peerspeak/packaging/windows/INSTALL.md

PeerSpeak — how to install and join a call (Windows)

PeerSpeak is a little voice-chat app — like a private phone call over the internet, with no account, no signup, and no company in the middle. You install it once, then you and I connect directly to each other.

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1. Install it

1. Double-click peerspeak-<version>-setup.exe (the file I sent you).

2. Windows will probably show a blue "Windows protected your PC" warning. This is normal — it shows up for any app that isn't from a big company with a paid certificate. It is not a virus warning.

   • Click More info
   • Then click Run anyway

3. Windows will ask "Do you want to allow this app to make changes?" — click Yes.

4. The setup window opens. Just keep clicking Next. Two checkboxes you'll see along the way:

   • "Allow PeerSpeak and PixelPass through Windows Firewall" — leave this checked (it lets calls and incoming screen shares connect without interruptions).
   • "Create a desktop shortcut" — check it if you'd like an icon on your desktop.

5. Click Install, then Finish. PeerSpeak opens.

That's it — it's installed. You can find it again any time from the Start menu (search "PeerSpeak").

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2. Get on a call with me

PeerSpeak connects two people using a room ticket — a long code that acts like a one-time phone number for a specific call.

The simple way (I host):

1. I'll create a room and send you a ticket (a long jumble of letters and numbers).
2. Copy the whole ticket I sent you.
3. In PeerSpeak, paste it into the "Join Room" box near the bottom and press Join.
4. You're in — you should see both our names listed, and we can talk.

If you want to host instead:

1. Type a room name and click Create New Room.
2. PeerSpeak gives you a ticket — click Copy Ticket and send it to me.
3. I paste it on my end and join you.

Either way works the same; it just depends on who makes the room.

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3. While you're on a call

• Your microphone is on by default. There's a mute button if you need it.
• The first time, Windows might ask for permission to use your microphone — click Yes / Allow.
• If you can't hear me or I can't hear you, open Settings (top right) and check that the right microphone and speakers/headphones are selected.
• To hang up, click Leave Room.

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4. Watching a shared screen

This Windows build can watch a screen shared by someone using PeerSpeak on Linux. Install VLC (or mpv) first. When someone starts sharing, click Watch next to their name; the shared desktop opens in the player.

Starting your own screen share from Windows is not available yet. The Windows build labels that control Sharing unavailable while keeping Watch enabled.

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5. Chatting and sharing photos/files

There's a text chat box at the bottom of the call window — type a message and press Enter to send it to everyone in the room.

You can also send a photo or a file:

1. Click the attach button (the small paperclip-style button) next to the message box.
2. Pick a photo or file from your computer.
3. It sends to everyone in the room. Photos show up right in the chat; other files appear as a small download chip with the file's name.

To save a file someone sent you, click the Save (or Download) button next to it in the chat and choose where to put it.

A couple of notes:

• There's a size limit of about 25 MB per file — bigger files are turned away with a message.
• Shared files only last for the current call. They aren't saved anywhere automatically, so save anything you want to keep before you leave the room.

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Troubleshooting

• "I don't hear anything." Open Settings and pick the correct microphone and output device. Headphones are best — they prevent echo.
• "It won't connect." Make sure you pasted the entire ticket (they're long and easy to cut off). If it still won't connect, we may just need a fresh ticket — they're meant to be used right away. Also make sure we're both on the same version — if I've sent you an updated installer, install it (an old version and a new one can't connect to each other).
• "Watch doesn't open anything." Install VLC, restart PeerSpeak, and try Watch again. The PixelPass viewer is already included with PeerSpeak.
• The blue warning again. Same as install: More info → Run anyway. It's the unsigned-app warning, not malware.

Any trouble, just message me and we'll sort it out.