Install SamBooks as a desktop app: desktop shortcut and a dedicated window
12/06/2026
2 min read
Installing SamBooks as a desktop app gives you a dedicated icon, its own window (no browser bars) and a faster launch: it's the same SamBooks as the website, just handier. Here's how to install it on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android, desktop shortcut included.
What it is (and why it helps)
SamBooks is an installable web app (PWA): «installing» it downloads nothing from the stores — it just creates a shortcut and a dedicated window. It takes up very little space and updates itself.
Step 1 — Click the «Install the app» banner
After logging in, the «Take SamBooks with you» card appears at the bottom with an «Install the app» button: click it. (If you closed the banner, see «Don't see the banner?» below.)
Step 2 — Confirm and create the desktop shortcut
The browser opens a small confirmation window. Here, depending on the browser, choose where to place the shortcut:
- Microsoft Edge — tick «Create Desktop shortcut» (and, if you like, «Pin to taskbar»); make sure «Open as window» is on. Then click «Install».
- Google Chrome — click «Install»: on Windows the icon is created automatically on the desktop and in the Start menu. If an «Open as window» option appears, leave it on.
Done: SamBooks opens in its own window.
Step 3 — Find SamBooks when you need it
After installing, open SamBooks from:
- the desktop icon,
- the Start menu (Windows) or Launchpad / Applications folder (Mac),
- the taskbar, if you pinned it.
On Mac
With Safari: menu File → Add to Dock. With Chrome/Edge on Mac, follow the same banner steps: the app lands in the Applications folder and Launchpad.
On iPhone, iPad and Android
- iPhone / iPad (Safari): tap the Share icon, then «Add to Home Screen».
- Android (Chrome): tap the «Install the app» banner or menu ⋮ → «Install app».
Don't see the banner?
The banner appears a few seconds after login and stays hidden if you closed it recently. Alternatively use the browser menu:
- Chrome / Edge (desktop): click the install icon (a monitor with an arrow) on the right of the address bar → «Install».
If the icon doesn't appear, the app may already be installed.
Prefer not to install?
It's perfectly fine to use SamBooks in the browser: in that case bookmark the login so you find it instantly. See Sign in to SamBooks and save the login.
Frequently asked questions
Is the installed app different from the website? No, it's the same SamBooks: same data, same features. Only the convenience of opening it changes.
Does it take up much space? Very little: it isn't a program to install, it's a shortcut to the web app.
How do I uninstall it? Open SamBooks as an app → menu (⋮) → «Uninstall», or remove the icon like any normal system app.