> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.parallaxprotocol.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Parallax Desktop

> A graphical, one-click way to run a Parallax full node on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

**Parallax Desktop** is the easiest way to run a Parallax node. It is a
native desktop application that embeds a full Parallax node in a single
binary — no terminal required, no separate processes to manage. If you
just want to run a node, mine, and connect a wallet without touching a
command line, start here.

The project lives at [github.com/ParallaxProtocol/parallax-gui](https://github.com/ParallaxProtocol/parallax-gui).

***

## Is this the right option for me?

Use **Parallax Desktop** if you want to:

* Download an installer, double-click, and have a running node.
* See sync progress, peers, blocks, and transactions in a visual dashboard.
* Mine with GPU (pool) or CPU (solo) from a UI, with live hashrate and device detection.
* Add the Parallax network to MetaMask with one click.
* Change settings (cache sizes, peer limits, RPC port) without editing config files.

Use the [**Parallax client CLI**](./setup) if you prefer the terminal, need
to run on a headless server, or want finer control over flags and
scripting.

Both run the same underlying node — you can switch between them at any
time by pointing them at the same data directory.

***

## What's inside

Parallax Desktop bundles an in-process full node and exposes it through
a handful of screens:

* **Client** — sync progress, peer count, uptime, disk usage, latest
  blocks (with miner, reward, size, gas fill) and latest transactions.
* **Mining** — GPU pool mining and CPU solo mining with device
  detection and live stats.
* **Connect** — one-click *Add to MetaMask* button, plus the raw
  network parameters for any other wallet.
* **Peers** — every connected peer, click-to-expand for the full enode
  URL, addresses, capabilities, and per-protocol metadata.
* **Settings** — curated and advanced options (cache sizes, peer
  limits, HTTP-RPC toggle and port, inbound connections). Changes that
  require a node restart are clearly flagged.
* **Logs** — live log tail with level filter, pause/resume, and copy to
  clipboard.

A status indicator in the top bar polls the node every few seconds and
shows *Synced*, *Syncing*, or *Stopped* at a glance.

***

## Installing

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the latest release">
    Visit the [Parallax Desktop releases page](https://github.com/ParallaxProtocol/parallax-gui/releases/latest)
    and download the build for your operating system:

    * **Windows (64-bit)** — `.exe` installer or `.zip` archive
    * **macOS (Apple Silicon)** — `darwin-arm64`
    * **macOS (Intel)** — `darwin-amd64`
    * **Linux (x86\_64)** — `linux-amd64`
    * **Linux (ARM64)** — `linux-arm64`

    Each release includes a `SHA256SUMS.txt` file you can use to verify
    the download.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install">
    * **Windows**: run the installer, or extract the zip and launch
      `Parallax Client.exe`.
    * **macOS**: open the `.dmg` (or extract the archive) and drag
      *Parallax Client* to `/Applications`. The first launch may require
      right-click → *Open* to bypass Gatekeeper for unsigned builds.
    * **Linux**: extract the archive and run the `Parallax Client`
      binary. You may need to mark it executable first
      (`chmod +x "Parallax Client"`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="First-run wizard">
    On first launch, Parallax Desktop asks you to pick:

    * A **data directory** for the blockchain (default location is fine
      for most users).
    * A **sync mode** (*snap* is recommended).
    * An **inbound connections** policy — enabling this helps strengthen
      the network, but is optional.

    After the wizard, the node starts automatically and the **Client**
    dashboard begins showing sync progress.
  </Step>
</Steps>

✨ You're now running a Parallax node with a GUI.

***

## Data directory locations

By default, Parallax Desktop stores chain data in the same places as the
CLI client:

* **Windows**: `%APPDATA%\Parallax` or `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Parallax`
* **macOS**: `~/Library/Parallax`
* **Linux**: `~/.parallax`

GUI-specific configuration (window state, chosen sync mode, etc.) lives
next to it in a `Parallax/gui.json` file under your OS config directory.

***

## Next steps

* [Connect MetaMask](../wallets/metamask) — Parallax Desktop has a
  one-click button on the **Connect** page, but the guide covers manual
  setup for other wallets too.
* [Mining overview](../mining/introduction) — if you want to mine from
  Parallax Desktop, this explains the differences between CPU and GPU
  mining.
* [Parallax client CLI](./setup) — for advanced users who want to run
  the same node from a terminal or on a headless server.