Installing Instinct is a straightforward process that involves downloading the Instinct Client App, configuring your practice’s secure authentication token, and installing the application on each computer that will access Instinct.
Why This Installation Matters
Instinct is a cloud-based application, so there is no on-premise server to install or maintain. Instead, each workstation connects securely to your practice’s Instinct environment using the Instinct Client App and a unique authentication token.
Installing Instinct correctly ensures your team can securely access patient records, schedules, and practice data from any authorized workstation.
Before You Begin
Before installing Instinct, make sure you have:
Received your Instinct installation link from the Instinct Team
Access to the email address used during onboarding
Administrator permissions on the computer (if required by your organization)
Determined whether you'll be installing on Windows or Mac
To view MSI Installer instructions, see: Install Instinct Using the MSI Installer.
Note: The secure installation files are delivered through a 1Password link that expires after 14 days. Download your Instinct Token as soon as possible after receiving the email.
Understanding the Instinct Installation
An Instinct installation consists of three components:
Component | Purpose |
Instinct Server | Cloud-hosted by the Instinct Team. No local server installation is required. |
Instinct Client App | Installed on each Windows or Mac computer that will access Instinct. |
Instinct Token | A secure authentication file that connects your practice to the Instinct platform. |
Because Instinct is cloud-based, the Client App can be installed on any supported computer with an internet connection—it does not need to be installed on a machine connected to a local server.
Step 1: Download Your Token File
As part of your onboarding, you'll receive a secure link in 1Password containing your token file.
Open the link.
Enter your email address.
Select Send Code.
Retrieve the verification code sent to your email.
Enter the verification code into the 1Password page.
Select View Item.
Download the instinct_token file and save it to a secure location.
Tip: Save the token in a place you can find later. You'll need it when configuring Instinct.
Step 2: Configure Your Instinct Token
The Instinct Token securely authenticates your practice with the Instinct platform. How you store the token depends on how your team accesses Instinct.
Option 1: In-Practice Users
If your computers access Instinct from within your practice network:
Place the instinct_token file in a shared network folder accessible to every computer running Instinct.
Provide your Onboarding Manager with the shared folder path (for example: \\ServerName\Instinct).
Option 2: Remote Users
If team members access Instinct outside your practice network:
Store the instinct_token file locally on each remote computer. Each remote user will use their local copy of the token when launching Instinct.
Step 3: Install the Instinct Client App
The Instinct Team will provide the appropriate installer based on your operating system.
Installer | Recommended For |
EXE | Individual Windows computers |
DMG | Mac computers (Intel or Apple Silicon) |
MSI | Enterprise Windows deployments using Group Policy (recommended for IT administrators) |
If you're deploying Instinct using an MSI installer, refer to Installing Instinct with the MSI (Microsoft Software Installer) for detailed deployment instructions.
Install Instinct on Windows
Download the EXE installer.
Double-click the installer.
Allow the installation to complete.
Launch Instinct.
(Recommended) Pin the application to your Start Menu or Taskbar.
Repeat these steps on each workstation that will access Instinct.
Install Instinct on Mac
Download the DMG installer.
If macOS displays a message that the application is from an unidentified developer:
Open Finder.
Hold the Control key and click the installer.
Select Open.
Complete the installation.
Launch Instinct.
Step 4: Apply the Instinct Token
Windows
Locate the downloaded instinct_token file.
Do not rename or modify the file.
Copy the file to the root of your *C:* drive or drag and drop the instinct_token file onto the Instinct sign in screen.
Mac
Locate the downloaded instinct_token file.
Do not rename or modify the file.
Keep the file stored on your computer (for example, in your Downloads folder).
Open Instinct.
Drag and drop the instinct_token file onto the Instinct login screen.
Verify Your Installation
After installation is complete:
The Instinct Client App launches successfully.
The desktop shortcut has been created (Windows).
The Instinct Token has been applied successfully.
You can access the Instinct sign-in screen without errors.
Troubleshooting
The secure 1Password installation link expires after 14 days. Contact the Instinct Team if you need a new installation link.
My Mac won't let me open the installer.
Locate the installer in Finder, hold the Control key, click the installer, and choose Open.
Can I rename the Instinct Token?
No. The instinct_token file should never be renamed or modified.
If Instinct won't connect, verify that:
The Instinct Token is stored in the correct location.
Required network URLs have been allowlisted by your IT team.
Your internet connection is active.
The Client App is installed successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Instinct require a local server?
No. Instinct is cloud-hosted by the Instinct Team. Only the Client App is installed on each workstation.
Can I install Instinct on multiple computers?
Yes. Install the Client App on every computer that will access Instinct.
Can I use Instinct remotely?
Yes. Remote users should store the Instinct Token locally on their computer.
How long is the secure installation link valid?
The 1Password installation link expires after 14 days.
Still need help?
Contact support via live chat or email [email protected]