> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install the PADS4 Server

## **Download the PADS4 Installer**

Download the PADS4 Installer Setup from [here](/install-pads4/Downloads).​

**Pre-Installation Checks**

* Before installing the PADS4 product, verify prerequisites based on your setup. If using Workspace and/or CMS, ensure Internet Information Services (IIS) is installed on the server.
* For storing Workspace and/or CMS data in a SQL Server database, confirm SQL Server is installed on the server.

<Note>
  Please disable virus scanners before starting the installation or update process. There is a possibility that you will receive a "could not lock file" message during update because of a virusscanner.
</Note>

## Installation process

Install PADS4 by following these numbered steps, ensuring you run as Administrator.​

1. Right-click the installer file and select "Run as administrator."
2. Change the installation root folder if needed (default: C:\Program Files\PADS4).​
3. Read the installation document and license agreement, then check the boxes.​
4. Check boxes to confirm and press Install to begin.​

Upon completing the PADS4 installation, the PADS4 Configuration application automatically opens. Use it to set hosting ports, server settings and database options.

1. Set HTTP and HTTPS Ports: Enter HTTP port and/or HTTPS port for PADS4 access.
2. Enable HSTS (Optional): Toggle on to redirect all HTTP to HTTPS, enforcing secure transport.
3. Set Minimum TLS Version: Select TLS 1.2 or 1.3 (recommended) from dropdown for SSL encryption.
4. Message Broker and Reverse Proxy (Optional): Use defaults (NDS Message Broker, PADS4 Reverse Proxy) unless custom needs apply.
5. Root Account Password: Enter strong password for su\root user; [required for system login](https://docs.pads4.com/ctrl-centre/account-creation).

Click **Apply** to save settings and automatically restart services (takes about 30 seconds).

For more details on PADS4 Configuration, see the [PADS4 Configuration page](/install-pads4/install-pads4-server/PADS4-Configuration) in the documentation.

You can now log in to PADS4 at `http(s)://localhost`,which loads the login page.

### Error during installation

If an error occurs during PADS4 installation, a pop-up window appears with a "click HERE" link to the generated log file. This log records every step of the process, aiding in problem diagnosis. Share it with support if issues persist.

<Warning>
  Never install PADS4 Foundation on a workstation or Viewer PC intended only for client apps like Designer, Scheduler, or Messenger. Doing so adds server functionality, reconfiguring it as a server machine and potentially disrupting client operations. After Foundation installation, you can add PADS4 client software on that server-classified PC.
</Warning>