Install and update Vortex
5 minute read · Settings
Vortex is free to use on macOS, Windows and Linux. Download it from the Vortex website, then connect your own coding-agent account. Installer availability can differ between platforms; the download buttons show the builds currently offered.
- Choose your platform
- Install on macOS
- Install on Windows or Linux
- Continue with your saved work
- Check and install an update
Choose your platform
| Computer | Package to choose | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| macOS with Apple silicon or Intel | Universal macOS DMG | One Universal build runs on both Mac processor families. If an available release offers separate Apple Silicon or Intel installers, match the label to your Mac. |
| Windows PC | Windows installer | Use the architecture shown for the published package. Follow the installer and Windows security prompts; do not use an unrelated build to bypass a warning. |
| Ubuntu / Debian x64 | .deb installer (recommended) | Installs through the system package manager and registers Vortex in the desktop launcher, including account links. |
| Other compatible Linux x64 distributions | Portable AppImage | Runs as an application file. It may require FUSE 2 and does not automatically register desktop account links. |
Linux support does not mean that every distribution or processor has a published package. An unavailable download is shown as unavailable; it is not a prompt to use a different operating system's file. Read the version and release notes when deciding whether to install an update.
Install on macOS
Open the downloaded DMG and move Vortex into Applications. Launch it from there. A Universal build supports both Apple silicon and Intel without needing to choose another download. You can check the processor in About This Mac when an architecture-specific package is offered.
Allow only the OS permissions needed for what you use, such as microphone access for dictation. If macOS rejects the application or reports a damaged download, retain the exact message and download it again from the official page. Do not disable system protections or delete your existing Vortex profile as a workaround.
Install on Windows or Linux
On Windows, run the published installer and follow its prompts. Close Vortex when the installer or updater requests it. If installation is denied, record the security message and publisher information and consult the release notes or support.
On Ubuntu/Debian, choose Download .deb for Ubuntu / Debian. Open the file with the package installer, or run sudo apt install ./VORTEXHQ-<version>-linux-x64.deb from its download directory, replacing <version> with the downloaded version. Launch Vortex from the applications menu. This package does not need AppImage's FUSE setup. Package installation can require administrator permission; it is separate from giving a coding agent access to a project.
The separate Download portable AppImage option remains available. Save it in a location you control, enable its executable permission through your file manager and launch it. If it reports a missing FUSE 2 library, use the package appropriate for your distribution; do not copy commands for a different Ubuntu release. You can verify email and reset your password in the browser without registering AppImage as a link handler.
If a Linux dependency or desktop integration is missing, report your distribution, version, display environment and package format with the error. Different packaging methods can have different update behavior; follow the action shown by Vortex or the package manager rather than mixing files from different installations.
Continue with your saved work
Open account sign-in, unlock the Vault and connect an agent in Settings → Integrations. Your login, Vault and coding-agent account are separate. Verify a saved project and connection before making other changes.
For an existing installation, keep the same OS user profile and Vortex account. Your checkout folders remain where you saved them. Let pending local saves finish before updating and keep normal backups of work you cannot replace. Do not move, reset or delete the profile to make an installer succeed. If work appears missing, first check account/Vault state and the selected project folder.
Check and install an update
Automatically check for updates is on by default in Settings → Updates. Vortex checks at startup and every hour while the app remains open. When you return after sleep or time away, it catches up if a check is overdue. You do not need to restart the app or visit Settings to discover a release. Turning the setting off stops scheduled checks; Check for updates remains available manually.
Checks run quietly in the background. A connection failure is retried on a later hourly check. Multiple windows share an in-flight check and automatic checks are limited to one per hour across windows. Checks do not interrupt an update already downloading, being verified or installing, and an available update keeps its header notice.
When a release is available, the header shows Update. This check does not automatically install or restart Vortex. Read the notes in Settings → Updates, then click Update when ready to download, verify and install through the existing flow. Save terminal work first: a local process may need to be restarted even though its project files and conversation remain.
After reopening, confirm the displayed version, unlock the Vault and inspect a project, saved connection and recent chat. A failed integrity check or interrupted download must be investigated, not bypassed. Record the installed version, operating system, architecture, package format and sanitized error for support. Your next step is building a first app or continuing an existing project.