---
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


---

# Desktop Assistant

# Use DEX
Desktop Assistant {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read  
Use DEX
Desktop Assistant to get quick access to self-service and diagnostic tools, notifications about outages and announcements, and support resources.

The DEX
Desktop Assistant provides a dedicated communication interface for employees, enabling access to self-service options, IT notifications, and support resources.

Desktop Assistant facilitates streamlined workflows by enabling employees to perform network diagnostics, access IT catalogs, use the ServiceNow®
Employee Center, and interact with virtual agents for assistance. IT teams can use the tool to issue outage notifications or critical announcements, promoting timely communication and efficient support
delivery.
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| Components | Description |
|-|-|
| Header | The Desktop Assistant header includes the following: * Application name * Virtual agent or chat icon ![](): Selecting this icon opens a chat-based Virtual Agent interface that uses ServiceNow Otto to provide help, answers, and support. * Notification icon ![](): This icon displays a red dot with a number to indicate the number of new notifications. Selecting the icon displays the list of notifications. * User profile icon ![](): Selecting this icon enables you to log out of Desktop Assistant. {#use-dex-desktop-exp__ul_my4_4hz_r3c} |
| Sections | Sections help you search for items by arranging them sequentially and in logical groups. By default, ServiceNow provides the My resources and Quick links sections. Desktop Assistant administrators can configure additional sections for the home page. For more information, see [Add a section in the Desktop Assistant home page](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/aTzjo7uQduZmn98Zg9GyYw "Add a section to the Desktop Assistant home page to organize related cards under that section for easy navigation."). |
| Cards | Desktop Assistant provides the following cards with the base system: * Device health check: Monitor and self-resolve common device health issues. For more information, see [Check device health using Desktop Assistant](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/~UmMfWJMbp_l1Rsh4SSH0A "Monitor and resolve common device performance issues independently by using Device health check through Desktop Assistant."). * Network test: Run network diagnostic tests. For more information, see [Test network connectivity of your device](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/lEqgd~0gblFKaNiDJScN0g "Test your device's network connectivity to evaluate its performance. If the performance is below average, running a speed test helps diagnose if the issue is with your device or your Internet service provider."). * Employee Center: Access the Employee Center portal. For more information, see [Open Employee Center from Desktop Assistant](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Z6KUvxanQuPky5ZFS51fsg "Open Employee Center from Desktop Assistant to access a unified portal for finding information, getting help, and requesting services."). * Outages: View outages on Employee Center. For more information, see [View outages from Desktop Assistant](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/iq2OhdxzVKy3xnBgHV8CZg "View outages to identify potential task hazards and plan your work accordingly. Outages can be planned, unplanned, or related to service degradation."). {#use-dex-desktop-exp__ul_tms_tmy_fgc} By default, the Device health check card and the Network test card are mapped to the My resources section. The Employee Center card and the Outages card are mapped to the Quick links section. Desktop Assistant administrators can map cards to any section or remove cards from any section on the home page. To map a card to a section, see [Map a card to a section](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/LaVNgT5YwN7VEcwaiqWVQA "Map cards to sections to specify which cards appear under each section in the Desktop Assistant home page, and the order in which they are displayed."). To remove a card, see [Delete a card from the Desktop Assistant home page](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/nj8kwq6uaV1HzVHOIhZFdg "Delete a card from the Desktop Assistant home page when you no longer need it."). |
[Table 1. Desktop Assistant home page components]

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Note:  
If you experience issues with Desktop Assistant, troubleshoot them by accessing the logs at these locations:

* macOS: Users/\[username\]/Library/Application Support/desktop_assistant_app/logs
* Windows: Users\\\[username\]\\AppData\\Roaming\\desktop_assistant_app\\logs
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