How to install and add devices to Prey

This guide will walk you through the first steps to link your devices to the Prey platform and introduce the deployment methods available for each operating system, whether you're protecting a single device or managing a large fleet.

Requirements and recommendations

  • Local administrator privileges are required to install the necessary system services.

  • The device must have an active internet connection to successfully complete the registration process.

  • If your organization uses strict antivirus software or corporate firewalls, please refer to our dedicated guide on how to whitelist Prey on your security solution to ensure smooth communication.

Deployment by Operating System (Computers)
    • Manual Installer: Standard installation using the executable (.exe) file. Please note this installation method will require credentials at the end of the installation to properly link the device to your prey account.
    • Unattended Installer Link: Generates a pre-configured .exe file that automatically installs and links the device.
      1. Go to your Prey panel and click on + Add device.
      2. Click Create link next to the desired user.
      3. Distribute this link to users.
      4. Final users need to double-click the link, download the installer and run it. The process will be silent on the background. No other further action is needed.
    • MSI File Deployment: For deployments via Command Prompt (CMD).
      1. Download the MSI file via the + Add device menu.
      2. Run the provided installation string in an elevated Command Prompt. Remember first to navigate to the folder where the MSI file was downloaded.
        (Always copy the exact string from your panel, as it contains your specific Setup Key and variables).
      3. This is a silent installation that will run on the background. No other action is needed. Your device will appear on the prey panel within minutes.
    • Image Deployment: Designed for mass cloning. Follow our Image Deployment Guide for specific sysprep steps.

  • Prey supports manual installation, Image Deployment, and unattended Terminal installation for macOS.

    To run an unattended installation:

    1. Download the latest macOS .pkg installer from the Prey panel.
    2. Open the Terminal app and navigate to your downloads folder.
    3. Run the provided installation string you can find it on your Prey panel.
      (Always copy the exact string from your panel, as it contains your specific Setup Key and variables).

    Apple's privacy policies require users to grant specific system permissions upon the first execution. Without these, Prey will not function correctly:

    • Full Disk Access (FDA): Required for tracking and wiping capabilities.
    • Location Services: Required for accurate device tracking.
    • Camera: Required to take evidence pictures if a device is marked as missing.

  • Note: Prey officially supports only Ubuntu among Linux distributions.

    Before installing Prey, you must install the required dependencies using Ubuntu’s Advanced Package Tool (apt).

    1. Open a terminal. For Ubuntu 21 and newer, run: 
      sudo apt install libgtk-3-dev scrot streamer mpg123
      (For Ubuntu 20 or earlier, run: sudo apt install python-gtk2 scrot streamer mpg123)
    2. Update your package lists: 
      sudo apt-get update
    3. Run the following command to install the downloaded .deb package (replace variables accordingly): 
      API_KEY="your_setup_key" sudo -E dpkg -i Downloads/prey_1.X.X_amd64.deb
    • Add the extension to Chrome: For configuring one device at a time.
    • Import CSV: For mass deployment. Import a list of your Chromebooks from your Google Admin Console, and they will be automatically added to your Control Panel.
Mobile Devices

You can also protect smartphones and tablets directly from the Add device section of your Dashboard. There, you'll find a direct QR code to help you install and link the Prey app:

  • Android: Available through the Google Play Store.
  • iOS: Available through the Apple App Store.

(For detailed instructions, see our Mobile Installation Guides)

Mass deployment and MDM/RMM

If you manage a large fleet, you can deploy Prey using your preferred MDM or RMM solution.

  • Windows: You can find a PowerShell script to deploy Prey on Windows devices here.
  • Other operating systems: If you require a more advanced deployment method or need assistance creating a policy for your specific MDM, please contact our Support team directly from your Prey Panel.

Still need help?

I installed prey successfully but cannot see the device on the panel:

If you need further assistance, reach out to our Support team directly via the Help widget in your Prey panel.

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