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

# Install on Mac or Windows

> Download and open the desktop app.

## Requirements

* **Mac:** Apple Silicon (M1 or later), macOS 13 or later. Intel Macs are not supported.
* **Windows:** 64-bit (x64).

## Download

Download the installer from [bitcoincontrolcenter.com](https://www.bitcoincontrolcenter.com).

> [!TIP]
>
> Download only from bitcoincontrolcenter.com.

## Install

**Mac**

1. Open the `.dmg`. Drag the app to **Applications**.
2. Open **Bitcoin Control Center**. Select **Open** if asked.

**Windows**

1. Run the installer. You can choose the install folder.
2. If SmartScreen appears, select **More info** → **Run anyway**. The installer is not publisher-signed yet.

## First launch

1. Set a 6-digit PIN. See [PIN and lock](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/security/pin.md).
2. Follow the short introduction, or select **Skip**.
3. Choose your Electrum server. See [First run](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/getting-started/first-run.md).

## Closing versus quitting

Closing the window does **not** quit the app. It keeps running in the menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows) and locks.

| You want to | Do this |
| - | - |
| Hide the window | Close it. You need your PIN to open it again. |
| Show it again | Click the tray icon, or select **Show Control Center**. |
| Quit fully | Select **Quit** from the tray menu, or press **Cmd+Q** on Mac. |

Quit fully before you [back up](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/maintenance/backup-restore.md) or [update](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/maintenance/updates.md).

Only one copy runs at a time. Opening it again brings up the existing window.

Next: [First run](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/getting-started/first-run.md).


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