Skip to content
IT Sign in Start free

Use Nanus on a local network with several computers

With the desktop app several office computers work on the same data, which stays on the main workstation, each with their own account.

Where to find it
Settings → Users and sign-in → Local network

Available in the desktop app.

Open in Nanus

What it is for

Desktop app only. The data lives on one computer, the main workstation; the other office computers connect to it over the local network, with a browser or with the desktop app. Whoever connects signs in with their own account and role; whoever works on the main workstation is always the owner and needs no account.

Turn on sharing

  1. On the main workstation open Settings → Users and sign-in and the Local network section.
  2. Tick Share the data with the other office computers.
  3. Keep the proposed Port (8443) or choose another between 1024 and 65535; under Network adapter leave All or pick an address.
  4. Tap Apply. “Sharing is active. From the other computers open:” appears, with the addresses to use and the Certificate fingerprint.
  5. Below, Team members appears: invite each person with email and role and send them the link.

If the operating system asks whether to allow Nanus on the network, allow it for the private office networks.

Connect from the other computers

  • With a browser: open the address shown on the main workstation, for example https://192.168.1.10:8443/. The browser warns that it does not know the certificate: check that the fingerprint in the certificate details matches the main workstation’s, then continue and sign in with your account.
  • With the desktop app: under Settings → Users and sign-in open Connect this computer to a main workstation, enter the Main workstation address and the Port, tap Check, compare the fingerprint and tap It matches: connect. Nanus restarts on the main workstation’s sign-in page.

The data the second computer had stays there unchanged: from the sign-in page, Use the data on this computer takes you back to it whenever you want.

Security and limits

  • The connection is encrypted (HTTPS) with a certificate created by Nanus; the desktop app compares the fingerprint by itself.
  • Nanus answers only from the office network and refuses connections from the Internet; the main workstation must have a private address (192.168…, 10… or 172.16–31…).
  • Backup, licence and network settings are managed only from the main workstation, which must stay on with Nanus open while the others work.
  • The number of people depends on the plan: with a plan that includes one person only, you need a Pro or Business licence to let other computers work.

Common problems

  • “The port is already used by another program”: choose another one, for example 8444.
  • “The main workstation does not answer”: check address and port, that the computer is on, Nanus is open and sharing is active.
  • “Certificate different from the confirmed one”: this can happen after a reinstall, but also if someone is intercepting the connection. Check the fingerprint on the main workstation before connecting again.
  • A computer that shares its own data cannot connect to another workstation: turn sharing off first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the Internet to work on the local network?

No: the computers talk to each other on the office network and the data stays on the main workstation.

Can I sign in from a smartphone on the office Wi-Fi?

Yes, by opening the main workstation’s address in the browser and checking the fingerprint as you would from a computer.

See also