Support

Help with OutsideWindow

For launch support, bug reports, or privacy questions, email support@outsidewindow.com.

What should I do if macOS shows a security warning?

Download OutsideWindow only from outsidewindow.com/download. The public DMG should be signed, notarized, and accepted by Gatekeeper. If macOS says the app cannot be checked for malicious software, do not bypass the warning; email support with your macOS version, the download URL, and the exact warning text.

Where is the app after I open it?

OutsideWindow runs from the macOS menu bar, so it may not show a normal Dock icon. Look on the right side of the menu bar for the OutsideWindow icon or weather readout. If it is missing, quit OutsideWindow from Activity Monitor if it is running, then open the app again from Applications.

Which Macs are supported?

OutsideWindow requires macOS 15 or later. The direct-download app is a universal build for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Why does OutsideWindow ask for location permission?

OutsideWindow uses your location to calculate local weather, air quality, sunrise, sunset, golden hour, blue hour, moon timing, and ISS visibility. You can deny location permission and use saved locations instead.

Does OutsideWindow track me?

No. OutsideWindow does not include advertising, third-party analytics, user accounts, or cross-app tracking.

Why do ISS passes require setup?

Current ISS position works without an account. Visible-pass predictions use N2YO, which requires a free API key. Add the key in Settings, General, Integrations.

Where is the N2YO API key stored?

The optional N2YO API key is stored in macOS Keychain. You can remove it from Settings, General, Integrations with Remove Key.

Why are conditions different from another weather app?

OutsideWindow uses Open-Meteo weather and air-quality data. Forecasts can differ across providers because models, update timing, and location grids differ.

How do I reset location permission?

Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, choose Location Services, and adjust OutsideWindow. For troubleshooting, you can reset permission for the app and relaunch it.

How do I remove saved locations?

Open Settings, go to Locations, and remove the saved location you no longer want.

How do I uninstall or reset OutsideWindow?

To reset OutsideWindow before uninstalling, open Settings, General, Privacy & Data and choose Delete Local Data. This removes saved locations, preferences, cached provider data, and the optional N2YO API key from this Mac. If the app reports that the optional N2YO key could not be removed, use Remove Key in Settings, General, Integrations or remove the OutsideWindow item in Keychain Access. To uninstall OutsideWindow, quit the app and move /Applications/OutsideWindow.app to the Trash. Location access is controlled separately in System Settings, Privacy & Security, Location Services.

Does OutsideWindow work offline?

Some astronomy calculations are local, but weather, air quality, and ISS data require network access. Cached or previously loaded information may remain visible for a short time.

Support asked me for diagnostics. What should I run?

Only run the diagnostics script if support asks for it. Download support-diagnostics.sh and review the report it creates before sending it. The script redacts user paths, email addresses, API keys/tokens, and exact latitude/longitude coordinates, but you should still remove anything you are not comfortable sharing. Do not include API keys, exact home addresses, or screenshots with private desktop content.