> ## 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

> Install Chief on Mac or Windows to capture Live Sessions, then pair the desktop app with your web account.

## Why you need the desktop app

[Live Sessions](/help/meetings-live-sessions/what-are-live-sessions) are captured by the **Chief desktop app on Mac or Windows**. 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:** Capture is available in the Mac and Windows desktop apps, not in a browser. Screen context and the macOS Accessibility permission are Mac-only.
</Warning>

## Download and install

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/chief-2d405d1a/swy8Q6hwg2tx7REk/images/help/Zight-2026-08-28-at-12.06.12-AM.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=swy8Q6hwg2tx7REk&q=85&s=4c1b03954c5cb60c860e423aa2114598" alt="Chief Live Sessions - downloading and installing the desktop app" width="2028" height="1102" data-path="images/help/Zight-2026-08-28-at-12.06.12-AM.jpg" />

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 installer and follow the prompts for your operating system.
4. Open **Chief** from **Applications** on Mac or the Windows Start menu.

After installation, you can [choose a light or dark theme and adjust the app's zoom level](/help/meetings-live-sessions/changing-appearance-zoom) for your display.

<Note>
  **Good to know:** If you're already signed in to Chief, 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 **Download for macOS** or **Download for Windows** — that's the same download.
</Note>

## Pair the app with your account

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/chief-2d405d1a/swy8Q6hwg2tx7REk/images/help/Zight-2026-08-28-at-12.06.37-AM.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=swy8Q6hwg2tx7REk&q=85&s=f26b7d8ccbeb11cc1eab5fe5f50ab8d2" alt="Chief Live Sessions - pairing the desktop app with your account" width="2026" height="1101" data-path="images/help/Zight-2026-08-28-at-12.06.37-AM.jpg" />

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

1. Open the **Chief** app on your Mac or Windows PC and start pairing.
2. The app opens a secure request in your browser. Sign in if needed.
3. Confirm the browser code matches the desktop app, then click **Connect this Mac** or **Connect this PC** within 15 minutes.

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 your operating system. Pair it from **Settings** › **Devices**, then [check audio permissions for Chief](/help/troubleshooting/a-meeting-didnt-transcribe).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I install it on Windows?">
    Yes. The same download area serves a Windows installer, and Windows supports Live Session capture, meeting detection, global shortcuts, screenshots, and automatic app updates.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where do I find the app after installing?">
    On Mac, find Chief in **Applications**. On Windows, open it from the Start menu.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


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