How to install FreeScout

FreeScout is self-hosted, so you install it on your own server. You can run it on a standard web server (PHP plus MySQL or MariaDB) or with Docker. This page is an overview: the official FreeScout installation docs are the source of truth for the exact steps and current requirements.

Requirements

FreeScout needs a web server, PHP, and a MySQL or MariaDB database. Rather than repeat version numbers here that may drift, check the requirements on the official install page, which is kept up to date for each FreeScout release.

Install options

There are two common ways to install FreeScout. Pick whichever matches how you manage servers.

1. Manual install

Download or clone FreeScout onto your server, point your web server at it, create a database, and run the built-in web installer, which walks you through configuration in the browser. You can clone the project straight from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/freescout-help-desk/freescout.git

After cloning, follow the official install docs to configure your web server and database and complete the web installer. The full source and release notes live on GitHub.

2. Docker

If you prefer containers, FreeScout has an official Docker setup that bundles the app and its dependencies. The FreeScout GitHub and the install docs link to the Docker instructions and the recommended images.

After installing

Once FreeScout is running, two quick steps get you to a working help desk:

1. Create an admin user

   Complete the web installer's setup screen to create your first administrator account, then log in to the FreeScout dashboard.

2. Add a mailbox

   Create a mailbox so FreeScout can receive and send email for a support address. This is the shared inbox your team works from.

3. Install ReplyRabbit

   With a mailbox in place, add AI draft replies on top of FreeScout. See How to install the ReplyRabbit module.