Deskthru puts your computer's desktop right inside your browser tab. See every file, folder and app on it and open any of them with a double-click, without minimizing a single window. It's the quickest way back to your stuff when you live in the browser.

Launch the App How to Set Up

Free · Windows, macOS & Linux · Chrome, Edge & Firefox

Set up in a minute

A web page can't see your computer on its own, so Deskthru uses a tiny helper called the agent. It runs on your machine, shows your desktop to this site in your own browser, and opens what you click. Your files never leave your computer.

  1. 1

    Install Node.js

    The agent runs on Node.js, which is free. Already have it? Skip this step.

    Get Node.js from nodejs.org ↗
  2. 2

    Download the agent

    Read the short agreement, allow access, and save agent.js to your Downloads folder.

  3. 3

    Run it

    Open PowerShell and run:

    node "$HOME\Downloads\agent.js"

    Type y to allow access, then keep that window open.

  4. 4

    Launch Deskthru

    Open the app and it links to your desktop on its own. If Chrome asks to let this site reach devices on your local network, choose Allow.

    Launch the App →

Stop the agent any time by closing its window or pressing Ctrl+C. Run node agent.js --revoke to withdraw permission. Safari isn't supported yet.

Deskthru Agent · User Agreement

What the agent does

The Deskthru agent (agent.js) is a small program that runs on your own computer while its window is open. When you allow it, it:

  • reads the list of items on your desktop: their names, types, icons and preview images;
  • reads how many items are in your Recycle Bin or Trash;
  • opens a desktop item, or shows it in its folder, when you click it in Deskthru.

What it doesn't do

  • It doesn't upload anything. Your file names and previews go straight from your computer to your browser tab and never pass through Deskthru's servers.
  • It doesn't change, move or delete files, and it doesn't read the contents of your files beyond what's needed to draw a preview.
  • It only answers this website and only listens on your own computer (127.0.0.1), so other websites and other devices can't use it.

You stay in control

  • The agent asks for your permission again on your computer the first time it runs.
  • Close its window or press Ctrl+C to stop it. Run node agent.js --revoke to withdraw permission, and delete agent.js to remove it completely.

No warranty

Deskthru is provided as is, without warranty of any kind. Opening a file through Deskthru is the same as opening it on your desktop, so only open files you trust.

Permissions