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

# Install sndbox

> Install the current Windows desktop beta and verify the release before opening it.

The current desktop release is a Windows x64 beta for Windows 10 or later. The Linux downloads are headless self-hosted runners; there is no signed macOS desktop build in the current beta.

**1. Download the desktop build**

Open [sndbox downloads](https://sndbox.app/downloads), choose **Windows**, and download the artifact listed in the published release manifest.

**2. Verify the file**

Compare the file's SHA-256 digest with the value on the download page or in the release files.

```powershell title="PowerShell" theme={"system"}
Get-FileHash .\sndbox-setup.exe -Algorithm SHA256
```

**3. Install the beta**

Run the installer. A beta marked **Unsigned test build** can trigger a Windows SmartScreen unknown-publisher warning. Continue only when the source and checksum match the published release.

**4. Confirm the runner**

Open sndbox. The runner control at the bottom of the sidebar should show **Ready**. The managed Chromium runtime used by browser nodes is bundled with the desktop build.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Do not install a beta copied from an unverified mirror. A checksum proves file identity, not its source; verify both.

## Updates

Open **Settings → Beta & updates** to check for a release and choose **Stable** or **Beta**. Stable ignores prerelease builds. Beta includes beta and release-candidate builds. The installed version is shown on the same page.

## Build from the repository

For development, install Node.js and Rust with the Tauri prerequisites, then run:

```powershell title="Development desktop" theme={"system"}
npm.cmd install
npm.cmd run browser:prepare
npm.cmd run desktop:dev
```

`browser:prepare` installs the repository's pinned browser sidecar and runtime. Production installers should come from the release pipeline rather than a local development build.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.