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Windows Installation

This guide covers how to install DesireCore on Windows.

Estimated time

The entire installation typically takes just 1–2 minutes (depending on download speed).

Installation Steps​

  1. Download the installer

    Go to the official website and click the download button. The website will automatically detect your system architecture and provide the corresponding .exe installer. To manually select a version (x64 / ARM64), click "More download options".

  2. Run the installer

    Double-click the downloaded .exe file (e.g., DesireCore_x64_version.exe) to launch the setup wizard.

  3. Choose installation options

    • You can choose the installation location (defaults to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\DesireCore)
    • Choose whether to install for the current user or all users

  4. Wait for installation to complete

    The installation process usually takes only a few seconds. Click "Finish" when done.

  5. Launch DesireCore

    After installation, you can launch DesireCore by:

    • Desktop shortcut
    • Searching for "DesireCore" in the Start menu

Local Components Included in the Installer​

The Windows package includes the following independent third-party components; you do not need to preinstall system Git, Python, Node.js, or HostAgent.

Portable Git​

The installer bundles a portable version of Git. After first startup, DesireCore automatically selects the newer of the system and bundled Git by default. You can change the source on the Explorer → Compute → Runtime Environment page.

Python / Node.js Runtimes​

After first startup, DesireCore imports the recommended Python and Node.js versions into its managed directories in the background. This does not replace system-wide installations.

CUA Driver (GUI Automation)​

CUA Driver is enabled by default for GUI automation on the current Windows computer. It is a transitional implementation that gives Windows users GUI capabilities before Windows HostAgent is complete. macOS still uses HostAgent for GUI operations, while HostAgent implementations for Windows, Linux, and other platforms remain under development.

Disk Usage and Security Scans

These archives and executables increase installer and post-import disk usage. Security software may scan them again when they are extracted or first executed. Allow the scan to finish; do not disable system protection merely to bypass a warning.

Open Explorer → Compute → Runtime Environment to inspect actual versions and paths. See Third-Party Software and Licenses for sources and license boundaries.

Handling Windows SmartScreen Prompts​

On the first run, Windows Defender SmartScreen may display a "Windows protected your PC" warning. This happens because DesireCore is a newly released application and hasn't yet accumulated enough reputation with Windows.

Verify the source and signature first

The prompt by itself only means that Windows wants you to confirm reputation or source information; it does not by itself prove that a file is safe or unsafe. Download the installer only from the official DesireCore download page, and verify its publisher and digital signature before proceeding. Do not run copies from unknown sources or with an unexpected signature.

To proceed:

  1. Click "More info"
  2. Click "Run anyway"

Updates and Protected Directories​

Automatic updates normally do not require administrator privileges when DesireCore uses its default location under %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\DesireCore.

If you install DesireCore under a protected directory such as C:\Program Files\, the updater may require administrator approval. Windows will display a UAC prompt before the installer continues. Before updating, DesireCore attempts to stop the old process and related subprocesses. If an update fails, fully exit DesireCore and retry; restart Windows first if files remain locked.

Uninstall​

To uninstall DesireCore:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
  2. Search for "DesireCore"
  3. Click the ... button on the right and select "Uninstall"
  4. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation
Data Cleanup

During uninstallation, you'll be asked whether to also delete application data. If you plan to reinstall, it's recommended to keep the data; if you're sure you won't use it again, you can choose to delete everything.

Troubleshooting​

  • Installer won't open: Verify the download completed successfully (file size ~100–200 MB), then try downloading again.
  • Antivirus blocks installation: Add the DesireCore install directory to your antivirus allowlist, or temporarily disable real-time protection and retry.
  • Other issues: Visit the FAQ or contact our support team.

After installation, head to First Run to learn about the post-launch onboarding flow.