> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://helping.alive-pic.com/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Windows Desktop App ALIVE now runs on Windows. The Windows desktop app brings the full ALIVE photobooth experience to your PC — designed specifically to work with DSLR cameras and professional hardware setups. --- ## What Is It? The **ALIVE Windows App** is the same ALIVE you know from iOS — but running natively on Windows. If you're using a DSLR camera, a Windows touchscreen, or any PC-based booth setup, this is for you. Everything you can do on the iPad app, you can do on Windows: * **Photo and video capture** with DSLR and external cameras * **AI effects** — the full library of 200+ effects * **Alive Effect** — AR video recording * **Printing** — connect to printers directly or through Magic Print * **Sharing** — QR code, SMS, email, and native share * **Templates** — all your templates, applied automatically * **Events** — create, configure, and go live --- ## Why Windows? DSLR cameras are a big draw — and they work on both iPad and Windows. But Windows gives you even more flexibility for professional setups. Many booth operators prefer the image quality of a Canon, Sony, or Nikon DSLR. Both the iPad app and the Windows app connect directly to your DSLR, giving you that crisp, magazine-quality look. Windows takes it further with: * **More hardware options** — Use any Windows tablet, laptop, or touchscreen display * **Larger screens** — Connect to 24", 32", or even bigger touchscreen monitors * **More flexibility** — Build the exact booth setup you want with off-the-shelf hardware --- ## Getting Started ### Download 1. Log in to your **web dashboard** 2. Go to **Resources** 3. Download the **Windows Desktop App** installer 4. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard ### System Requirements * **OS** — Windows 10 or later (64-bit) * **RAM** — 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended * **Storage** — 500 MB for the app, plus space for photos * **Internet** — Required for AI effects and cloud sync * **Camera** — Built-in webcam, USB camera, or supported DSLR --- ## Connecting a DSLR Camera The Windows app supports DSLR cameras from major brands: 1. Connect your camera to your PC via USB 2. Set the camera to **tethered shooting** mode (check your camera's manual) 3. Open the ALIVE app — it will detect the camera automatically 4. Select the DSLR from the camera selection screen | For best results, keep your camera plugged in to power during events. Tethered shooting drains batteries faster than normal use. --- ## Key Differences from iOS | Feature | iOS App | Windows App | |---|---|---| | **Camera** | Built-in iPad camera | DSLR, webcam, or external camera | | **Touch** | Native touch support | Touchscreen or mouse/keyboard | | **Printing** | Wi-Fi/AirPrint | Direct USB or network printers | | **Updates** | App Store | Auto-updates via the app | | **Form factor** | Tablet | Desktop, laptop, or touchscreen | The feature set is identical — the only difference is the hardware you connect to. --- ## Auto-Updates The Windows app includes **auto-updates**. When a new version is available, the app will notify you and update automatically. No need to manually download new versions. --- ## Tips * **Test your DSLR connection before events** — Make sure tethered shooting works smoothly with your specific camera model * **Use a touchscreen monitor** — It gives guests the same intuitive tap-to-start experience as an iPad * **Keep the app updated** — Auto-updates ensure you always have the latest features and bug fixes * **Run a test event** — Set up a test event and capture a few photos to make sure everything works: camera, printer, sharing, and effects --- ## What's Next? * [App vs Web Dashboard — What You Can Do Where](/en/article/app-vs-web-dashboard) * [DSLR Camera Integration](/en/article/dslr-camera-integration) * [Recommended Devices](/en/article/recommended-devices)