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

# How to install the Pickcel Comms desktop apps?

> Install the Pickcel Comms Notification app and Screensaver app on Windows PCs, check the installation, and link each PC to an employee.

Desktop channels are delivered by two Windows apps:

| App                            | Delivers                                |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------- |
| **Pickcel Comms Notification** | Desktop Notification, Wallpaper, Ticker |
| **Pickcel Comms Screensaver**  | Screensaver                             |

Install one or both depending on the channels you use.

**Requirements**

* Windows 10 (version 1607 or later) or Windows 11, 64-bit
* Outbound HTTPS (TCP 443) to `connectapi.pickcel.com`. If you use a proxy or SSL inspection, allow this domain.

<Tip>
  For more than a handful of PCs, deploy silently with [Microsoft Intune](/comms/intune-deployment) instead.
</Tip>

## Install manually

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the installers">
    In the console, go to **Settings** → **Downloads**. Click **Download Notification** and/or **Download Screensaver**. Use the standalone installers, not the Intune packages.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the installers on the PC">
    * Run each installer and follow the prompts.
    * If Windows SmartScreen appears, click **More info** → **Run anyway**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the installation">
    * **Notification app**: the Pickcel Comms icon is in the system tray (click **^** near the clock). Keep it running.
    * **Screensaver**: open **Start** → *Change screen saver* and make sure **Pickcel Comms Screensaver** is selected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Link the PC to an employee">
    In the console, go to **Employee** → **Edit** on the employee → **Assign Screen**, and pick this PC. See [Assign a screen](/comms/employees#assign-a-screen).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="PC doesn't appear under Assign Screen">
    * Make sure the app installed and has run at least once while a user was signed in.
    * Check that the PC can reach `connectapi.pickcel.com` over HTTPS.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Notifications, wallpaper, or ticker don't arrive">
    * The Notification app must be running in the tray.
    * The employee must have this PC assigned.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Screensaver never shows">
    * Pickcel Comms Screensaver must be selected in Windows screen saver settings.
    * The screensaver wait time must be shorter than the screen lock or sleep timeout.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>