---
sourceDocument: Australia IT Service Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/it-service-management

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia IT Service Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itsm

bundleId :

    - itsm

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Open and log in

# Open and log in to Desktop Assistant {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Open and log in to Desktop Assistant to get quick access to self-service tools, network tests, important notifications, and support resources.

## Before you begin

* Confirm
  that the DEX
  Desktop Assistant \[sn_dex_desktop\] application has been installed. For more information, see [Install Application and Device Health](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/3Ei~nK2qqh_Lci8rn9XW7A "Digital End-User Experience (DEX) is available with activation of the Digital End-User Experience [sn_dex] plugin. You must have the admin role to install the DEX product [sn_dex]. During installation, Application and Device Health is included as a component in DEX.") and [Download and install Desktop Assistant](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/dI4Ux4b0gNBb2xc~OSTTmw "Download and install Desktop Assistant by using operating system-specific installer commands, Desktop Assistant installers, or endpoint management solutions.").

* Confirm that the OAuth registry record for Desktop Assistant is active.

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Role required: sn_dex_desktop.user or sn_dex_desktop.admin

## Procedure

1. From your system tray, select and hold or select and hold (or right-click) the Desktop Assistant icon ![](), and then select Open.
2. **Optional:** Update the instance URL.
   1. On the login page, select the Change URL link.
   2. In the Instance URL field on the Change instance URL page, enter the ServiceNow instance URL.
   3. Select the Go back to login link.
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3. On the login page, select Sign in.
4. Log in to Desktop Assistant.
   * When Single Sign-On (SSO) is not enabled:
     1. Enter the user name and password for the instance in the User name and Password field.
     2. If you can't remember your login details, select Forgot password to reset your password.
     3. Select Log in.
     4. Select Allow to grant Desktop Assistant permission to connect to your ServiceNow account.

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     Note:  
     To enable SSO login, set up the SSO provider and configure SSO in the instance. For more information, see [Configure Open Authorization details](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/BPEpeuZvT4oCES_c_NS99Q "Edit the Open Authorization (OAuth) field values to update OAuth client application details.").
   * When SSO is enabled:
     1. Select the Login with SSO link.
     2. Enter your user ID in the User ID field.
     3. Select Submit.

        You're redirected to the SSO login screen.
     4. Enter your login credentials and sign in.
     5. Select Allow to grant Desktop Assistant permission to connect to your ServiceNow account.
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* If you see an application version incompatibility error when opening Desktop Assistant, contact your administrator.
* If you get an unintended page when logging in, quit the application and reopen it.
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**Related topics**   

* [Resolve Desktop Assistant screen loading issue](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/7L2wGgCgvckXCweAHaWylw)