---
id: "01M3D5V2A23ENKZBVP4QXTJ7QQ"
title: SambaPOS 5 Installation Guide
slug: /en/installation/sambapos-5-installation-guide/
language: en
category: installation
visibility: public
product: sambapos-5
order: 10
tags:
  - installation
  - database
  - licensing
excerpt: You can install SambaPOS 5 on a single computer or in a main-machine + terminal setup. This guide covers every step required to reach a working installation from scratch. Hardware and operating system requirements Compo…
legacyUrl: null
translationGroupId: tg-installation
publishedAt: "2026-09-25T20:59:18.210Z"
updatedAt: "2026-09-25T20:59:18.210Z"
---

You can install SambaPOS 5 on a single computer or in a main-machine + terminal setup. This guide
covers every step required to reach a working installation from scratch.

:::warning
Back up your existing SambaPOS database before you begin. The installer updates the database schema, and rolling
back is only possible with your backup.
:::

## Hardware and operating system requirements

| Component | Recommended |
| --- | --- |
| CPU | Intel i5 10th generation or newer |
| Memory | At least 8 GB RAM |
| Storage | SSD with 100 GB or more free space |
| Operating system | Windows 10/11 Pro (64-bit) |
| .NET | .NET Framework 4.8 |

:::note
Windows 8.1/10 tablets with Intel chipsets are recommended as terminals. Android devices can connect to the main
machine with the SambaPOS Mobile application.
:::

## Installation steps

:::steps[Installation]
1. Download the SambaPOS installer and run it as administrator.
2. Choose the installation type: **Single computer** or **Main machine (Message Server)**.
3. Select the database engine. Use LocalDB for a single station, SQL Server Express for multi-user setups.
4. After installation, open SambaPOS and create the administrator user.
5. Complete activation on the licensing screen with your licence e-mail and password.
:::

## Database connection

After installation you can manage the database connection from the `Samba.Settings` file. A typical connection
string looks like this:

```xml
<connection>
  <name>SambaPOS</name>
  <provider>MSSQL</provider>
  <connectionString>Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;Database=SambaPOS5;Trusted_Connection=True;</connectionString>
</connection>
```

:::tip
If you need to change the Message Server port, edit `Samba.MessagingServer.exe.config` and define the same port on
every terminal.
:::

## Verifying the installation

After installation, confirm that:

- The administrator can sign in.
- Product categories and the menu screen open correctly.
- A test ticket can be printed.
- The Message Server is reachable from every terminal.

## Troubleshooting

If you get a licensing error during setup, run `Licensing.exe` from the main folder. In recent versions, licensing
the main machine automatically licenses all terminals — the terminals do not need to be closed.

:::details[Advanced: moving the database to another computer]
1. Back up the database on the source machine.
2. Complete the SQL Server Express installation on the target machine.
3. Restore the backup on the target server.
4. Update the connection string in `Samba.Settings`.
5. Verify the Message Server port on every terminal.
:::