---
title: Installing the ReadCube (Papers) Desktop Application
description: "To install the Desktop application you will need to have a Mac or Windows computer. Full system requirements can be found [here](https://support.papersapp.com/en/support/solutions/articles/30000038014). [Mac Instructions](https://support.papersapp.com/a/solutions/articles/30000040729?portalId=30000011620#mac) [Windows Instructions](https://support.papersapp.com/a/solutions/articles/30000040729?portalId=30000011620#win) These links are updated with every release. If you require the newest versions just re-download…"
url: "https://about.readcube.com/help-center/installing-the-readcube-papers-desktop-application/"
updated: "2025-01-22"
category: Getting Started
---

# Installing the ReadCube (Papers) Desktop Application

To install the Desktop application you will need to have a Mac or Windows computer. Full system requirements can be found [here](https://support.papersapp.com/en/support/solutions/articles/30000038014).

[Mac Instructions](https://support.papersapp.com/a/solutions/articles/30000040729?portalId=30000011620#mac)

[Windows Instructions](https://support.papersapp.com/a/solutions/articles/30000040729?portalId=30000011620#win)

These links are updated with every release. If you require the newest versions just re-download the above versions again. If an older version is installed it will require an update after launching the application for the first time.

## Mac:

To start you will need to download the application. You can download the latest desktop version of the application by clicking the following link: 

[Mac desktop application](https://download.readcube.com/app/Install%20Papers.zip).

Once downloaded find the .zip in your "Downloads" folder:

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30020300619/original/i-UlQYde96c0xItgli5rzRC_8DdM0MDNUA.png?1590687953)

Double click the zip folder to extract the application:

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30020300648/original/w7yst4T_rubWyj1BSJFNIuUxa45igEWMHg.png?1590687997)

Double click to open the app installer. It will verify that it was downloaded from ReadCube. Click "Open" to continue.

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30020300666/original/PikTSMXxg2d4dL2vYhxfaFdFRzExvBuXBg.png?1590688059)

This will download and install the latest ReadCube. **Note:** Depending on your internet speed this could take a while.

Once ReadCube begins the installation process you will need to give it elevated rights. Enter your computer password and click "OK"

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30020300692/original/ChNWVLt13M7pTa6ykXwqZ9-G8aVdzFz_gQ.png?1590688130)

Once the application has finished installing it should automatically open for you and let you sign in.

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30020300713/original/RVbAGDpAaSI-kU2xJDmSo6nub-gXxzglzA.png?1590688158)

## Windows:

To start you will need to download the application. You can download the latest link application by clicking the following link:[ ](https://download.readcube.com/app/Papers_Setup.exe)

[Windows desktop application](https://download.readcube.com/app/Papers_Setup.exe).

Click the install link to start the installation:

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30020301369/original/cqp0Hql79Bz3TH9GmsndAKgyGQmfdbbpFg.png?1590690096)

Select the type of installation you wish to do. **Note:** "All users" will require administrative rights while "only for me" will not require admin rights.

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30045357367/original/cCnZGTUIoVZvJbZTwF4tIxauuzuCHggFkA.png?1683277175)

Customize the file path for the installation if needed. After click "Install" **Note: **For most users keeping the default path works best. Only change it if you need something changed for legacy programs and applications.

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30045357376/original/7ZADECXJ7pe1KVXJ4ng-AkkKVX2lG81idQ.png?1683277262)

Wait for the app to finish installing. **Note: **This can take some time depending on your computer settings.

Once done you can click "Finish". If you don't want to run ReadCube right away uncheck the "Run ReadCube" checkbox.

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30045357386/original/8LEJKQeK176GPVnxpatDLUWyf_RWVY8gTw.png?1683277354)

Log in to start using the app!

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/30020301508/original/LXp7FgV2EAYHNRiWwhBInGx_l-iHz3OFHQ.png?1590690538)