# Getting Started With the LoWisa Desktop IDE

> Install the LoWisa IDE on Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu 20.04+, find your way around the welcome screen, and start your first lesson with the tutor, on a learning path or on your own project.

The LoWisa IDE is a full desktop code editor with a live AI tutor built in. The tutor talks with you, opens your files, draws the system on a whiteboard, runs the terminal beside you and checks that you understood. This page gets you from download to your first lesson.

## Install and start

1. **Download the installer.** From the [download section](/#download): a Windows installer (.exe), a macOS package (.dmg) or a Linux AppImage. Supported: Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu 20.04+.
2. **Open LoWisa.** There is no account to create and nothing to sign in to. You land on the welcome screen, which lists everything you can start from.
3. **Take the tour.** New to LoWisa? Click **Meet LoWisa** in the menu bar at the top. A narrated guided tour walks you through every part of the IDE, pointing at each one as it goes.
4. **Activate your plan, if you have one.** If you subscribed, open **Settings** (the gear in the side bar, or Ctrl+,), go to **Subscription**, enter the email you subscribed with and press **Activate Subscription**. You can also press **I already subscribed** when the app offers a plan.
5. **Choose where to start.** Press **Learn with your tutor** to be guided from the beginning, pick a **Structured learning path**, or open your own project.
6. **Press Start Tutor.** The tutor greets you, plans the session and starts teaching. See [Learning with the tutor](/help/ide-tutor/).

Downloading is free, and 20 free credits are awarded once when you first install. With LoWisa Managed you do not need an API key. See [Models and API keys](/help/ide-models-and-keys/).

## The welcome screen

| Section | What is there |
| --- | --- |
| Continue | **Continue your lesson** picks up exactly where you left off; everything is saved |
| Learn | Learn with your tutor, Learn LoWisa itself, Structured learning paths, Generate your own path, Applied mathematics, Mission-led learning |
| Your project | Understand a codebase, Project map, Audit my AI app, Connect a live project, Ship it live |
| Your progress | Understanding Map, Your skill map, Learning journal, My notes, Your learning record |
| Learn together | Classroom: teach a live class or join one with an invite code |
| Switching | Coming from VS Code? Import your settings, theme and keybindings in one click |

You can bring the welcome screen back at any time from **Help → Show Welcome**.

## Try it before installing

You can try the tutor in your browser first at [lowisa.dev/wedge](/wedge): paste a GitHub repo and the tutor reads your real code and talks you through it, with no install and no sign-up.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which operating systems does the LoWisa IDE support?

Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu 20.04+. Windows uses an .exe installer, macOS a .dmg package and Linux an AppImage.

### Do I need an API key to use the LoWisa IDE?

No. LoWisa Managed works without any setup. You can also connect your own provider key if you prefer.

### Do I need to sign in to the LoWisa IDE?

No. There is no sign-in. If you have a subscription, open Settings (the gear in the side bar, or Ctrl+,), go to Subscription, enter the email you subscribed with and press Activate Subscription.

### Is there a tour of the LoWisa IDE?

Yes. Click Meet LoWisa in the menu bar at the top of the IDE for a narrated guided tour of every part of it.

## Download the IDE

Free for Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu 20.04+.

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Source: https://lowisa.dev/help/ide-getting-started/ · Updated 2026-09-27