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

# Install on Windows

> Download the signed installers from the downloads catalog, verify the publisher and checksum, and know what to expect from SmartScreen.

Pidgeon ships five Windows desktop apps: **Post**, **Flock**, **Loft**, **Migrate**, and the **Pidgeon** launcher. Each is a separate installer. Install only what you need; the launcher can detect and open the others later.

Current beta release: `0.2.0-beta.1`.

## Requirements

* Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit
* No admin rights required for a per-user install
* AI features (optional) run on-device and recommend 16 GB RAM; everything else runs comfortably below that

## Download and install

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download from the catalog">
    Get installers from the downloads catalog at [downloads.pidgeon.health](https://downloads.pidgeon.health). The catalog lists every app, its current version, and a SHA-256 checksum per file.

    Download the `.exe` installer for each app you want.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the checksum (optional but recommended)">
    ```powershell theme={null}
    Get-FileHash .\Pidgeon-Post-0.2.0-beta.1-windows-x64-setup.exe -Algorithm SHA256
    ```

    Compare the output against the checksum shown in the catalog. If they differ, do not run the installer: re-download, and contact [support@pidgeon.health](mailto:support@pidgeon.health) if it still differs.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the installer">
    Each installer is Authenticode-signed under the verified publisher **Pattern Engine LLC** (SHA-256, timestamped). When Windows shows a publisher, it should read Pattern Engine LLC, never "Unknown publisher".

    If Microsoft Defender SmartScreen shows a "Windows protected your PC" prompt, see [What to expect from SmartScreen](#what-to-expect-from-smartscreen) below. Click **More info**, confirm the publisher reads Pattern Engine LLC, then **Run anyway**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="First launch">
    Each app starts its local Bridge sidecar (the engine process) on a loopback port: Loft on `localhost:5100`, Post on `localhost:5101`, Flock on `localhost:5102`. The Bridge binds to loopback only; nothing listens on your network.

    Post works without an account. Flock, Loft, Migrate, and the launcher ask you to sign in with your Pidgeon account.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to expect from SmartScreen

SmartScreen reputation is earned from download volume across a wide audience, and Pidgeon is a focused tool for healthcare integration teams. So early in the beta you may see the SmartScreen prompt even though every installer is signed by a verified publisher. That prompt is not a signature problem; it fades as installs accrue under the Pattern Engine LLC identity. As of August 2024 no certificate type clears SmartScreen instantly (Microsoft removed the instant-reputation advantage EV certificates once had).

To check a signature yourself before running anything:

1. Right-click the `.exe`, open **Properties**, then the **Digital Signatures** tab.
2. Select the signature, click **Details**, and confirm the publisher name is Pattern Engine LLC and the signature is valid.
3. Confirm a timestamp is present.

If the Digital Signatures tab is missing or the publisher name is wrong, do not install. Contact [support@pidgeon.health](mailto:support@pidgeon.health).

## Deploying to a managed fleet

If you are rolling Pidgeon out across a Windows fleet, you can skip the interactive SmartScreen prompt entirely:

* **Intune / SCCM / GPO**: push the signed installers through your existing management tooling. Apps deployed by an administrator do not trigger the interactive prompt.
* **Trusted source**: host installers on an internal share or portal mapped to the Local intranet or Trusted sites zone, so downloads carry no Mark-of-the-Web.
* **SmartScreen policy**: on managed devices, configure Defender SmartScreen enforcement via Intune settings catalog or Group Policy to match your risk posture.

Want `.intunewin` packages or a deployment script? Email [support@pidgeon.health](mailto:support@pidgeon.health).

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get started with the launcher" icon="rocket" href="/getting-started/launcher">
    One sign-in, one place to see your installed apps.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Get started with Post" icon="paper-plane" href="/getting-started/post">
    Generate and validate your first message. No account needed.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>