Step 1: Download the App
Visit the official download page:
Download 1Password Desktop App
- Use the dropdown to select your platform (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Once your correct operating system is selected, click Download
Install the App
After downloading the installer:
- Open the downloaded file
- Click Install
Step 2: Launch & Sign In
After installation, click Launch to open the 1Password desktop app.
- You’ll see the Welcome to 1Password screen
- Click Sign In — do not select “Create New Account”
Note: Do not start typing your email address
- Instead, click “Sign in on 1Password.com” at the bottom left of the window
This will redirect you to Northwestern’s SSO login page.
Choose Your Account in Browser
- Your browser will open and display your affiliated 1Password accounts
- Click on your Northwestern account to continue
Step 3: Sign in with Microsoft
- Click Sign in with Microsoft to continue
- You may be redirected to your browser to enter your NetID and password
- Complete Duo authentication if prompted
Transfer Your Encryption Key
After signing in, you’ll be asked to transfer your encryption key to the desktop app.
You can do this in two ways:
Option 1: Via the Browser Extension
- Unlock the 1Password extension
- Approve the transfer request
- A verification code will appear
- Enter the code into the desktop app
Option 2: Via the 1Password Web App
- Go to 1Password in your browser
- Sign in with your Northwestern account
- Follow the prompts to complete the encryption key transfer
Transfer Key via Browser
- In your browser, you’ll see a pop-up asking to transfer your encryption key
- Click Transfer Key
- You’ll receive an verification code
- Copy the code and return to the desktop app
- Paste it into the field labeled “Enter verification code”
- Click Submit to finish setup
Confirmation: You’re All Set
- You’ll see a confirmation message that your desktop app is now linked to your account
- Click Done to close the setup window
- You can now begin using 1Password to manage logins, generate passwords, and access secure items
