Documentation / Setup

Installing on Windows

v1.0 Beta

Step-by-step guide to download, install, and launch AI Code Express (ACE IDE) on Windows 10 and 11.

Installing on Windows

Install AI Code Express (ACE IDE) on Windows using the official NSIS installer (.exe).

Before you start

  • OS: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
  • RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
  • Disk: ~500 MB free for the app; more for your projects
  • Network: Required for sign-in and ACE Agent (AI) features
  • Download: ACE IDE download page

Step 1 — Download the installer

  1. Open the download page.
  2. Under Windows, click Download for Windows.
  3. Save AI-Code-Express-Setup-{version}.exe (for example AI-Code-Express-Setup-1.0.4.exe).

Optional: expand SHA256 checksums on the download page and verify the file before running it.

Step 2 — Run the installer

  1. Open the downloaded .exe from your Downloads folder.
  2. If Windows SmartScreen appears, choose More info → Run anyway (common for new releases until code signing is fully rolled out).
  3. In the setup wizard:
    • Accept the license if prompted.
    • Choose an install folder (default is fine for most users).
    • Keep Create desktop shortcut and Create Start Menu shortcut enabled.
  4. Click Install, then Finish.

The installer registers AI Code Express in the Start Menu and optionally on the desktop.

Step 3 — First launch

  1. Start AI Code Express from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
  2. On first run, the IDE connects to BigDataLogin for account and AI services.
  3. Click Sign in if prompted — your browser opens; after login, return to the IDE.
  4. Use File → Open Folder and select a project directory.

Step 4 — Verify installation

Confirm these work before relying on the IDE for daily work:

Check Expected result
Open a folder File tree appears in the sidebar
Open a file Editor tab loads with syntax highlighting
Terminal panel Shell opens in your project folder
ACE Agent panel You can send a prompt and receive a response
Updates Help → Check for updates (or automatic check on launch) finds newer builds when published

Auto-updates

Packaged Windows builds use electron-updater. When a new version is published to the release feed, the IDE notifies you and installs after restart. You do not need to re-download the .exe for every patch unless auto-update fails.

Uninstall

  1. Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or Add or remove programs).
  2. Select AI Code Express → Uninstall.

Your project files on disk are not removed — only the application.

Troubleshooting

Installer will not run

  • Confirm you downloaded the 64-bit .exe from the official download page.
  • Temporarily disable aggressive antivirus blocking of unknown publishers, then retry.

Sign-in loop

  • Ensure system date/time is correct.
  • Allow the IDE through firewall for HTTPS to your BigDataLogin server.
  • Try Sign out in the IDE, then sign in again in the browser.

ACE Agent returns errors

  • Confirm you are signed in and your plan includes AI usage.
  • Check internet connectivity and try again after a minute.

For server-side configuration (tokens, API keys), see Configuration & database.

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