Element on the computer

For: everyone

On a computer you have two options. Both work the same way and show the same chats.

• In the browser: nothing to install. Open https://element. followed by your server address, for example https://element.8e43f5db6a.matrixhost.eu. It is already set up for your server.
• Desktop app: Element for Windows, macOS or Linux. It runs in its own window and can start with your computer.

Before you start

• Your username and password.
• Your server address, for example 8e43f5db6a.matrixhost.eu.

Install the desktop app

1. Go to element.io/download.
2. Download Element for your system and install it.
3. Open Element and click Sign in.
4. Next to the server name (it says matrix.org at first), click Edit.
5. Enter your server address, for example 8e43f5db6a.matrixhost.eu, and click Continue.
6. Enter your username (for example marco) and your password.
7. Click Sign in.
8. Confirm it's you with another device or your recovery key. See Verify a new phone or computer.

Good to know

• If your company uses a custom domain, you can use that address instead, for example chat.acme.com.
• Voice and video calls with screen sharing work in the browser and in the desktop app. See Voice and video calls.
• Signing in with your email address doesn't work. Always use your username.
• On a shared computer, sign out when you're done. See See and sign out your sessions.

If something goes wrong

• "Invalid username or password": check the username and password, or ask the owner to reset your password.
• "Cannot reach homeserver": check the server address.

Related

• Use Element on your phone
• Use Element on several devices
• Which app should I use?