The Hero desktop app gives you everything in the web app — threads, chat, workspaces, voice, and settings — plus things only a native app can do: a presence in your menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows) that's always one click away, automatic call detection, and the option to take notes on calls without adding a visible bot (see Recording modes).
System requirements
macOS
Apple Silicon (M-series) Mac
macOS 14.4 or later
Intel Macs aren't supported. macOS 14.4 is required because Hero captures meeting audio using a newer macOS audio feature.
Windows
A 64-bit (x64) Windows PC
Windows 11
Windows on ARM devices isn't supported.
You also need an internet connection — the desktop app does not work offline.
Download and install
macOS
Go to the Hero download page at meethero.ai/download.
Download the Mac installer (.dmg).
Open the downloaded file and drag Hero into your Applications folder.
Open Hero from Applications (or Spotlight).
Sign in and complete setup — see Set Up the Desktop App.
Windows
Download the Windows installer from updates.meethero.ai/download/win. The file is named Hero Setup followed by the version number.
Open the downloaded file. If Windows shows a Windows protected your PC message, choose More info, then Run anyway. The installer is signed by Vivun; this message can appear for newly released apps while Windows builds up its reputation for them.
Follow the installer. You can keep the suggested install folder or choose another one.
Open Hero from the Start menu.
Sign in and complete setup — see Set Up the Desktop App.
To uninstall Hero on Windows, go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find Hero, and choose Uninstall. Your threads, workspaces and settings are saved to your account, so nothing is lost if you install again.
Automatic updates
Hero keeps itself up to date on both macOS and Windows — you don't need to download new versions manually.
Hero checks for updates when it starts and periodically while it's running.
When an update is ready, you'll see a notification that it will install the next time you restart Hero.
Updates install on quit/restart, so they never interrupt a call.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need the web app?
No. The desktop app includes the full web experience. You can use either, or both — you can be signed in on desktop and web at the same time, and your threads and workspaces stay in sync.
Is the desktop app a different product?
No. It's the same Hero, with desktop-only extras (menu bar or system tray, call detection, Notetaker mode).
Is the Windows app the same as the Mac app?
Almost entirely. Call detection, Notetaker and Call Participant recording, the floating call indicator, notifications and automatic updates all work the same way. The differences are small: setup asks only for microphone access on Windows, Hero lives in the system tray instead of the menu bar, and a few menu items are in different places. See Set Up the Desktop App and Desktop Settings & Notifications.
How big is the download / how much space does it use?
The app is a standard desktop application install. Updates download only the changed parts, so they're small.
How can I see what version of the desktop I am on?
Mac: select Hero > About Hero from your Mac menu.
Windows: select Help > About in the Hero window.
A pop-up appears with your current Hero version number.
How do I see if there are updates available/force an update?
Mac: select Hero > Check for Updates from your Mac menu.
Windows: select Help > Check for Updates in the Hero window.
On either platform you can also choose Check for updates from Hero's menu bar or system tray menu.