Quick start

DSH Desktop installation guide: from download to first session

Follow these steps to install DSH Desktop Station, configure a model API key and start working without changing an existing profile.

Download the appTroubleshooting FAQ

Before you install

  • Use the Apple Silicon build on Apple Silicon Macs and the 64-bit build on Windows.
  • Have a valid model provider API key ready. Configure it only in the local DSH settings.
  • The packaged installer does not require Node.js. Source runs require Node.js 24+.

Four steps to get started

  1. Download the correct installer

    Open the download page or GitHub Release. Choose the DMG for macOS or EXE for Windows, and use the latest Release file name as the source of truth.

  2. Install the application

    Drag the app into Applications on macOS, or run the NSIS installer on Windows. The macOS release is Developer ID signed and Apple notarized; the Windows installer performs signature checks.

  3. Configure a model API key

    Open DSH settings and paste the API key from your model provider. Do not put the key in source code, plugin manifests, session content or screenshots.

  4. Create or select a profile

    Choose a working directory, then create a new profile or continue with an existing one. Local data defaults to ~/.dsh, and startup does not rewrite existing configuration.

Good first checks

Profile

Confirm the data location

Profiles, sessions and runtime data default to ~/.dsh. If you already use the official npx dsh, the default data directory is shared.

Plugins

Review plugin state

Open the plugin market in Settings and review the source, version, permissions and compatibility of the 16 pinned bundles.

Common installation problems

macOS says the developer cannot be verified

Confirm that the file came from the GitHub Release linked by this site. If the prompt remains, right-click the app in Applications and choose Open, or allow it under System Settings → Privacy & Security.

Windows SmartScreen blocks the installer

Confirm the file came from GitHub Releases and that the name is correct. If SmartScreen still warns you, choose More info and then Run anyway.

GitHub downloads are slow

Copy the asset URL from the Release page and use a download manager. Do not install an unchecked file from an unknown mirror.

Running from source

macOS Intel and Linux do not have formal installers yet. Follow the repository's source-run instructions; Node.js 24+ is required.

Ready to download?

Review the platform notes and open the latest GitHub Release.

Download DSH DesktopView 16 plugin bundles