System requirements and network settings
Operating system, hardware and network requirements for the Polpo Desk client and operator apps: port 443, proxy and WebView2.
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This article summarizes which systems Polpo Desk runs on and what needs to be allowed on your network.
Client (computer receiving support)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | x64, dual-core or better |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended) |
| Disk | ~20 MB free space |
| Internet | Active connection (broadband recommended) |
| Additional component | Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime |
The client can also be used on computers running Windows Server. Installing it as a service requires administrator permission once; running it without installation does not.
Microsoft Edge WebView2
The client's interface is drawn with the Microsoft Edge WebView2 component. Most Windows 10 and 11 systems already include it. On systems such as Windows Server 2016/2019 and on some older Windows 10 installations, it may be missing. In that case the client asks at startup:
- Answer Yes when asked whether to download and install Microsoft's official installer now (about a 2 MB download).
- Installation may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed; progress is shown in the window.
- When it's done, the client interface opens.
If the automatic installation isn't possible, install the "Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime" component manually from Microsoft's website and reopen Polpo Desk. Details: Blank window on Windows Server.
Operator (providing support)
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Web console | An up-to-date desktop browser, no installation |
| Windows app | Windows 10 / 11 · x64 |
| macOS app | macOS 13 or later · Apple Silicon and Intel |
| Android app | Android 8.0 or later · from Google Play |
The operator needs to sign in with a Polpo Desk account; see Creating an account.
Network requirements
Server connection: port 443
The client and operator apps talk to polpodesk.com over HTTPS and secure WebSocket (WSS) on TCP port 443. ID registration, connection requests, version checks and updates go this way. Allow outgoing port 443 traffic to polpodesk.com in your firewall.
Video and control: WebRTC
Once a session starts, the screen image, mouse/keyboard and file data are carried over WebRTC and are end-to-end encrypted (WebRTC DTLS-SRTP).
- Whenever possible, a direct connection is made between the two computers; this gives the lowest latency.
- If the network setup doesn't allow a direct connection, the traffic is relayed through a relay (TURN) server. Encryption remains end to end in this case too; the relay server can't decrypt the content.
If your connection is slow or latency is high: Slow connection and latency.
Proxy server
The client's update download, on the other hand, automatically detects the Windows system proxy settings. That's why on some networks the update may work while the connection can't be established, or the other way round. Depending on the symptom, see:
Checklist
- Is the computer running Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or Windows Server?
- Is Microsoft Edge WebView2 installed? If not, accept the installation the client offers.
- Is there direct access to polpodesk.com on port 443?
- If a proxy is mandatory, is this computer allowed to reach polpodesk.com directly?
- If permanent access is needed, is the client installed as a service?