> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.duplicati.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.duplicati.com/duplicati-console/connecting-to-the-duplicati-console.md).
# Connecting to the Duplicati console
The Duplicati open-source client can run without a connection to the console, but connecting the client offers additional features, such as backup monitoring, remote management, zero-configuration storage and more.
{% hint style="info" %}
Since the [Agent](/duplicati-programs/agent.md) does not have a local UI, refer to the [Agent section for information on how to register](/duplicati-programs/agent.md)
{% endhint %}
## Connect a single machine
To connect a single machine to the Duplicati console, the simplest approach is to use the dedicated "Click to register" feature shown in the top-right corner of the Duplicati open-source client screen:
After clicking "Click to register" you will need to accept adding the machine to your account:
After this, the machine is connected to the console, and no further action is needed.
## Connect with a link
{% hint style="info" %}
Links are only available with a Pro or Enterprise subscription
{% endhint %}
If you prefer a more automated way to connect to the console, you can generate a link that is pre-authenticated. This is done on the ["Links" page on the console](https://app.duplicati.com/app/machines/links):
Click "Create a new link" to create the link and set the options on the link. Then click the "Copy" button to copy the URL. On the open-source client, go to settings and paste in the link into the "Connect to console" field, replacing the existing text:
Then click "Register on console" and the open-source client will connect directly.
If you prefer to register via the commandline, you can run either [TrayIcon](/duplicati-programs/trayicon.md) or [Server](/duplicati-programs/server.md) with the `--register-remote-control=`, for example:
```
duplicati-server --register-remote-control=
```
## Connect with a file
Similar to the [link approach](#connect-with-a-link), you can also generate a file that configures the open-source client to automatically connect. This is also done on the ["Links" page on the console](https://app.duplicati.com/app/machines/links):
You will then download a file named [`preload.json`](/configuration-and-management/preload-settings.md) which has the link inside. You simply place this file in either the installation folder for Duplicati or in the [datafolder](/database-and-storage/the-server-database.md), and the open-source client will automatically connect to the console when it (re-)starts. After starting with the preload file, the file can be deleted, but has no effect if it is left behind.
For automated install, an MDM tool or similar can place the `preload.json` file in the target folder prior to installing Duplicati such that it automatically connects on startup.
---
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