> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://studio-docs.sandbox.game/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://studio-docs.sandbox.game/getting-started/installing-sandbox-studio.md).

# Installing Sandbox Studio

A Windows guide for installing the Sandbox Studio desktop app, signing in with Sandbox, and completing first-launch onboarding. Confirm your machine meets the [Creating requirements](/getting-started/system-requirements.md) first. Install Cursor after Studio is running — you will need it to open the project folder and connect Sandbox Studio MCP.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Download the installer

Download the installer from [sandbox.game](https://www.sandbox.game/en/). Sign in with a Sandbox account — the download is available after you log in. Do not use a copy from an unverified website or file-sharing source.

The installer is a large file and may take a few minutes to download. Confirm the file identifies the product as Sandbox Studio.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Run the installer

Double-click the installer. Approve the Windows permission prompt only after checking the file name and source. The installer uses a one-click flow and displays Installing, please wait while the application is copied to the computer.

<figure><img src="https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2FCWui2z7neGnbynlCe0E2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=640c364c-1690-4990-857e-7b73f3dc19c6" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>The one-click installer copies Sandbox Studio Dev to the computer.</em></p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
*INSTALL LOCATION: The verified build installs to C:\Program Files\Sandbox-Studio. The main application is Sandbox-Studio.exe.*
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Wait for Sandbox Studio to open

Keep the installer open until its progress completes. Sandbox Studio normally opens when installation finishes. If another copy is running, close it when the installer asks, then allow setup to continue.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Sign in with Sandbox

On first launch, select Continue with Sandbox. Complete the Sandbox authentication flow using a Sandbox account. Return to Sandbox Studio after authentication.

<figure><img src="https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2FqTNKNFmOfWE3d7EZLWf0%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=9d46a475-0821-422e-8baa-cc292158a705" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>First launch requires authentication through the Sandbox account flow.</em></p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Choose an AI assistant

During onboarding, choose your preferred AI coding assistant. Cursor is selected in this example. Select Manage to review its configuration options.

<figure><img src="https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2F0z5I1g2aNOOoVg8vPSSx%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a34eeab5-aa6d-450e-8e63-4b4e7e92d5df" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Choose an AI assistant during the first onboarding step.</em></p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Configure the AI provider

After selecting Manage, review the provider details. Select Dashboard to open the provider’s site and create an API key.

<figure><img src="https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2F205mOXyr0viZ5Z9drVeW%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=d13876e1-2cff-4232-bbf9-e0701acce1cb" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>The AI assistant configuration view.</em></p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Add the API key

Generate an API key and keep it confidential. Copy it into the API key field in Sandbox Studio.

<figure><img src="https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2FyHB4FwSiI8GVXKGKmZVp%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=cd565044-4923-4bab-99ed-051e8245286d" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Create an API key before adding it to Sandbox Studio.</em></p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Configure the MCP server

MCP server setup is optional. Select the AI provider you use, then select Configure to initialize it.

<figure><img src="https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2FrPcS09ydWgOGpJd8Y1hl%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=ef80e9b0-86c1-46c1-9383-c13de8c1e132" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Configure the MCP server for the selected AI provider.</em></p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Check the environment

Check whether Sandbox Studio needs any required components. Update Node.js or pnpm when they are not current.

<figure><img src="https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2Fi9FbfEJ1IZQ02oejgalc%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1c0eca43-bfa3-4715-87bb-7760b2733cb2" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>The environment check identifies missing or outdated components.</em></p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Set up in-editor AI assistants (without Cursor)

Cursor is optional. The editor has its own Assistant chat. You add providers and pick models here, then chat from the agent panel on the left.

Open the menu → **App Settings** → **AI Settings**. There are three tabs: **Assistant**, **Models**, and **MCP**. MCP is only for connecting Cursor — see [Set up and use Sandbox Studio MCP](/working-efficiently-with-ai/set-up-and-use-sandbox-studio-mcp.md). Use Assistant and Models for the in-editor chat.

### Assistant tab — add a provider

1. Turn **Enable AI Assistant** on. Status should read Ready. If you turn this off, the in-editor chat stops. Sandbox Studio MCP on the MCP tab can still run.
2. Select **Add Provider**. Search if you need to. Open **Not Set Up** to see the catalogue (API Key or OAuth, depending on the provider). **Configured** lists providers you have already added.
3. Choose a provider, complete API key or OAuth, and enable it.

Connect and enable at least one provider to use the Assistant. If several are enabled, the one at the **top of the list** is preferred when Studio resets or chooses the default model.

![AI Settings, Assistant tab, with Add Provider open](https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-37a652bbbe9d88f910d489b277e9b08c2524b2ef%2Fai-settings-assistant-providers.png?alt=media)

### Models tab — what appears in chat, and the default

1. Open the **Models** tab.
2. Use **Open** on the model list to pin or unpin models from the catalogue. Pinned models appear in the Assistant chat selector.
3. **Use Last Selected Model** — when this is on, a new chat starts with the model you used most recently instead of the default below.
4. **Default Agent Model** — the model new chats use when no model is chosen. Pick it from the dropdown. **Reset** returns that field to Studio's default.
5. **Assist Actions Model** — used for Fix with AI and other Assist Actions. Leave **Use Default Agent Model** checked to keep them in sync, or clear it and pick a different model.

![AI Settings, Models tab, default agent model and chat selector](https://2877193296-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWgFjStdWWXj1Wc6xnrcJ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c46315cc86da5e728768792a26ec1bca79f3eecc%2Fai-settings-models.png?alt=media)

{% hint style="info" %}
*NOTE: Provider names and the model list change as vendors update. Pick what you have access to. Do not treat one dropdown value as the only supported model.*
{% endhint %}

## Update Sandbox Studio

When an update is ready, Studio displays Restart to Update in the top bar. Save project changes, stop any running play session, then select the update control and allow Studio to restart.

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                               | Action                                                                                                                                                                            |
| ----------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Windows warns about the installer   | The supplied file is not digitally signed. Stop and confirm that it came from [sandbox.game](https://www.sandbox.game/en/).                                                       |
| Sandbox Studio is already running   | Close Sandbox Studio, then select OK in the installer message. If the application does not close, exit it manually and restart the installer.                                     |
| Environment Setup reports a problem | Use Re-check after changing Node.js or pnpm. Review the expanded Install Output, follow any administrator instructions, and use Try Again to repeat the last installation action. |
| Sign-in does not return to Studio   | Complete authentication in the browser and reopen Studio if the application remains on the sign-in page.                                                                          |

## What you’ve done

The Sandbox Studio desktop app is installed, you are signed in, and first-launch onboarding is complete. You can add more in-editor providers later under App Settings → AI Settings. Next, [create a project](/getting-started/getting-started-with-sandbox-studio.md). To use Cursor as well, [download and install Cursor](/getting-started/download-and-install-cursor.md) and [set up Sandbox Studio MCP](/working-efficiently-with-ai/set-up-and-use-sandbox-studio-mcp.md).


---

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