Install

CrossShell is downloaded from its GitHub releases page and runs from the folder you extract it to. Install it on both machines you want to link. For background on install formats, see Installing apps.

Pick the right file

Download from the releases page.

Machine	File
Linux, Intel or AMD	crossshell-<ver>-linux-x64.tar.gz
Linux, ARM	crossshell-<ver>-linux-arm64.tar.gz
Windows 10 or 11, Intel or AMD	crossshell-<ver>-windows-x64.zip
Windows 11 on ARM	crossshell-<ver>-windows-arm64.zip

Not sure which processor you have? On Linux, uname -m prints aarch64 on ARM. On Windows, look under Settings › System › About.

You can check a download against the SHA256SUMS file on the same page.

Linux

1. Extract the archive.

   tar -xzf crossshell-<ver>-linux-x64.tar.gz

2. Open the extracted folder and run the app.

   ./cross_shell

You need the OpenSSH client (ssh and ssh-keygen) and GTK 3, which most desktops already have. Screen sharing uses PipeWire.

Windows

1. Extract the zip.

2. Run cross_shell.exe.

The OpenSSH client ships with Windows. CrossShell can install OpenSSH Server for you during setup. The app needs the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for your processor type.

WARNING

The builds are not code-signed yet. Windows SmartScreen warns on first launch. If Smart App Control is on, it may block cross_shell.exe or the screen-sharing agent crossshell-host.exe; the app tells you when that happens.

Next steps

• Beginner guide
• Pair two machines