Rudder runs locally on macOS, Windows, and Linux. The setup command downloads the desktop app for your computer and installs the rudder command for later starts.

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Code signing policy

Rudder is applying to the SignPath Foundation program for Windows Desktop release artifacts. Until the application is accepted and the release pipeline is configured, released binaries are not represented as SignPath-signed. Free code signing provided by SignPath.io, certificate by SignPath Foundation. See the full code signing policy and privacy policy. You need:
  • Node.js 20 or newer, which provides the npx command
  • a terminal and internet access for the first download
  • permission to install an app for your user account

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1. Run the setup command

The first download can take a few minutes. When it finishes, Rudder Desktop opens automatically.

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2. Check that Rudder opened

Setup is complete when the desktop window asks you to create or choose an organization, Rudder’s name for a team workspace. You do not need to install PostgreSQL or start a separate server. For future starts, use:
Next, connect an agent runtime and give it a small task.

Run your first task

Create an organization, connect an agent, and get a real result.

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If Rudder does not open

First choose Try again in the same window. Rudder starts one fresh attempt; repeated clicks do not create duplicate local servers. If it still fails:
  1. Open Technical details and read the message.
  2. Use Copy diagnostic to copy the safe diagnostic summary.
  3. Choose Report on GitHub or Email support. Rudder opens a draft; it never sends or uploads your local files automatically.
Review the copied text before sharing it. Do not attach credentials, databases, .env files, or private workspace content. If the terminal says npx: command not found, install Node.js 20 or newer, open a new terminal, and run the setup command again. When an update is ready while an Agent is still working, choose Update when idle to let the run finish. Choose Stop runs and update now only when it is safe to cancel the active work.

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Uninstall Rudder

Quit Rudder Desktop and make sure no Agent run is active before removing it.
  1. Remove the portable Desktop app from its default location:
    • macOS: move ~/Applications/Rudder.app to Trash.
    • Windows: remove %LOCALAPPDATA%\\Programs\\Rudder.
    • Linux: remove ~/.local/share/rudder/Rudder.AppImage.
  2. Remove the persistent CLI with npm uninstall --global @rudderhq/cli.
Rudder keeps local workspace and runtime data under ~/.rudder by default. Deleting the Desktop app or CLI does not delete that data. Back up anything you need, then remove that directory separately only when you intend to erase all local Rudder state.