# How to Use Vagon Computers

This guide walks you from account setup to an active session on your Vagon Computer. Follow it in order the first time you set up a computer, and use it later as a reference for connecting from new devices.

## Before You Start

Make sure you have:

* A verified Vagon account at [app.vagon.io/register](https://app.vagon.io/register).
* A stable internet connection.
* A modern browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, or the Vagon Desktop Application.
* Enough balance or an active subscription to start a computer. Your balance covers performance usage and subscription renewal payments.

{% hint style="warning" %}
A Vagon Computer starts using credits the moment it powers on. Confirm your balance and plan before launching your first session.
{% endhint %}

## Create Your Computer

1. Sign in to your Vagon dashboard.
2. Name your Vagon Computer and click **Create Computer**.
3. Select your intended use case so Vagon can tailor the recommended setup.
4. Choose a server region. Vagon recommends the closest available region automatically, but you can override the suggestion manually.
5. Configure disk storage size and pick any preinstalled applications you want bundled.
6. Choose a subscription plan and set your account balance amount.
7. Add a payment method and complete the transaction.
8. Launch your computer from the dashboard and click **Connect** to open the session.

{% hint style="info" %}
Preinstalled applications are a convenience, not a limit. You can download and install any Windows application after your computer is created.
{% endhint %}

### Operating System Options

New Vagon Computers run on Windows Server 2025 with a refreshed Windows 11 interface. This baseline brings a more modern desktop experience, stronger application and game compatibility, smoother handling of background updates during long sessions, and a more stable foundation for demanding workloads.

{% hint style="info" %}
Vagon Computers created before this rollout were not migrated automatically to avoid interruptions. If you want to move an existing computer to Windows Server 2025, contact Vagon support.
{% endhint %}

### A Note on Region

Physical distance between you and your Vagon Computer directly affects latency and streaming quality. Stick with the recommended region during initial setup for the smoothest experience. You can migrate between regions later if you move or travel.

{% content-ref url="/pages/Ax4h5BhjfAeinlY4wQfF" %}
[Region Selection & Migration](/computer/features/region-selection-and-migration.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Connect to Your Computer

You can reach your Vagon Computer from any device, anywhere. The two supported entry points are a modern web browser and the Vagon Desktop Application for macOS and Windows. Both deliver an encrypted real-time stream of your cloud machine.

### From a Browser

1. Sign in to your Vagon dashboard.
2. Open your computer and click **Connect**.
3. Allow browser permissions when prompted for microphone, clipboard, or file access.

Use a current version of Chrome or Edge for the most reliable WebRTC performance.

### From the Desktop Application

The Vagon Desktop Application is recommended when you need the most stable streaming, better input handling, or repeated daily usage.

1. Download the Desktop Application for [macOS](https://app.vagon.io/apps/Vagon.dmg) or [Windows](https://app.vagon.io/apps/Vagon.zip), or visit [vagon.io/download](https://vagon.io/download).
2. Install and sign in with your Vagon account.
3. Select your computer.
4. Click **Connect**.

{% hint style="info" %}
If keyboard shortcuts, full-screen behavior, or audio matter to your workflow, prefer the Desktop Application over the browser.
{% endhint %}

### From a Tablet or Mobile Device

Vagon also works on tablets and mobile devices through the browser or the dedicated mobile experience. Touch-first devices benefit from a few extra settings covered in the device guide.

{% content-ref url="/pages/S0YApECnUuanAE3INGZP" %}
[Using on Tablet & Mobile Devices](/computer/features/using-on-tablet-and-mobile-devices.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Next Steps

{% content-ref url="/pages/MgZr1gNjEtqsUSRFuUUn" %}
[Inside Computer](/computer/introduction/inside-computer.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/5eC8iMR1VM0vuyIqNBEN" %}
[Performance Options & Specs](/computer/features/performance-options-and-specs.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/PiN6uprcnzayurXd7PCc" %}
[Preinstall App Catalog](/computer/features/preinstall-app-catalog.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/dOrYDK5NrHlLBbnJ3opQ" %}
[Vagon Desktop Apps](/computer/features/vagon-desktop-apps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/trydFd4oFnVWu0wQKAQd" %}
[Computer Connection](/computer/troubleshooting/computer-connection.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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```
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