LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking platforms, with over 722 million users worldwide as of April 2021. The LinkedIn app allows you to access your LinkedIn profile and network right from your desktop or laptop computer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to download and install the LinkedIn app on a PC running Windows:
Prerequisites
Before installing the LinkedIn app, make sure your PC meets the following requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later
- An internet connection
- A LinkedIn account
Step 1: Download the LinkedIn App
Go to the LinkedIn website (www.linkedin.com) and log into your account. Click on your profile picture at the top right and select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu. On the Account preferences page, click on “Apps” in the left sidebar. Under the LinkedIn Apps section, click on the “LinkedIn Desktop App” option. This will take you to the LinkedIn Desktop App download page. Click on the blue “Install App” button to download the installer file onto your computer.
Step 2: Install the LinkedIn App
Once the installer is downloaded, open the file and click on “Run” to start the installation process. You may get a security warning from Windows – click on “More info” and then “Run anyway” to continue. The LinkedIn Setup Wizard will open – click “Next” to advance through the installation steps. Accept the License Agreement and choose the installation location on your PC. The default location is C:\Program Files\LinkedIn Corporation\LinkedIn\LinkedIn. Click “Install” to begin the installation process. This may take a few minutes to complete.
Step 3: Sign in to the LinkedIn App
After installation is complete, the LinkedIn app will automatically launch on your computer. The first time you open the app, you will need to sign into your LinkedIn account. Enter your LinkedIn email and password credentials and click “Sign in”. The app will then sync your LinkedIn data and customize the experience based on your profile and network.
Features of the LinkedIn Desktop App
Once signed in, you can use the LinkedIn desktop app to:
- View your LinkedIn feed and notifications
- Send, receive, and manage messages
- Create and manage posts
- Connect with your network and manage contacts
- Access LinkedIn Learning courses
- Search for jobs and view job suggestions
The LinkedIn desktop app provides all the core social media features without having to log into LinkedIn on a web browser. It runs independently on your Windows PC with its own desktop shortcuts and taskbar icon.
Configuring the LinkedIn App
You can customize some configuration settings for the LinkedIn app on your desktop. Click on the LinkedIn icon in the Windows taskbar and select “Settings” to open the app settings. Here are some of the key settings you can tweak:
- General: Change app language, enable spell check, etc.
- Notifications: Manage desktop, email, and feed notifications
- Privacy: Control profile viewing options and data sharing
- Network: Manage your LinkedIn connections
- Jobs: Configure job recommendations and alerts
- Support: Get help resources for the app
Keyboard Shortcuts
The LinkedIn desktop app also includes some handy keyboard shortcuts to quickly navigate the app:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl / Cmd + N | Compose new post or message |
| Ctrl / Cmd + Shift + A | Open “My Network” page |
| Ctrl / Cmd + Shift + J | Open “Jobs” page |
| Ctrl / Cmd + Shift + L | Open “Learning” page |
| Ctrl / Cmd + . | Open app settings |
Troubleshooting the LinkedIn Desktop App
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you face any issues with the LinkedIn desktop app:
- Make sure you are logged into the app with the correct LinkedIn account
- Check your internet connection and try reconnecting if needed
- Restart the LinkedIn app and try again
- Update to the latest version of the app
- Uninstall and reinstall the app if all else fails
- Consult LinkedIn’s help articles or contact customer support if problems persist
Conclusion
Installing the LinkedIn app on your Windows PC provides a convenient way to manage your professional network and profile right from your desktop. The app offers the core LinkedIn features without needing a browser, along with configuration options to customize notifications, privacy, and other settings. With just a few clicks, you can download and install the LinkedIn desktop app on any Windows machine. Just make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements. Keep the troubleshooting tips in mind in case you run into any issues using the app after installation.
