y2 requires a newer version to connect to the service, follow the update prompt or download the current release manually. You can continue in the web app while resolving an installation or update problem. ## Installation troubleshooting | Problem | What to do | | ------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | No download button | The public release is still being prepared. Use the web app and check the download page for availability. | | macOS cannot verify the developer | Follow the Open Anyway steps above for this unsigned beta. If macOS reports damage or malware, compare the checksum and contact support. Do not disable Gatekeeper globally. | | Windows reports an unknown publisher | This is expected for the unsigned beta. Verify the checksum and use the per-app SmartScreen exception if available. If device policy or Smart App Control blocks it, use the browser app. | | The app opens but cannot connect | Check your internet connection and whether Y2 opens in your browser. A work network may need to allow Y2's service and download endpoints. | | A page fails to load | Use the recovery screen to retry or restart Y2. If it continues, use the web app and report the app version and operating-system version. | | An update fails | Check your connection and available disk space, then retry. You can install the latest release from the official download page without creating a new account. | | Workspace data looks different | Check the signed-in account and selected workspace on both devices. Desktop has the same workspace permissions as the web app. | For help, email . Include your operating-system version, Y2 version and channel, and the exact error message. Do not send passwords or verification codes. ## Uninstall Quit Y2 before uninstalling. On macOS, move the application from Applications to Trash. On Windows, uninstall Y2 from **Settings → Apps**. Removing the desktop application does not delete your cloud workspace or cancel your subscription. Manage your account and billing in Y2. [Desktop downloads](https://y2.dev/download): Check the current Mac and Windows release and its installation files. [Open Y2 on the web](https://y2.dev/login): Continue with your existing account and cloud workspace.