Desktop App Guide

App Setup Guide

Download the Windows desktop app, open it safely, connect the controller, and confirm the app can talk to the hardware before you move on to flashing or settings changes.

Download Desktop App Setup Overview Back to App Guides

Before You Start

A few quick checks will make the first app connection smoother.

What You Need

  • A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
  • The latest desktop app release.
  • A USB-C cable that supports data transfer.
  • A Pop-up Controller V10.

Quick Notes

  • A charge-only USB-C cable will not work.
  • Windows SmartScreen may warn you because the app is not code-signed.
  • If that warning appears, use More info and then Run anyway.

Setup Overview

Follow these steps to get the app ready and confirm the controller is detected.

1

Download the app

Get the latest desktop app release from GitHub.

 2

Extract the files

Unpack the downloaded zip file before opening the app.

 3

Open the extracted .exe

Launch the app and continue past SmartScreen if Windows warns you.

 4

Connect the controller

Use a USB-C data cable to connect the controller to your PC.

 5

Find and connect

Ask the app to find the controller and then open the connection.

 6

Confirm detection

Check that the controller information appears after the connection succeeds.

Detailed Setup

Complete the steps below in order for a first-time desktop app setup.

1

Download the app

Open the desktop app releases page and download the latest release package.

GitHub release page with the desktop app zip package highlighted.
Download the latest desktop app zip package from the release page.
2

Extract the files

Extract the downloaded release before opening the .exe file.

Downloaded desktop app zip file shown in Windows Explorer.
Extract the downloaded zip file before you try to launch the app.
3

Open the extracted .exe

Open the extracted .exe file.

Desktop app executable inside the extracted folder.
Run the app from the extracted folder.

Note

Windows SmartScreen or antivirus software may warn you about the app because it is not code-signed. If Windows shows the protection warning, click More info and then Run anyway.

Windows SmartScreen warning shown before the extra launch option is revealed.
Start with More info.
Windows SmartScreen warning with the Run anyway option visible.
Then click Run anyway.

The SmartScreen flow only needs two clicks to continue.

Desktop app main window before connecting to the controller.
The desktop app should open to the main controller screen.
4

Connect the controller

Connect your controller to your computer.

You can connect the controller directly to your PC or while it is installed in the car.

Use a USB-C cable that supports data transfer. A charge-only cable will not work.

5

Find and connect to the controller

Open the desktop app and click Find controller.

Once the controller is found, click Connect.

Desktop app with the Find controller step highlighted.
Search for the controller first, then connect once the app makes the button available.
6

Confirm the controller information appears

Wait a few seconds for the app to detect the controller and update the device information.

Desktop app after the controller has connected successfully.
The connected view should show controller information and make the live sections available.

If the Controller Is Not Detected

Most connection problems come down to the cable, the USB port, or the serial driver.

Quick checks

  • Check that the USB-C cable supports data transfer.
  • Reconnect the controller and try Find controller again.
  • Close and reopen the app, then try again.
  • Try different USB ports on your PC.
  • As a last resort, try installing the CH340 drivers.