HeapFile Desktop
Version 4.2.4
HeapFile Desktop includes the local app, its MCP service, client setup, and a tray or menu-bar controller where the operating system supports it.
Install HeapFile
- Windows: Run the signed x64 installer. It installs for the current user only, so no administrator (UAC) prompt is required.
- macOS: Open the notarized HeapFile disk image. In Finder, drag HeapFile to the Applications shortcut, eject the mounted image, then open HeapFile from Applications. The DMG contains the HeapFile app icon and Applications drop target. Opening the app from the mounted image is temporary; it will stop working after the image is ejected.
- Linux: Extract the x64 archive and launch HeapFile from the extracted folder. The archive is verified by its detached Ed25519 signature; it carries no OS code signature.
Each desktop package includes a SHA-256 checksum and detached Ed25519 signature. Sign in to receive short-lived download links.
AI client integrations
The desktop app's setup screen offers Enable VS Code and Enable Visual Studio, and asks before changing either. To connect Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, or another MCP client, follow the client setup steps on the HeapFile download page or in the plain-text install guide. Hook registration does not prove the client restarted or invoked the hook, and workspace trust remains under your control.
The desktop packages do not bundle the VS Code extension. Install HeapFile for VS Code (vtek-innovations.heapfile-vscode) from the Visual Studio Marketplace. The extension makes HeapFile local MCP tools available to VS Code agent mode in trusted workspaces, while the selected agent controls when to call them. Read the VS Code extension license terms.
Desktop behavior and updates
HeapFile runs one desktop controller per local user profile. The first launch opens the dashboard and adds HeapFile to the Windows notification area or macOS menu bar. Repeated launches bring the existing instance forward. Linux currently uses a controller window without a tray icon.
HeapFile checks stable release metadata at startup at most once per day and can show an update notice. Choosing Download and Open Verified Update signs in through HeapFile when needed, downloads the selected platform package, verifies its SHA-256 checksum and detached Ed25519 signature, then opens it using the normal OS flow. On Windows, the per-user installer runs without a UAC prompt. On macOS, drag the verified DMG app to Applications and confirm replacement. Linux opens the verified archive for manual extraction and installation. Mobile apps update through their app stores.
Free downloads and paid services
Signed-in Free and paid HeapFile accounts can download the desktop installers, and the VS Code extension is free on the Marketplace. Installation does not grant hosted paid connectors, managed build services, or team features. The service checks account entitlement before providing paid capabilities.