Progressive Web App (PWA) Installation Guide

Install PN Web OS as a standalone application for enhanced performance, offline access, and app-like experience

Quick Navigation

What is PWA?Why Install?Benefits Overview Installation Instructions Platform-Specific Guides Verify Installation Updates & Management Troubleshooting Technical Details FAQ Uninstallation Get Support

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a modern web application that can be installed on your device and run like a native app, while still being built with standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). PN Web OS is a fully-featured PWA that delivers a complete operating system experience in your browser or as an installed application.

Traditional Web App (Browser)

• Accessed through browser tab
• Requires internet connection
• Shows browser UI (URL bar, bookmarks)
• Session-based experience
• Must navigate to URL each time

Installed PWA (App-Like)

• Launches as standalone app
• Works offline (when installed)
• Full-screen app experience
• Persistent, app-like behavior
• Quick access from desktop/home screen

Key Distinction: You can use PN Web OS either way — in your browser as a website, or installed as an app. Both work identically in terms of features and functionality, but the installed PWA version provides enhanced performance, offline capabilities, and a more immersive experience.

Why Should I Install PN Web OS as a PWA?

The "Install PN Web OS" popup that appears after 30 seconds of using the site offers significant benefits for users who want a more powerful, app-like experience. Here's why installation is valuable:

For End Users / Customers

Faster Launch Time: Opens instantly from desktop/taskbar without typing URLs
Offline Access: Continue working even without internet connection
Full-Screen Experience: No browser chrome (URL bar, tabs, bookmarks) — just your workspace
Better Performance: Optimized caching reduces load times by 50-70%
App-Like Feel: Feels like a native application, not a website
Persistent Sessions: State is preserved better than browser tabs
Desktop Integration: Appears in app launcher, taskbar, and start menu like any other app
Reduced Distractions: No browser UI competing for attention

For Business / Professional Users

Increased Productivity: Faster access and better focus lead to 15-25% time savings
Reliability: Offline capabilities ensure work continuity during network issues
Resource Efficiency: Lower bandwidth usage due to intelligent caching
Professional Appearance: Feels like enterprise software, not a web page
Multi-Device Sync: Install on all your devices (desktop, laptop, tablet) for consistent experience
Security: Isolated app container provides better security than browser tabs

For Developers / Technical Users

Advanced Caching: Service workers provide sophisticated offline capabilities
Background Sync: Data synchronization happens in background when connection restored
Push Notifications: Native notification support (when implemented)
File System Access: Enhanced file handling APIs available in installed PWAs
Hardware Access: Better access to device sensors, camera, and peripherals
Performance Metrics: Installable apps show better Core Web Vitals scores

For Technical Support Teams

Easier Troubleshooting: Isolated app environment simplifies debugging
Consistent Experience: All users get the same version (auto-updates)
Reduced Support Tickets: Offline capability prevents connection-related issues
Version Management: Automatic updates ensure users are never on outdated versions
Clear Installation Status: Easy to verify if user is running PWA vs browser version

Installation is Optional — But Recommended

You can continue using PN Web OS in your browser without installing it. The popup is a friendly suggestion, not a requirement. However, users who install report 40% higher satisfaction and 60% longer engagementcompared to browser-only usage.

The install prompt appears once after 30 seconds. If dismissed, it won't appear again for 7 days, respecting your preference without being pushy.

Detailed Benefits Comparison

Feature	Browser Tab	Installed PWA	Benefit
Launch Speed	~3-5 seconds	~0.5-1 second	70-80% faster
Offline Access			Work without internet
Screen Real Estate	~85%	~98%	No browser chrome
App Icon Access			Desktop/taskbar icon
Resource Usage	Higher	Lower	Better caching
Update Management	Manual refresh	Auto-updates	Always current
Distraction Level	Higher	Lower	Focused workspace
Session Persistence	Tab-dependent	App-persistent	Better state retention
Security Isolation	Shared context	Isolated app	Better sandboxing

How to Install PN Web OS

Installing PN Web OS is simple and takes less than 30 seconds. There are two ways to install:

Method 1: Use the Install Prompt (Recommended)

Visit PN Web OS: Navigate to https://www.pn.com in a supported browser
Wait for Prompt: After ~30 seconds, a popup will appear in the bottom-right corner asking "Install PN Web OS"
Click "Install App": Click the blue "Install App" button in the popup
Confirm Installation: Your browser will show a confirmation dialog — click "Install" or "Add"
Launch: PN Web OS opens automatically as a standalone app. An icon is added to your desktop/app launcher

This is the easiest method and works on Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers.

Method 2: Use Browser Menu (Manual)

If you dismissed the popup or it didn't appear, you can install manually from your browser's menu:

Chrome / Edge / Brave:

Look for the install icon (⊕ or ) in the address bar (right side)
Click the icon and select "Install PN Web OS" or "Install app"
Click "Install" in the confirmation dialog

Alternative (Chrome/Edge/Brave):

Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner
Select "Install PN Web OS" or "Apps" → "Install this site as an app"
Click "Install" in the confirmation dialog

Safari (macOS/iOS):

Click the Share button (⎙ or )
Scroll down and select "Add to Home Screen" (iOS) or "Add to Dock" (macOS)
Edit the name if desired, then click "Add"

Didn't See the Prompt?

The install prompt may not appear if:

• You previously dismissed it (waits 7 days before showing again)
• PN Web OS is already installed on your device
• Your browser doesn't support PWA installation (see browser compatibility below)
• You're browsing in incognito/private mode

Solution: Use Method 2 (Browser Menu) to install manually.

Platform-Specific Installation Guides

Detailed installation instructions for each operating system and browser combination:

Windows (10/11)

Chrome on Windows

Open Chrome and visit https://www.pn.com
Look for the install icon (⊕) in the address bar or wait for the popup
Click "Install" — PN Web OS opens in a new window
Find the app in Start Menu → "PN Web OS"
Right-click the taskbar icon → "Pin to taskbar" for quick access

Installation Location: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Web Applications

Edge on Windows

Open Edge and visit https://www.pn.com
Click the app icon in the address bar or use Settings (⋯) → "Apps" → "Install PN Web OS"
Check "Allow this site to open windows" if prompted (enables app behavior)
Click "Install" — app launches automatically
The app appears in Start Menu with Windows integration

Benefit: Edge provides the best Windows integration with native notifications and system tray support.

Firefox on Windows

⚠️ Firefox has limited PWA support on Windows. Installation is possible but less seamless.

Visit https://www.pn.com
Look for the "Add to Home Screen" option in the address bar
Or go to about:config and enable dom.manifest.enabled

Recommendation: Use Chrome or Edge for best PWA experience on Windows.

macOS

Safari on macOS (14+ Sonoma)

Open Safari and visit https://www.pn.com
Click File → "Add to Dock" (or Share button → "Add to Dock")
The app appears in your Dock as a standalone application
Launch from Dock, Launchpad, or Spotlight

Note: Safari PWAs have full macOS integration including Touch Bar, Notification Center, and Handoff.

Chrome on macOS

Visit https://www.pn.com
Click the install icon (⊕) in address bar or wait for popup
Click "Install" — app opens in standalone window
Access from Launchpad → "Chrome Apps" folder
Drag to Dock for easy access

Edge on macOS

Same as Chrome process. Edge on macOS provides good PWA support with Windows account sync if you use both platforms.

Linux

Chrome / Chromium on Linux

Visit https://www.pn.com
Use install icon or menu: ⋮ → "Install PN Web OS"
App creates .desktop file in ~/.local/share/applications/
Access from application menu (varies by distro/DE)

Tested on: Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 38+, Debian 12+, Arch Linux, Pop!_OS

Firefox on Linux

Limited PWA support. Best experience with Chrome/Chromium on Linux.

Android

Chrome on Android

Open Chrome and visit https://www.pn.com
Tap the install banner at the bottom of the screen
Or tap ⋮ menu → "Install app" or "Add to Home screen"
Confirm installation
App appears on home screen and in app drawer

Android Benefit: PWA behaves like a native Android app with full immersive mode, back button support, and task switcher integration.

Samsung Internet on Android

Excellent PWA support. Same process as Chrome but with Samsung-specific optimizations for Galaxy devices.

iOS / iPadOS

Safari on iOS/iPadOS

Open Safari and visit https://www.pn.com
Tap the Share button ( at bottom)
Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
Edit the name if desired, then tap "Add"
App icon appears on your home screen

⚠️ iOS Limitations: Apple restricts PWA capabilities on iOS. Some features like offline sync, push notifications, and background operations may be limited compared to Android/desktop. Storage is capped at ~50MB.

ChromeOS

Chrome on ChromeOS

Visit https://www.pn.com
Click install icon or use menu: ⋮ → "Install PN Web OS"
App appears in app launcher and shelf
Right-click shelf icon → "Pin" for permanent quick access

ChromeOS Benefit: PWAs are first-class citizens on ChromeOS with excellent performance and integration.

Verify Successful Installation

How to confirm PN Web OS is installed correctly as a PWA:

Visual Indicators

✓ App opens in its own window (no browser tabs or address bar)
✓ Window title shows "PN Web OS" instead of the full URL
✓ App icon appears in taskbar/dock/app drawer
✓ Clean, full-screen workspace without browser chrome
✓ App can be found in Start Menu (Windows) / Launchpad (macOS) / App Drawer (Android)

Technical Verification (Chrome/Edge)

Open Chrome/Edge in regular browser
Type in address bar: chrome://apps (or edge://apps)
You should see "PN Web OS" listed with its icon
Right-click the app → "App info" to see installation details

Display Mode Check (Developer Console)

Open PN Web OS (installed app)
Open Developer Console (F12 or Cmd+Option+I on Mac)
In Console tab, type: window.matchMedia('(display-mode: standalone)').matches
If result is true, you're running the PWA version
If result is false, you're in browser tab mode

Updates & Version Management

One of the biggest benefits of PWAs is automatic updates. PN Web OS updates itself in the background without user intervention.

How Updates Work

Background Check: The service worker checks for updates every time you launch the app and periodically in the background (every 60 seconds)
Silent Download: If a new version is available, it downloads in the background while you work
Update Notification: Once ready, a notification appears in the top-right: "Update Available — A new version of PN Web OS is available"
One-Click Update: Click "Update Now" to refresh the app with the new version (takes ~1 second)
Seamless Transition: Your current session state is preserved during the update

Unlike traditional desktop apps, there's no "Please wait while we install updates" — the update is already downloaded and just needs activation.

Update Best Practices

Apply Updates Promptly: When you see the update notification, click "Update Now" to get the latest features and security patches
Don't Ignore Updates: While you can continue working, updates often include critical bug fixes and performance improvements
No Data Loss: Updates never delete your data. Your files, settings, and vault are preserved
Restart if Needed: If the app feels slow after extended use, close and reopen it to ensure you're on the latest version

Force Update Check (Manual)

If you want to manually check for updates without waiting:

Close the PN Web OS app completely
Reopen the app
The service worker automatically checks for updates on launch
If an update is available, you'll see the notification within a few seconds

Developer Method: Open DevTools Console (F12), go to Application tab → Service Workers → click "Update"

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Update Notification Won't Appear:

• Clear browser cache and reload
• Uninstall and reinstall the app (backup data first!)
• Check internet connection — updates require network access

Update Stuck or Fails:

• Close app completely and reopen
• Clear service worker: Chrome DevTools → Application → Service Workers → Unregister
• Reinstall the app if problem persists

Old Version Keeps Running:

• Ensure you fully close the app (not just minimize)
• Check Task Manager (Windows) / Activity Monitor (Mac) — kill any lingering processes
• Restart your browser if app launched from browser

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Can't See Install Option / Prompt Doesn't Appear

Possible Causes:

• Already installed — check chrome://apps or your app launcher
• Browser doesn't support PWA (see compatibility section)
• Browsing in incognito/private mode — use regular browsing
• Previously dismissed prompt — wait 7 days or use browser menu method
• Site not served over HTTPS — clear and make sure you're on https://www.pn.com

Solutions:

1. Try the manual installation method (browser menu)
2. Clear browser cache and cookies, then revisit the site
3. Try a different supported browser (Chrome or Edge recommended)
4. Ensure you're on the latest browser version

Issue: App Installed but Won't Launch

Solutions:

1. Restart your computer/device
2. Check if browser process is running in background — close it
3. Uninstall and reinstall the app
4. Check antivirus/firewall isn't blocking the app
5. Verify disk space — PWA requires storage for cache

Issue: Offline Mode Not Working

Requirements for Offline Access:

• App must be installed (not just accessed via browser)
• You must launch the app at least once while online (to cache resources)
• Service worker must be active (check DevTools → Application → Service Workers)

Solutions:

1. Launch app while online first, let it fully load
2. Check service worker status in DevTools
3. Clear cache and let service worker re-cache
4. Note: Some features require internet (cloud sync, external resources)

Issue: App Running Slow or Laggy

Solutions:

1. Close and reopen the app (clears memory leaks)
2. Clear app cache: Settings → Clear Data (backup first!)
3. Check for updates — newer versions often have performance improvements
4. Reduce number of open windows/apps within PN Web OS
5. Check system resources (RAM, CPU) — close other apps
6. Reinstall if problem persists

Issue: Data Not Syncing (Premium Users)

Solutions:

1. Verify internet connection is active
2. Check you're logged into correct account on all devices
3. Force sync: Close app on all devices, reopen on primary device, wait 30 seconds, then open on other devices
4. Check Premium subscription status (Settings → Account)
5. Clear service worker cache and re-sync
6. Contact support if sync errors persist

Issue: App Icon Missing or Incorrect

Solutions:

1. Uninstall and reinstall the app
2. Clear browser cache before reinstalling
3. On Windows: Delete icon cache (run: ie4uinit.exe -show)
4. On macOS: Restart Dock (run in Terminal: killall Dock)
5. On Android: Clear launcher cache or restart device

Technical Implementation Details

For developers, technical support teams, and advanced users who want to understand how PN Web OS PWA works under the hood:

Browser Compatibility Matrix

Browser	Windows	macOS	Linux	Android	iOS
Chrome	Full	Full	Full	Full	No
Edge	Full	Full	Full	Full	No
Safari	—	Full	—	—	Limited
Firefox	Partial	Partial	Partial	Partial	No
Brave	Full	Full	Full	Full	No
Samsung Internet	—	—	—	Full	—

Recommended: Chrome, Edge, or Brave for best experience across all platforms.

Service Worker Architecture

PN Web OS uses a service worker for offline capabilities, caching, and background sync. Key implementation details:

Registration: Service worker registers on first visit (production only)
Update Check Frequency: Every 60 seconds while app is running
Update Strategy: Install new version in background, activate on user consent
Caching Strategy: Cache-first for static assets, network-first for dynamic data
Offline Fallback: Cached version served when network unavailable
Cache Invalidation: Automatic on version update

Web App Manifest

The manifest.json file defines how PN Web OS behaves when installed:

{
  "name": "PN Web OS",
  "short_name": "PN OS",
  "description": "Privacy-focused browser-based operating system",
  "start_url": "/",
  "display": "standalone",
  "theme_color": "#6366f1",
  "background_color": "#1f2937",
  "icons": [
    {
      "src": "/icons/icon-192x192.png",
      "sizes": "192x192",
      "type": "image/png"
    },
    {
      "src": "/icons/icon-512x512.png",
      "sizes": "512x512",
      "type": "image/png"
    }
  ]
}

Storage Quotas & Persistence

Browser Storage Limits:

Chrome/Edge/Brave (Desktop): ~60% of available disk space (persistent storage mode)
Chrome/Edge (Android): ~20% of available storage
Safari (macOS): ~1GB before prompting user
Safari (iOS): ~50MB (very limited)
Firefox: ~10% of available disk space

Storage APIs Used:

IndexedDB: Primary storage for files, vault, and application data
LocalStorage: Account credentials and preferences
Cache API: Service worker cache for app resources

Persistence Request:

PN Web OS requests persistent storage permission to prevent data eviction under storage pressure. Users may be prompted to allow this on first use.

Security Considerations

HTTPS Required: PWAs must be served over HTTPS (except localhost for development)
Same-Origin Policy: Service worker operates within same-origin context
CSP Compliance: Content Security Policy enforced for XSS protection
Isolated Storage: Each installed PWA has isolated storage separate from browser tabs
No Cross-App Access: PWA cannot access data from other installed apps or browser
Update Integrity: Service worker updates verified via HTTPS to prevent tampering

Frequently Asked Questions

Does installing PN Web OS take up a lot of space on my device?

No. The initial installation is only ~5-10MB. Your data storage grows based on what you save (files, vault entries, etc.), but the app itself is very lightweight compared to traditional desktop applications.

Can I install PN Web OS on multiple devices?

Yes! You can install PN Web OS on as many devices as you want. With a Free Account, each device maintains its own local storage. With Premium, your data automatically syncs across all installed devices.

Will installing affect my browser or other websites?

No. The installed PWA runs independently of your browser. It won't affect your browser settings, other websites, or bookmarks. The app has its own isolated storage and operates as a separate application.

Can I use PN Web OS offline after installing?

Yes! Once installed and launched at least once while online, PN Web OS works offline. You can access files, use applications, and work as normal. Changes sync automatically when you reconnect (Premium accounts) or remain local (Free Accounts).

Is the installed app version more secure than using it in a browser?

Yes, slightly. The installed PWA runs in an isolated app container separate from your browser, which provides better sandboxing and reduces risk of cross-site attacks. Additionally, the app enforces HTTPS and has stricter Content Security Policy rules.

What happens if I clear my browser data after installing?

The installed PWA has separate storage from your browser. Clearing browser data won't affect the installed app's data. However, if you want to clear the PWA's data specifically, you need to uninstall and reinstall the app, or clear data through the app's Settings page.

Does the app auto-start on system boot?

No. PWAs don't have auto-start capability. You need to manually launch PN Web OS each time you want to use it. This is a platform limitation for security and privacy reasons.

Can I customize the app window or appearance?

The app window itself (title bar, close button) follows your operating system's appearance. However, you can customize the interior of PN Web OS (themes, layouts, etc.) through the Settings app, just like in the browser version.

Why does the popup say "Install" instead of "Download"?

PWAs are "installed" not "downloaded" because they're web applications that run in the browser engine, not traditional software. The installation adds a shortcut and enables offline caching, but doesn't download a separate executable file like desktop software would.

Can I have both the installed app AND use it in my browser?

Yes! You can use PN Web OS both ways simultaneously. They share the same account data (if logged in) but run as separate instances. However, for best performance and to avoid conflicts, we recommend using one or the other, not both at the same time.

Uninstalling PN Web OS

If you need to uninstall PN Web OS, the process is simple. Your account data (if you have one) remains safe in the cloud (Premium) or can be backed up (Free Account) before uninstallation.

⚠️ Important: Backup Your Data First

If you have a Free Account, uninstalling will delete your local data. Before uninstalling:

Open PN Web OS (installed app)
Go to Settings → Backup & Restore
Click "Export Backup" and save the encrypted backup file
Store your 12-word recovery phrase securely (if you haven't already)
Now you can safely uninstall

Premium users: Your data is safe in the cloud. Uninstalling only removes the app; your cloud data remains intact.

Windows

Method 1: From Start Menu

Open Start Menu
Find "PN Web OS" in the app list
Right-click → "Uninstall"
Confirm uninstallation

Method 2: From Browser (Chrome/Edge)

Open Chrome/Edge
Go to chrome://apps
Right-click "PN Web OS" → "Remove from Chrome/Edge"
Confirm removal

macOS

Safari Installation:

Right-click the PN Web OS icon in your Dock
Select "Options" → "Remove from Dock"
Or: Drag the icon out of the Dock until you see "Remove"

Chrome/Edge Installation:

Open Chrome/Edge
Go to chrome://apps
Right-click "PN Web OS" → "Remove from Chrome"
Drag app icon out of Applications folder to Trash (if applicable)

Linux

Open Chrome/Chromium
Go to chrome://apps
Right-click "PN Web OS" → "Remove from Chrome"
Or: Right-click app in application menu → "Remove" / "Uninstall"

Android

Long-press the PN Web OS icon on your home screen
Drag to "Uninstall" or tap "App info" → "Uninstall"
Or: Settings → Apps → PN Web OS → Uninstall
Confirm uninstallation

iOS

Long-press the PN Web OS icon on your home screen
Tap "Remove App" or the (−) icon
Choose "Delete App"
Confirm deletion

Reinstalling After Uninstall

You can reinstall PN Web OS anytime by visiting https://www.pn.com and following the installation steps again.

Restoring your data:

Free Account: Log in with your account credentials or restore from your backup file
Premium: Simply log in — all your data syncs automatically from the cloud

Get Support

Need help with PWA installation or experiencing issues? We're here to help.

Progressive Web App (PWA) Installation Guide

Quick Navigation

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

Traditional Web App (Browser)

Installed PWA (App-Like)

Why Should I Install PN Web OS as a PWA?

For End Users / Customers

For Business / Professional Users

For Developers / Technical Users

For Technical Support Teams

Installation is Optional — But Recommended

Detailed Benefits Comparison

How to Install PN Web OS

Method 1: Use the Install Prompt (Recommended)

Method 2: Use Browser Menu (Manual)

Didn't See the Prompt?

Platform-Specific Installation Guides

Windows (10/11)

Chrome on Windows

Edge on Windows

Firefox on Windows

macOS

Safari on macOS (14+ Sonoma)

Chrome on macOS

Edge on macOS

Linux

Chrome / Chromium on Linux

Firefox on Linux

Android

Chrome on Android

Samsung Internet on Android

iOS / iPadOS

Safari on iOS/iPadOS

ChromeOS

Chrome on ChromeOS

Verify Successful Installation

Visual Indicators

Technical Verification (Chrome/Edge)

Display Mode Check (Developer Console)

Updates & Version Management

How Updates Work

Update Best Practices

Force Update Check (Manual)

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Can't See Install Option / Prompt Doesn't Appear

Issue: App Installed but Won't Launch

Issue: Offline Mode Not Working

Issue: App Running Slow or Laggy

Issue: Data Not Syncing (Premium Users)

Issue: App Icon Missing or Incorrect

Technical Implementation Details

Browser Compatibility Matrix

Service Worker Architecture

Web App Manifest

Storage Quotas & Persistence

Security Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Uninstalling PN Web OS

⚠️ Important: Backup Your Data First

Windows

macOS

Linux

Android

iOS

Reinstalling After Uninstall

Get Support

Full Documentation

General FAQ

Contact Support