Installation & Updating Fixes

PiecesOS and the Pieces Desktop App can be downloaded using several installation methods, and they can be updated differently depending on the method used.

You can also find information below on how to determine the CPU architecture and OS version of your Apple device.

Manual Installation Methods

If you're having trouble installing PiecesOS or the Pieces Desktop App, you can manually install both software by downloading the standalone .dmg files or using terminal commands, instead of the recommended .pkg method.

If you’re not sure which `.dmg` you need based on your device’s CPU, [click here.](/products/desktop/troubleshooting/macos#checking-cpu-type) *macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or higher* *macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or higher* You can also install PiecesOS manually using Homebrew from your device’s terminal.

To do so:

  1. Ensure Homebrew is installed on your system.

  2. Run brew install --cask pieces-os in your terminal to install the Pieces Homebrew package.

Versions & Updates

Many issues can stem from out-of-date plugins, extensions, PiecesOS, or the desktop app itself.

Updating the Pieces Desktop App

Update the Pieces Desktop App on macOS by clicking the User Icon next to the search bar at the top of the Pieces Desktop Window. Then, click Check for Desktop App Updates or Check for PiecesOS Updates.

To check the Pieces Desktop App for updates on macOS:

Use the **Search** option or locate the Pieces Desktop App within your *Applications* folder Click the `User Icon` to the right of the **Search Bar** at the top of the main app view Click the `Check for Desktop App Updates` option

You can also click Check for PiecesOS Updates as an alternative to doing so in from the PiecesOS system window in your taskbar.

Common Installation Issues

Common installation issues on Apple devices include having an outdated OS version or choosing the wrong installation package.

Checking OS Version

Pieces applications need at least macOS 13.0 (Ventura). If you're having installation problems, first check that your OS version is up-to-date.

To determine your Apple device’s version of macOS:

Click the `Apple Icon` in the top-left corner of your screen Select `About This Mac` Under your device name (i.e. MacBook Air), look for the last line on the list, titled **macOS** 
<Image src="https://storage.googleapis.com/hashnode_product_documentation_assets/meet_pieces_assets/meet_pieces/troubleshooting/macos/macos_checking_about_mac.gif" alt="" align="center" fullwidth="true" />

Checking CPU Type

Intel and Apple Silicon (ARM) devices run on entirely separate CPU architectures, so downloading the wrong package for your Apple device can cause Pieces Desktop to be rendered useless.

To determine what CPU architecture your Apple device utilizes:

Click the `Apple Icon` in the top-left corner of your screen. Select `About This Mac`, and look for the **Overview section.** The first line will contain your CPU type: 
* **Apple Silicon / ARM:** You will see an M-Series processor (i.e., Apple M3)

* **Intel:** You will see an Intel processor (i.e., 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7)

Once you’ve determined your CPU architecture, [download the correct installation package accordingly.](/products/desktop/troubleshooting/macos#alternative-installation-methods)

Restart & Retry

If the installation fails because your macOS version is outdated or you installed the wrong package for your device's architecture, restart your machine and try the installation again from the beginning.

If the problem persists, please open a GitHub issue for further assistance, or book a call with our engineers.