Install Radio Bench

Download Radio Bench only from the Radio Bench download page. The download page has the current installers.

See Check supported hardware for the supported computers and SDR devices.

macOS

Radio Bench 1.0 supports Macs with Apple silicon.

1. Open the downloaded disk image.
2. Drag Radio Bench into the Applications folder.
3. Open Radio Bench from Applications.

The macOS package is signed and notarized. macOS can ask you to confirm the first launch of a downloaded application. Confirm that the application name is Radio Bench before you continue.

macOS asks for microphone permission the first time Radio Bench opens an audio input. Allow it if you use a microphone or rig USB audio.

Windows

1. Open the downloaded installer.
2. Follow the installation prompts.
3. Open Radio Bench from the Start menu.

An RTL-SDR needs a separate WinUSB driver. Complete the RTL-SDR setup before you connect that device.

If Windows shows a SmartScreen warning

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen can warn about an app it does not recognise yet, even when the app is digitally signed. The Radio Bench Windows installer is signed by DOFTI PTY LTD.

If Windows says "Windows protected your PC":

1. Make sure you downloaded the installer from the Radio Bench download page.
2. Select More info and check that Publisher is DOFTI PTY LTD.
3. If the publisher matches, select Run anyway to start the installer.

Do not continue if the publisher is missing or different, or if Windows reports malware or an invalid signature. If Windows shows a different message or does not let you continue, contact support with the exact message and the installer version.

Linux

1. Download the 64-bit (x86_64) AppImage.
2. Make the AppImage executable in your file manager or terminal.
3. Open the AppImage.

Your user account needs permission to access USB SDR hardware. See the source guide for your device if it does not appear.

For a terminal launch, replace the filename below with your downloaded AppImage:

chmod +x ./Radio-Bench.AppImage
./Radio-Bench.AppImage

If launch fails, keep the terminal error for support. Confirm x86_64 compatibility before changing USB permissions.

Saved callsign-lookup passwords use the desktop keyring through the Secret Service interface. GNOME Keyring and KWallet provide it on most desktops.

Continue after installation

Open the installed copy, then start a trial or activate your purchase. Continue with your first receive session.

If macOS or Windows refuses to launch the app, download a fresh installer from Radio Bench and retain the exact message. Do not disable operating-system security globally. Include the message and package version when contacting support.

Update an installation

Use Check now in Settings > General > UPDATES, or install a newer release over the existing application. Radio Bench keeps application settings and QSO data in its data folders.

Read updates and version notes before you install a new release family.

Remove Radio Bench

1. Export your logbook to ADIF, or copy the logbook file, if you want to keep your contacts. Copy recordings that you want to keep.
2. If the computer uses a paid license seat, open Settings > License and select Deactivate this computer. After deactivation, you cannot export from the workspace.
3. Close Radio Bench, then remove the application.

Removing the application keeps your settings, logbooks, and recordings. To remove them too, delete the folders in Find and back up your data.