Why Does the Desktop Prompt Require an Update Before Logging In?
When the old version lacks the current login capability, the application must be updated; modifying the return URL alone cannot restore functionality.
This Prompt Relates to Desktop Capabilities
If you see "Update Hackcat Desktop to sign in," it means the application does not provide the security capabilities required by the current login process or cannot prepare the desktop authentication state for this session. The web page may still allow normal login, but this does not mean the old desktop can reuse the web session to complete the same steps. Repeatedly clearing input, resetting the Local Agent token, or refreshing the old return page does not address this issue.
Obtain the Appropriate Version from the Official Source
Follow the prompt to open the official download page, verify your operating system and architecture, and install the desktop version suitable for your target computer. If you have ongoing tasks or unsaved results, complete them before restarting the application. Do not use third-party modified installation packages, copy login parameters, or manually construct links to bypass the update; after updating, the desktop should initiate the full authentication process from its own login entry point.
Check Two Stages After Updating
First, confirm that browser authentication can return to the application, then verify that "Desktop Application Connected" appears under Settings → Remote Control. If the update prompt still appears, check which installed application is actually opened to avoid continuing to launch an old shortcut or old copy. If the problem changes to being unable to start login or connection timeout, follow the new troubleshooting steps; it can no longer be explained solely by "insufficient old version login capability."