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

# Installing the Chief desktop app (Mac) — required for capture

> Live Sessions are captured by the Chief desktop app on macOS.

## Why you need the Mac app

[Live Sessions](/help/meetings-live-sessions/what-are-live-sessions) are captured by the **Chief desktop app on macOS**. The app listens to your microphone and your computer's audio during a meeting; the web app is where the transcript and results show up afterward. You can't capture a meeting from the web app alone.

<Warning>
  ⚠️ **Important:** The desktop app is for macOS. Capture isn't available on Windows or in a browser.
</Warning>

## Download and install

1. Open **Live Sessions** from the [left navigation](/help/getting-started/the-chief-interface-a-quick-tour).
2. Click **Download the app**.
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the macOS install prompts to move **Chief** into your **Applications** folder.
4. Open **Chief** from your **Applications** folder.

<Note>
  ℹ️ **Good to know:** If you're already signed in to Chief on macOS, a ["Chief works best as a desktop app"](/help/getting-started/chief-on-web-desktop-browser-extension) prompt may appear in the web app with a **Download for macOS** button — that's the same download.
</Note>

## Pair the app with your account

Once installed, link the app to your Chief web account so your sessions sync:

1. In the web app, go to **Settings** › **Devices**.
2. Click **Generate pairing code**.
3. Open the **Chief** app on your computer.
4. Paste the code into the box in the app.

For the full walkthrough, see [Pairing & managing devices · Updating the app](/help/meetings-live-sessions/pairing-managing-devices-updating-the-app).

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I installed the app but my meetings still don't capture. Why?">
    The app has to be paired with your account and granted microphone and system-audio permissions by macOS. Pair it from **Settings** › **Devices**, then [check macOS audio permissions for Chief](/help/troubleshooting/a-meeting-didnt-transcribe).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I install it on Windows?">
    The capture app is macOS only today.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where do I find the app after installing?">
    In your **Applications** folder. Open it there to start a session or to pair the device.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>