Download and install Descript

Descript is available as a desktop app for macOS and Windows.

Once installed, Descript keeps itself up to date. The app checks for updates while running and downloads them in the background. The next time you open Descript, the update applies automatically.

We also have a web version at web.descript.com, where you can create and collaborate from your web browser. Learn more about Descript for Web.

This article covers:

Install the app

Install Descript for macOS

  1. Download the Descript installer for Mac.
  2. Once the .zip file finishes downloading, click to unpack it.
  3. Drag the extracted Descript application to your Applications folder.
    Descript app being dragged to the Applications folder
  4. Double-click the app to launch. If prompted to confirm opening the file, click Open.
    Confirm open dialog on macOS
  5. Once open, sign in or create an account to start using Descript.

Install Descript for Windows

  1. Download the Descript installer for Windows.

  2. Once the .zip file finishes downloading, click to unpack it, then double-click the installer to launch and begin installation.

    Don't interrupt the installer

    Installation can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours depending on your internet speed. If it looks like the installer has stalled partway through, leave it alone until the download finishes.

  3. Once the download is complete, sign in or create an account to start using Descript.

Troubleshooting

Download stalls halfway through installation

Descript first downloads a lightweight installer package. That installer then downloads the larger Descript editor package, which can take longer.

To fix this:

  • Leave the installer open until the download completes.
  • Avoid restarting your computer or closing the installer while it is downloading.
  • If Descript cannot fully download after several hours, contact Descript Support or reply to your open support request.

Descript installs successfully but fails to load

If the app installs but does not load, check your operating system setup and install location.

Mac users

  • Download Descript from the Mac download link.
  • Double-click the downloaded file to open it.
  • Drag the Descript application into your Applications folder.
  • If your account does not have administrative privileges, drag the app to your desktop or another folder where you have write access.

Windows users

  • Download Descript from the Windows download link.
  • Make sure your Windows user account has administrative access.
  • If you’re still having trouble installing, try disabling your antivirus software while installing Descript.

Descript launches when I start my computer

By default, Descript opens automatically when you sign in to your computer. This keeps the menu bar on Mac or taskbar on Windows Screen Recorder available whenever you need it.

To turn it off, open the Screen Recorder and disable Launch at login in its settings.

Disable Launch at login on macOS

  1. Click the Descript icon in your menu bar.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Turn off Launch at login.

Launch at login toggle in Descript Screen Recorder settings on macOS

Disable Launch at login on Windows

  1. Click the Descript icon in your taskbar. You may need to click the arrow to Show hidden icons.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Turn off Launch at login.

Launch at login toggle in Descript Screen Recorder settings on Windows