Downloading and installing the Windows client

Download the Polpo Desk Windows client, run it without installation, or install it as a service for admin support and unattended access.

Last updated:

The Polpo Desk client is the app that runs on the Windows computer receiving support. It is a single file (PolpoDesk.exe for Polpo Desk, PolpoDeskClient.exe for Polpo Desk Client) and opens without installation. For permanent use, you can optionally install it as a service.

Downloading the client

You can download it in two ways:

  • On the website, go to the Download page and choose Polpo Desk (give and receive support) or Polpo Desk Client (receive support only). Both use the same ID on this computer.
  • In the panel, open the Access section and press Download on the Polpo Desk or Polpo Desk Client card.

The client runs on Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit). Details: System requirements.

First launch

  1. Double-click the downloaded PolpoDesk.exe or PolpoDeskClient.exe file.
  2. The Your Remote Support Details window opens. The status line at the bottom first shows Connecting…, then Ready to connect once it reaches the server.
  3. Your Connection ID and Session Password appear. You can give these to the support agent; see Your Polpo address.

As it is, the client is all you need to receive support while you keep it open. You can change the interface language with the flag button next to the title, and the theme (light/dark) with the button beside it.

On some Windows Server versions and older Windows 10 installations, the Microsoft Edge WebView2 component is not installed. In that case, the client offers to download and install Microsoft's official installer (about a 2 MB download). Choose Yes and wait for the installation to finish. If the problem persists: Blank window on Windows Server.

When the client isn't installed as a service, the warning Service not installed for admin support appears at the top of the window. Installing the service gives you the following:

  • The operator can see and use UAC (administrator permission) prompts and administrator windows.
  • Unattended access (connecting without approval using a fixed password) works.
  • Polpo Desk is ready in the background when the computer starts.

To install it:

  1. Press the Install button in the warning.
  2. In the Windows User Account Control window, choose Yes (administrator permission is required).
  3. Installation takes a few seconds; then the message Service installed — admin support ready. appears and the app restarts itself.

During installation:

  • The program is copied to the C:\Program Files\Polpo Desk folder.
  • A Windows service named Polpo Desk Service is created and starts automatically.
  • A Polpo Desk shortcut is added to the desktop and the Start menu.
  • The Start with Windows setting is turned on.
  • The app appears as Polpo Desk in the Windows Apps list.

Your connection ID stays the same after installation. From now on, open the program from the desktop shortcut rather than from the downloaded file.

Without installationInstalled as a service
Receive supportYesYes
UAC / administrator screensNoYes
Unattended accessNoYes
Ready when the computer startsNoYes
Administrator permission requiredNoOnce, during installation

If the service is stopped

If the service is installed but not running, the warning Service stopped — remote access is off appears at the top of the window. Press Start and approve the administrator prompt. When you open the client while the service is stopped, the app also tries to start it automatically and again asks for administrator permission.

If the service is installed and you right-click the Polpo Desk icon in the system tray and choose Exit, the service is stopped too and the computer can no longer be reached remotely. If you want remote access to stay available, don't use Exit.

Next steps

Related articles