# Standalone and Desktop Modes

{% hint style="info" %}
If you have trouble getting your Go to power on, check out our [troubleshooting guide](/getting-started/looking-glass-go/troubleshooting.md).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
The Looking Glass Go will **not** work with USB-A to USB-C cables. We **strongly** recommend using the included USB-C cable with the Go.
{% endhint %}

The Looking Glass Go can be used in two different modes, Standalone Mode and Desktop Mode. \
\
In Standalone Mode the display only requires power. The Looking Glass Go can be powered by the included power adapter, a capable USB-C port on your computer, or the battery accessory. 

### Standalone Mode

<figure><img src="/files/x19tI11F9omWGZNgMngO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once you've got the Go plugged into power, tap the power button to boot into Standalone Mode.&#x20;

If your Looking Glass Go is connected to a computer, you'll need to tap the power button again to switch the Go from Desktop Mode to Standalone Mode. In this mode you can connect the Go to Wi-Fi using the [**Looking Glass Go mobile app**](/getting-started/looking-glass-go/using-the-mobile-app.md) and load content from [**Blocks**](https://blocks.glass).&#x20;

### Desktop Mode

Desktop Mode allows you to use your Looking Glass with your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer and use software like [Liteforms](/legacy/legacy-software/liteforms.md) and [Blocks](/software/looking-glass-blocks.md), as well as create your own applications using our integrations with tools like [Blender](/software/creator-tools/index-1.md), [Unity](/software/index.md), [Unreal Engine](/software/creator-tools/index.md), [WebXR](/software/creator-tools/webxr.md) and[ ](broken://pages/-MX37dkFZEv9vlTCEAbL)more[^1].&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/HTeBvH0Mn4MXJkyYxUuO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
In order to use Desktop Mode, your computer must be able output a 4K video signal via USB-C. If you do not have a USB-C port with Display Port Alt Mode and need to connect your Go using an HDMI cable, we recommend using [this adapter](https://checkout.lookingglassfactory.com/products/looking-glass-go-hdmi-cable).
{% endhint %}

### Adjusting Display Settings

Follow the guides below to ensure that your display settings are correct.

{% content-ref url="/pages/SqewUHfu4KKIY6xsYo1z" %}
[Display Settings on Windows](/software/looking-glass-bridge/display-settings-on-windows.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/ypLgTeSrQP71utINd55a" %}
[Display Settings on macOS](/software/looking-glass-bridge/display-settings-on-macos.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/yapPbuHzpWTgdZDY4lZm" %}
[Display Settings on Linux](/software/looking-glass-bridge/display-settings-on-linux.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Software Requirements

In order to use your Looking Glass in Desktop Mode, you'll first need to install Looking Glass Bridge. You can download Looking Glass Bridge [here](/software/looking-glass-bridge.md).&#x20;

Once Looking Glass Bridge is installed, run the test below and you should see a hologram appear on your display. That means it's working!

For more information about Looking Glass Bridge, visit the Bridge documentation [here](/software/looking-glass-bridge/using-looking-glass-bridge.md).

{% embed url="<https://codesandbox.io/embed/hardcore-butterfly-l5o9d?fontsize=14&hidenavigation=1&theme=dark&view=preview>" %}

[^1]:


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://lfdocs.lookingglassfactory.com/getting-started/looking-glass-go/standalone-and-desktop-modes.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.