Articles on: Devices And Platforms

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?


Updated on: 07/05/2026

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