Install the desktop app

Install the desktop app when ALLO should live on your computer

Use the ALLO desktop app when you keep ALLO open all day, work across several canvases, want app windows and tabs, need desktop notifications or badges, or want support logs that help diagnose local app problems. The browser is still a good option for quick access, shared links, and computers where you cannot install apps.

The desktop app uses the same ALLO account and workspaces as the browser. Installing it does not create a new account, move your files, change billing, or change workspace permissions.

Availability

Download the app

Open Download ALLO and choose the installer for your operating system. The download page shows desktop installers and mobile store links, so make sure you choose the desktop option if you are installing on a Mac or Windows computer.

On Windows, choose the installer that matches your device when options are shown. Most Windows devices use the standard 64-bit installer. Some newer ARM-based Windows devices need the ARM64 installer. If you are not sure, check Windows Settings → System → About and look for the system type.

On macOS, download the Mac app from the ALLO download page and follow the installer prompts. If macOS asks whether you want to open an app downloaded from the internet, confirm that the app is ALLO and that you downloaded it from the official download page.

On Linux, the desktop app is coming soon. For now, use ALLO in a supported browser.

Install on macOS

1. Open Download ALLO from your Mac.
2. Download the macOS installer.
3. Open the downloaded file.
4. Move ALLO to Applications if the installer asks.
5. Open ALLO from Applications, Launchpad, Spotlight, or the Dock.
6. Sign in with the same account you use on web.

If macOS blocks the app because of organization policy, ask your IT admin to approve ALLO. If macOS warns that the app was downloaded from the internet, that is normal for many direct downloads. Only continue if the file came from ALLO's download page.

Install on Windows

1. Open Download ALLO from your Windows computer.
2. Download the Windows installer.
3. If a 64-bit or ARM64 choice is shown, choose the one that matches your device.
4. Open the installer and follow the prompts.
5. Open ALLO from the Start menu, desktop shortcut, or taskbar.
6. Sign in with the same account you use on web.

If Windows SmartScreen or your company security software asks for confirmation, check that the app is ALLO and that you downloaded it from the official download page. If your computer is managed by IT, you may need approval before installing.

If Edge or Windows shows a SmartScreen warning

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen checks sites, downloads, and apps against reputation data. A new ALLO Windows installer can show an Edge warning such as "[file] isn't commonly downloaded" and "Make sure you trust [file] before you open it" because the installer has not built enough reputation yet. Windows may also say "Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting."

That warning is not, by itself, proof that the installer is malicious or safe. Treat it as a checkpoint. Keep or run the installer only after the source, file name, and publisher match ALLO.

Before you keep or run the installer:

1. Download only from the official Download ALLO page.
2. Check the file name. The standard Windows installer should look like ALLO-win-x64.exe. The ARM64 installer should look like ALLO-win-arm64.exe.
3. Check the publisher shown in the warning or details. It should identify BeeCanvas, Inc. or BEECANVAS, INC. Certificate details may also show US, California, San Francisco with BEECANVAS, INC.

If Edge stops the download:

1. Open the Downloads list in Edge.
2. Next to the ALLO installer, open See more, Show more, or More actions depending on the Edge version.
3. Choose Keep. If Edge opens the warning details, choose Keep anyway only after the ALLO source, file name, and publisher match.
4. Open the installer from Downloads.

If Windows shows "Windows protected your PC":

1. Choose More info.
2. Verify that the app is ALLO and the publisher is BeeCanvas, Inc. or BEECANVAS, INC.
3. Choose Run anyway only if the source and publisher match.

If the source, file name, or publisher does not match, delete the file and download ALLO again from Download ALLO. If the computer is managed by your organization, ask IT to approve the ALLO installer instead of changing security settings yourself.

Sign in after installation

After opening the desktop app, sign in using your existing ALLO account. Some sign-in methods open your default browser and then return to the desktop app. That is expected for social or browser-based sign-in. Email sign-in may stay inside the app.

The loading screen can appear while the desktop app restores your session, initializes workspace data, or waits for sign-in to complete. If it stays there, use the browser as a fallback and collect support logs from the desktop app when possible.

If the browser does not return you to ALLO, see Sign in to the desktop app. If sign-in fails everywhere, use When you can't log in.

Keep browser access as a fallback

Installing the desktop app does not remove browser access. You can still open ALLO in a browser when you are on another computer, troubleshooting the app, using a managed browser profile, or sharing a link with someone who does not have the desktop app installed.

If you are deciding which surface to use, see Desktop app or browser. The short version: desktop is better for daily workspace use; browser is better for quick access and no-install environments.

Updates after install

The desktop app can prompt you when an app update is ready. App updates are different from refreshing a web page. An app update may ask you to restart ALLO so the new desktop version can install. For update behavior, see Update the desktop app.

The desktop app can also refresh the ALLO web experience inside the app when workspace code changes. If a page looks stale, Use back, forward, and refresh explains the difference between refresh, restart, and update.

If installation fails

What to send support

If support asks about installation, include your operating system, OS version, installer type, where you downloaded it, the error message, and whether the computer is managed by your organization. If the app opens but behaves incorrectly, support may ask you to Export support logs.