Desktop app FAQs

Last updated: March 6, 2026

General information

Q: What is the desktop app?

A: The desktop app is a new recording application that allows you to record conversations and meetings directly from your desktop computer. It's currently in beta testing with a select group of users.

Q: How is it different from the mobile app?

A: The mobile app can only record from the microphone in your phone. The desktop app also captures system audio - so it picks up things like other participants in a video call, video playing on the computer, etc.

Q: Where my conversation go after recording?

A: Once you finish recording, your conversation automatically uploads to the cloud via an encrypted connection where transcription and AI processing happen. Your data isn’t stored on your device. Once uploaded, you can edit and create outputs from your conversation in your Contented workspace on your browser, just like with your mobile recordings.

Q: When will the desktop app be available to everyone?

A: Soon. It's currently in beta testing with a small group of trusted users.

Q: Is it available for Mac?

A: It will be. A Mac version is coming, but there's no specific timeline yet. The current beta is focused on Windows to ensure full functionality before expanding to other platforms.

Download and installation

Q: How do I get the desktop app?

A: You'll receive an email with a download link. Click the link; it will take you to your browser. Click the downloads icon and run the downloaded app. As we're a new desktop app, you might get blocked by your security provider. Chat with your IT team for assistance. We have signing certificates and have whitelisted the app with McAfee and Windows Defender.

Q: Do I need special permissions to install the app?

A: Some enterprises have security processes for downloading apps. We have all the necessary security certifications and can provide documentation to your IT team if needed.

Login and setup

Q: How do I log into the desktop app?

A: Use the same email and password you use to log into Contented on your browser or phone.

Q: What permissions does the app need?

A: You need to grant permission for microphone access and system audio recording for the app to function properly.

Using the app

Q: How do I start recording?

A: Click the central microphone icon to begin a new recording. You'll see a recording control appear in the bottom right of your screen. This can be moved around.

Q: Can I pause and resume recordings?

A: Yes, you can hit pause anytime and resume when you're ready either from the recording control or on your desktop app.

Q: How do I stop and save a recording?

A: Click the stop button on either the recording control or the desktop app. You’ll be prompted to name your recording. If you don't enter a name, it will use a default name.

Q: What happens during screen sharing?

A: If you're sharing your entire screen, others will see the recording controls. If you're only sharing a specific tab or window, the controls won't be visible to others.

Features and functionality

Q: Can I delete recordings from the app?

A: Soon. Currently, the trash can feature is not yet active. You can delete a conversation in Contented via web browser.

Q: How long can recordings be?

A: The app supports long recordings. Testing has been done with recordings over an hour long successfully.

Q: What happens if I lose internet connection during recording?

A: The app is designed to handle various scenarios, but specific behaviour during internet outages is still being tested and documented. Let us know if this happens to you.

Q: Does the app auto-save recordings?

A: Not right now, but soon.

Data and security

Q: Where is my recording data stored?

A: Data isn’t stored permanently on the desktop app. Recordings are processed through the web app in Sydney, following the same security protocols as the browser version.

Q: Is two-factor authentication (2FA) available?

A: Not currently, but it is being considered for future updates.

Q: How do I access my recordings?

A: To listen to your recording and create content and insights from your conversations, you'll need to use Contented via web browser.

Updates and support

Q: How do I update the app?

A: Updates happen automatically. When you reopen the app, a popup will show if there's a new update available, and you can choose to update at that time.

Q: What if the app crashes during a recording?

A: Crash recovery procedures are being developed and tested. Contact support@contentedai.com if you experience any crashes during recording.

Q: Who can I contact for technical issues?

A: Reach out to support@contentedai.com or start a chat in your shared channel (Teams or Slack if you have this set-up).