> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ctrlnode.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bridge Setup

> Pairing tokens, install scripts, and connection status

## Route

```text theme={null}
/system/bridge-tokens
```

Breadcrumb: **SYSTEM → BRIDGE SETUP**

<Warning>
  **This is the most important step.** Without a connected Bridge, agents do not appear in Team and tasks are not dispatched.
</Warning>

![Bridge setup and pairing tokens](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ctrlnode-ai/ctrlnode/docs/product-screenshots/docs/product-screenshots/11-bridge-setup.png)

## Bridge status

Green dot = **Connected** (shows active agent count). Red = **Disconnected** — verify the Bridge process is running with a valid token.

## Pairing tokens

1. Click **New Token**
2. Copy the token when shown — **it will not be displayed again**
3. Revoke old tokens you no longer use

Regenerate from `/setup/token` during onboarding if needed.

## Install

**Windows (PowerShell):**

```powershell theme={null}
iwr https://github.com/ctrlnode-ai/ctrlnode/releases/latest/download/install.ps1 | iex
```

**Linux / macOS:**

```bash theme={null}
curl -fsSL https://github.com/ctrlnode-ai/ctrlnode/releases/latest/download/install.sh | bash
```

Installers write `~/.ctrlnode/.env` with `PAIRING_TOKEN` and workspace paths.

## Run

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Windows">
    ```powershell theme={null}
    $env:PAIRING_TOKEN="<your-token>"
    ctrlnode
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Linux / macOS">
    ```bash theme={null}
    PAIRING_TOKEN=<your-token> ctrlnode
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Installers write `~/.ctrlnode/.env` with `PAIRING_TOKEN`, `SAAS_URL`, and **`BASE_PATH`** (workspace parent). See [Install](/bridge/install).

<Tip>
  Open source Bridge: [github.com/ctrlnode-ai/ctrlnode](https://github.com/ctrlnode-ai/ctrlnode)
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

| Issue              | Check                                                                  |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Stays disconnected | Token copied correctly; Bridge process running                         |
| Auth errors        | No duplicate `PAIRING_TOKEN=` in `.env`; shell env not overriding file |
| Agents missing     | Bridge connected; agent registered in **Team**                         |

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