Manual

Windows / macOS desktop and Linux systemd

See Downloads for packages, platforms, and version notes. The shared file list serves only the selected host folder.

Service

Service: Windows / macOS desktop and Linux systemd

Use desktop mode on Windows or macOS. Launch at login opens the desktop app without starting sharing automatically. The Linux installer enables and starts a systemd service with fixed settings and a dedicated account.

Installer access

See Downloads for packages, platforms, and version notes. The shared file list serves only the selected host folder.

macOS installation and operation

The desktop package requires macOS 13 or later. Open the DMG and drag Mingcedar Share.app into Applications. Allow local-network and folder access when prompted. Restore the window from the menu bar; Command-Q stops sharing and exits. Check Downloads for available package architectures and access methods.

macOS launch at login and configuration

Launch at login uses a per-user LaunchAgent to open the desktop app without automatically starting sharing. Install in Applications first; disable login startup before moving or removing the app. New settings use ~/Library/Application Support/HQ VISU/HQShare/config.json; an existing ~/.hqvisu/hqshare/config.json remains in use.

macOS opening notice

The package is not notarized by Apple. If macOS blocks it, verify its source and follow the system Privacy & Security guidance.

Linux environment versus runtime configuration

/etc/hqshare/hqshare.env points to the executable and configuration file. The shared folder, port, bind address, and users are stored in config.json. Restart the service after CLI configuration changes.

Windows Explorer and headless mode

Windows can add a per-user Explorer menu. Share this folder automatically starts sharing with the saved port and bind address. Configure accounts, change the initial password, and check network scope before first use. For headless Linux, use the systemd package.

Windows desktop mode

The Windows desktop app configures the shared folder, port, and bind address. Settings are stored under the current user.

Windows tray and current-user startup

Desktop mode can continue running from the system tray after the window closes and can enable startup for the current Windows user. Confirm the shared folder, port, and allowed network segment before use.

Linux service configuration file

Linux systemd reads /etc/hqshare/config.json. Share path, port, bind address, upload limit, users, and password hashes are stored there.

Linux startup on boot

Enable or disable hqshare startup through systemd; configuration, shared files, and accounts are retained.

# Linux: enable startup on boot
sudo systemctl enable hqshare

# Linux: disable startup on boot
sudo systemctl disable hqshare

# Linux: check startup state
sudo systemctl is-enabled hqshare

Linux systemd

Install from the Linux service package. The installer runs under the dedicated hqshare user. Initially bind only to localhost, change the initial manager password through the CLI, then configure the actual LAN IP shown below.

tar -xzf HQShare-Linux-Service.tar.gz
cd HQShare-Linux-Service
sudo ./install-linux-service.sh --share-path /srv/hqshare/public --port 5995 --bind 127.0.0.1

sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user reset-password admin --password '<set-a-unique-password>'
sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json config set \
  --share-path /srv/hqshare/public \
  --port 6095 \
  --bind 192.168.1.10 \
  --max-upload-mb 1024
sudo systemctl restart hqshare

Linux service status and logs

After installation, check the systemd unit, environment file, and runtime config. Restart after configuration changes and use the journal to confirm the bind address, port, and shared folder.

sudo systemctl status hqshare
sudo journalctl -u hqshare -f
sudo cat /etc/hqshare/hqshare.env
sudo cat /etc/hqshare/config.json
sudo systemctl restart hqshare
sudo systemctl stop hqshare
sudo systemctl start hqshare

User management

Linux service mode manages accounts through the command line. Replace the example passwords below with unique passwords for your deployment. Use viewer, operator, or manager roles. After CLI account, password, or role changes, restart the running service to load the saved configuration and clear existing sessions.

sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user list
sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user add operator01 --password '<set-a-unique-password>' --role operator --display-name 'Field Operator'
sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user update operator01 --role viewer
sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user reset-password operator01 --password '<set-a-new-password>'
sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user update operator01 --disable
sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user update operator01 --enable
sudo -u hqshare /opt/hqshare/HQShare --config /etc/hqshare/config.json user delete operator01
sudo systemctl restart hqshare

Occupied port handling

If the port is occupied, the desktop app suggests another. For service mode, change the port configuration and restart.

Bind address

0.0.0.0 listens on all IPv4 interfaces; a specific IP listens only there; 127.0.0.1 is local-only. Displayed URLs are candidates and may not all work. Test the actual bound address and port, and restrict sources through the firewall.