Getting Started

Getting Started

NetWatch runs on a Windows PC. The Android app is a companion that connects to that PC over the same private network.

Before installing

Check the current Windows requirements. You will need:

• a supported Windows system with WSL2 and Docker Desktop;
• a full-tunnel WireGuard configuration;
• a TMDB API key;
• Prowlarr with at least one working indexer and its API key.

OpenSubtitles and SubDL are optional.

Set up NetWatch

1. Download the latest Windows release.
2. Run Setup normally. Approve elevation only if Windows needs to service WSL.
3. Start NetWatch and select Generic WireGuard or VPNBook.
4. Import the WireGuard configuration and let the network check finish.
5. Enter the TMDB and Prowlarr credentials.
6. Start NetWatch, then verify that Home, Discover, and release search load normally.

Continue with VPN Configuration or Prowlarr and FlareSolverr if setup cannot complete.

Add the Android companion

Install the latest Android release, then follow Android Companion Setup. Remote access is opt-in and limited to the selected private network interface.

Updates

Normal Windows reinstall and upgrade operations preserve NetWatch's private state. Read the release notes before updating because a release may require a one-time configuration step.