Desktop App Installation

Desktop App Installation Guide

📍 To access Installation Guides, go to: More > Desktop App Settings > Downloads

Overview

To send messages using the desktop app takeover feature, you must first download and install the RedFlag Alerts Desktop App on your devices. We offer guidance on multiple installation methods to ensure a seamless deployment experience, including manual installs, silent installs, and Microsoft Intune deployment.

🛡️ Note: For more information, see Desktop App Downloads.

Desktop Key

Each RedFlag location has a unique Desktop Key required during installation. This key is automatically inserted into the installation guides located at More > Desktops > Downloads.

You can also find it in More > Location Details > Settings under Additional Features > Desktop App.

🛡️ Note: The desktop key shown in the examples below is for demonstration only. Replace xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx with your location’s actual Desktop Key.

Windows Installation

Manual Install (Single Device)

1. Download the latest .msi package.
2. Double-click the installer and follow the prompts.
3. When prompted, enter your location’s Desktop Key to activate the app.

If the activation window is closed before entry:

• Locate the app in the tray or app drawer.
• Click Activate and input the Desktop Key.

Silent Install (Multiple Devices)

For automated deployments using a third-party tool:

1. Download the .msi package.
2. Execute the following command from the command line or within a deployment script:

msiexec /i "RedFlag Alerts 1.0.1.msi" KEY=xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx /quiet /passive

Optional Parameters:

• KEY=... – Activates the install for the correct RedFlag location.
• CREATE_DESKTOP_SHORTCUT=NO – Prevents desktop shortcut creation.
• DISABLE_KEEP_AWAKE_ALERTS=YES – Allows PCs to sleep/lock during alerts.
• /quiet – No user interaction.
• /passive – Displays only a progress bar.

🛡️ Note: If deployed remotely, a device restart or manual app launch may be required to complete setup.

Windows Intune Installation

Win32 App Deployment

Prerequisites:

• Windows 10 version 1607+ (Enterprise, Pro, or Education)
• Devices must be joined to Microsoft Entra ID and enrolled in Intune.

Steps:

1. Use the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool to create a .intunewin package from the .msi.
2. In Intune:
   • Go to Apps > Add App
   • Choose Windows app (Win32)
   • Upload the .intunewin file.
   • Set required info (name, description, etc.).
   • Add the following command-line arguments:
   • Assign the app to the desired device groups.
   • Deploy and restart devices if necessary.

Line-of-Business (LOB) App Deployment

Steps:

1. In Intune:
   • Go to Apps > Add App
   • Choose Line-of-business app
   • Upload the .msi package.
   • Add the following installation arguments:
   • Assign to groups and configure deployment settings.
   • Click Create and restart devices as needed.

🛡️ Note: Avoid mixing LOB and Win32 apps during Autopilot enrollment, as both use the Trusted Installer and may conflict.

Mac Installation

Command Line Activation

After deploying the app to macOS devices, activate it using the following terminal command:

/Applications/RedFlag\ Alerts.app/Contents/MacOS/RedFlag\ Alerts --key=xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx

Once activated, the app will auto-start on the next login.

Troubleshooting

If the desktop app has been installed but the desktop displays as “Offline” in the platform — and the desktop client itself is not showing as connected — this may indicate that the desktop client’s connection attempts are being blocked.

Based on this behavior, the issue could be related to a firewall or network security setting incorrectly flagging long-running connections as a potential threat.

To help resolve this issue:

1. Check your network or firewall configuration.
2. Whitelist the following servers to ensure the desktop client can communicate successfully:
   • desktop-1.redflaghub.com
   • desktop-2.redflaghub.com
   • desktop-3.redflaghub.com
   • desktop-4.redflaghub.com
3. Once these have been whitelisted, try reconnecting the desktop client.
4. If the issue persists, please contact RedFlag Support for further assistance.