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Below are the requirements needed to install and run GeneXus Next Desktop in a deployment mode that provides a native frontend application on your OS (Windows or Mac ARM), along with the backend and the necessary services to enable interaction between them.

Note: If you’d rather run GeneXus Next Desktop in a browser or you’re using Linux instead of Mac or Windows, see HowTo: Install and run GeneXus Next Desktop Browser App.

GeneXus Next Desktop - Windows Native App

Requirements

This version doesn't use containers. To run it, your system must meet the following prerequisites:

Runtime Frameworks

  • Microsoft .NET 8 Runtime (x64): Required to run the application logic.
  • ASP.NET Core Runtime 8.0 (x64): Required for internal backend services.
    • Note: Ensure you install the x64 architecture.

Database Engine

  • SQL Server: Required to host and manage Knowledge Bases (KBs).
    • SQL Server Express is recommended for local development.
    • The instance must be configured to allow local connections.

Development Requirements (Build)

  • To compile and run applications, you must fulfill the requirements of GeneXus 18 Upgrade 15 (e.g., JDK for Java, .NET SDK for C\#, or Android SDK for mobile).

Download and Install

  • Download the GeneXus Next Desktop Windows Native setup.
  • Run the setup to install the GeneXus Next Desktop Windows Native App.

Run

You only have to run the GeneXus Next Desktop Windows Native App!
 

GeneXus Next Desktop - Mac ARM App

Requirements 

You have to install Rancher Desktop or Docker Desktop.

  • You can use Rancher Desktop for free, while Docker Desktop has a subscription or a free plan. Be sure to read the Docker Desktop license agreement to find out in which cases you can use it for free and when a paid subscription is required.
  • Only one should be installed. If possible, use Docker Desktop; otherwise, use Rancher Desktop. 
  • Configure Rancher or Docker to support containers with 6GB of RAM or more. Further details in How to set container memory in Rancher Desktop.

Download and Install

  • Download the GeneXus Next Desktop setup for Mac ARM.
  • Run the setup to install the native frontend application on your system, as well as the backend and the required services to enable interaction between them.

Run

  • If you're using Rancher Desktop, make sure it is running before starting the GeneXus Next Desktop Mac ARM App.
  • If you're using Docker Desktop, run the GeneXus Next Desktop Mac ARM App. The first time it runs, it will automatically start the containers (and download them if they're not already available). 

Note: You don't need to request a license to run GeneXus Next Desktop or remove licenses from previous GeneXus versions. A GeneXus Account is required to sign in. If you have access issues, see Troubleshooting access issues.

See Also

GeneXus Next Desktop - Troubleshooting for installation and execution

Last update: December 2025 | © GeneXus. All rights reserved. GeneXus Powered by Globant