Running Bridge 24/7

Desktop App (Recommended)

If you're using the PrintHQ Bridge desktop app, it already runs as a background service automatically:

• System tray — Closing the window hides Bridge to the system tray instead of quitting
• Auto-restart — Bridge restarts automatically if it crashes
• Auto-updates — New versions are downloaded and installed automatically
• Always running — Bridge stays active as long as your computer is on

No additional setup is needed. Just launch the app and it runs in the background.

Start on login

To have Bridge start automatically when you log in, add PrintHQ Bridge to your system's startup applications:

• macOS: System Settings > General > Login Items > add PrintHQ Bridge
• Windows: The installer adds it to startup automatically
• Linux: Add the .desktop file to ~/.config/autostart/

Docker

Docker is the best option for headless servers, Raspberry Pi, NAS devices, and Unraid. See the Docker guide for full setup instructions.

CLI Service (Advanced)

If you're running Bridge as a standalone Node.js process (not the desktop app or Docker), you can install it as a system service using the built-in service manager:

# Install and start the service
./printhq-bridge --install

# Check if the service is running
./printhq-bridge --status

# Stop and remove the service
./printhq-bridge --uninstall

Platform	Service Manager	Guide
macOS	launchd	macOS Guide
Linux	systemd	Linux Guide
Windows	Task Scheduler	Windows Guide

When you run --install, Bridge:

1. Detects your operating system
2. Creates a service configuration file using the native service manager
3. Starts the service immediately
4. Configures it to start on boot / login

The service runs Bridge in Web Mode so the web UI remains accessible at http://localhost:9876.

Most users don't need this

The CLI service commands are for advanced users running Bridge from source or as a standalone Node.js binary. If you're using the desktop app or Docker, these commands aren't needed.