Installing Swiftask desktop

Written By Stanislas

Last updated 5 days ago

Install the Swiftask desktop application to start recording, transcribing, and analyzing your meetings with AI assistance. The desktop app detects when conversations start on your computer and automatically begins recording.

Overview

The Swiftask desktop application is required to record meetings on your computer. It runs in the background, detects when you're in a conversation (on Zoom, Teams, Meet, or other platforms), and begins recording and transcribing. After installation, you'll log in to your Swiftask account and be ready to record your first meeting.

Prerequisites

Before you install the desktop application, you need:

  • A Swiftask account (sign up at swiftask.ai)

  • A computer running Windows or Mac OS

  • A microphone on your device (built-in or external)

  • Administrator access to install software on your computer

  • Microphone permissions enabled in your operating system (you'll grant these during setup)

Step-by-step guide

Scenario 1: You already have meetings in your workspace

If you have existing meeting records but the desktop app is not yet installed, you'll see a Download button in the top right corner of the Meetings section.

Step 1: Open the Meetings section

Click Meetings in the left sidebar of Swiftask. You'll see your meeting library.

Screenshot: Meetings interface with Download button in top right

Step 2: Click the Download button

In the top right corner, click the red Download button. Your browser will download the Swiftask desktop installer file.

Step 3: Run the installer

Once the download completes, open your Downloads folder and locate the installer file (named swiftask-1.0.11-x64-prod.msi on Windows or the equivalent on Mac).

Double-click the installer file to begin the installation process.

Screenshot: Downloaded installer file

Step 4: Complete the installation

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. The installer will:

  • Extract files to your computer

  • Create a shortcut on your desktop or applications menu

  • Request any necessary permissions

When installation finishes, you'll be redirected to the Swiftask login screen.

Step 5: Log in to your account

Enter your Swiftask credentials to log in. Once authenticated, the desktop app will launch and be ready to use.

Step 6: Start recording meetings

Navigate to the Meetings section in the app and click Record Meeting to start capturing your first conversation.

Scenario 2: Fresh start with no meetings yet

If you're starting fresh or have no meetings in your workspace, you'll see an empty state screen when you first open the Meetings section.

Step 1: Open the Meetings section

Click Meetings in the left sidebar. You'll see the message: "Your meetings are waiting for you."

Screenshot: Empty Meetings state with Open desktop application button

Step 2: Click Open desktop application

On the empty state screen, click the red Open desktop application button. This will either:

  • Launch the app if it's already installed on your computer, or

  • Prompt you to download and install it if it's not yet installed

Step 3: Download the installer (if needed)

If the app isn't installed, you'll see a download prompt. Click Download and follow the same installation steps as Scenario 1 (Steps 3–6 above).

Step 4: Log in and start recording

Once the app is installed and you're logged in, you're ready to record. Go to the Meetings section and click Record Meeting.

What happens during installation

During the installation process, the Swiftask desktop app will:

  • Install to your Applications folder (Mac) or Program Files (Windows)

  • Create a system icon or menu shortcut for quick access

  • Request microphone access permissions from your operating system

  • Request any other system permissions needed for automatic meeting detection

Troubleshooting

Download button doesn't appear

Cause: The desktop app may already be installed on your computer.

Solution:

  • Check your Applications folder (Mac) or Program Files (Windows) for Swiftask

  • If installed, open the app and verify you're logged in

  • If the app is installed but you don't see the Download button, refresh your browser

Installation fails or gets stuck

Cause: Insufficient permissions, antivirus software blocking the installer, or corrupted download.

Solution:

  • Run the installer as Administrator (Windows) or with your admin password (Mac)

  • Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation

  • Delete the downloaded file and download it again

  • Restart your computer and try again

App won't launch after installation

Cause: Installation incomplete, corrupted files, or system incompatibility.

Solution:

  • Uninstall the app completely and reinstall it

  • Ensure your operating system is up to date

  • Check that your computer meets minimum system requirements (Windows 10+ or macOS 10.14+)

  • Contact Swiftask support if the problem persists

Next steps

Once the desktop app is installed and you're logged in:

  1. Record your first meeting – Go to the Meetings section and click Record Meeting

  2. Learn about transcription – Read the Meeting transcription guide to understand how transcripts are created

  3. Explore meeting features – Check out the AI-assisted meetings guide to see what you can do with your recordings

Additional resources

  • AI-assisted meetings – Overview of recording, transcription, and analysis features

  • Record meeting – Step-by-step guide to starting your first recording

  • Meeting transcription – Detailed guide to transcription features and options

  • Quick interface tour – Learn how to navigate the Meetings section

Ready to record your first meeting? Install the desktop app now and start capturing conversations with AI-powered transcription.