Requirements
Use macOS 13 or later on a Mac with Apple silicon. You need permission to install an application in Applications and to open the project folders you give Kestrel. Desktop includes Local Core; you do not need to configure a separate database or runner for the first local task.
Install the application
- Download the immutable
Kestrel-0.8.6-mac-arm64.dmg. - Download
SHA256SUMS.txtand verify the DMG checksum. - Verify the checksum, open the DMG, and move Kestrel to Applications.
- Open Kestrel from Applications.
Verify the application
macOS should accept the Developer ID signature and notarization. Confirm the application reports 0.8.6. Stop if the checksum, signer, or version does not match the published record.
Upgrade from an earlier signed Desktop
Use Check for Updates for the stable OTA path, or quit the existing application and replace it from the signed DMG. Do not remove its data. The upgrade preserves provider settings, Keychain credentials, projects, sessions, conversations, Mission Control records, and Local Core persistence.
Update Desktop
Kestrel 0.8.6 is the current stable updater target. Read Update Kestrel Desktop before upgrading or restoring an older application.
If the application does not open
Confirm the platform and checksum, reopen the DMG, and inspect the exact Gatekeeper or LaunchServices message. Do not disable macOS security controls globally or delete application data. Continue with Desktop troubleshooting and collect the version, warning, timestamp, and support bundle.