Installing DNClient Desktop
DNClient Desktop is an app that brings the power of Managed Nebula to Mac and Windows desktop computers. This guide will cover how to download, install, and set up DNClient Desktop for Mac and Windows computers.
You must have an administrator user account on your computer in order to install DNClient Desktop. Any Managed Nebula networks you connect to will be available for all users of the computer.
Download
To download the app, visit www.defined.net/downloads, then chose the correct platform (Mac, Windows ARM Desktop, or Windows AMD Desktop).
macOS
DNClient Desktop is supported in macOS 13 (Ventura) and above.
Migration from DNClient Server
If you were previously using DNClient Server, you will need to uninstall it before installing DNClient Desktop and re-enrolling your host.
Installation
- Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the
DNClient-Desktop.dmgfile, and open it. - Drag the icon for DNClient Desktop into the shortcut for Applications.
- After that, you'll be able to open DNClient Desktop like any other app on your computer (from spotlight, launchpad, the Applications folder in finder, etc).
The first time you launch the app, you will be guided through the process of allowing the program to run in the background at startup. This is necessary in order for DNClient Desktop to function correctly—to be able to spawn DNClient connections. After you click the "Get started" button, you will receive a notification that a background item has been added. Hover the notification and click Options -> Allow, then enter your password.
Enrollment
After the app is installed, you will be able to enroll your computer into your Managed Nebula network. A host will first need to be created in your Managed Nebula account by a Managed Nebula administrator. An enrollment code will be provided, which will need to be entered into DNClient Desktop in order to enroll it into the Managed Nebula network.
To enroll into a network:
- Click the DNClient Desktop menu icon at the top of your screen, and select "Enroll device" from the menu.
- Paste the enrollment code into the window that appears, and click the button labeled "Enroll device."
The network will be connected upon enrollment, and will automatically reconnect each time the app is started. If you would like to disconnect the network or prevent it from connecting when the app starts, you can find those options in the DNClient Desktop application menu.
Troubleshooting
Detailed instructions for viewing logs can be found in the Viewing DNClient Logs Guide.
Windows
DNClient Desktop is supported in Windows 10 / Windows Server 2016 (build 10240) and above.
Migration from DNClient Server
If you were previously using DNClient Server, you will need to uninstall it before installing DNClient Desktop and re-enrolling your host.
Installation
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the DNClient-Desktop.msi file, and open it. You will be walked through the installation. Continue to follow the prompts, allowing the app to make changes to your computer when requested.
After installing, launch the DNClient Desktop app. No window will appear, but a status icon will be added to your taskbar (it might be hidden).
Enrollment
After the app is installed, you will be able to enroll your computer into your Managed Nebula network. A host will first need to be created in your Managed Nebula account by a Managed Nebula administrator. An enrollment code will be provided, which will need to be entered into DNClient Desktop in order to enroll it into the Managed Nebula network.
To enroll into a network:
- Click the DNClient Desktop status icon in your taskbar, and select "Enroll device" from the menu.
- Paste the enrollment code into the window that appears, and click the button labeled "Enroll device."
The network will be connected upon enrollment, and will automatically reconnect each time the app is started. If you would like to disconnect the network or prevent it from connecting when the app starts, you can find those options in the DNClient Desktop taskbar menu.
Troubleshooting
Detailed instructions for viewing logs can be found in the Viewing DNClient Logs Guide.