Installation Guide

This guide walks you through setting up the complete Exekra platform, from installing prerequisites to connecting your first runner. Follow the steps in order.

Prerequisites

Before installing the Hub, you need two services running and accessible on your network. These can be on the same server as the Hub or on separate machines.

1. PostgreSQL Database

PostgreSQL stores all Hub data including workflows, executions, users, licenses, and audit logs. Version 14 or later is required.

Installation on Windows:

• Download from postgresql.org/download/windows
• Run the installer and follow the wizard
• Choose a password for the postgres superuser
• Keep the default port (5432) and select UTF-8 encoding

After installation, create the database:

psql -U postgres
CREATE DATABASE exekra_hub;
\q

Your connection string will look like: postgresql://postgres:yourpassword@localhost:5432/exekra_hub

2. Redis

Redis powers the job queue (BullMQ) used for scheduling triggers and assigning workflow executions to runners. Version 6 or later is required.

Installation on Windows (choose one):

Option A: Memurai (recommended for Windows)

• Download from memurai.com/get-memurai
• Run the installer. Memurai runs as a Windows service automatically

Option B: Redis via WSL2

wsl --install
sudo apt update && sudo apt install redis-server
sudo service redis-server start

Option C: Docker

docker run -d --name redis -p 6379:6379 redis:7-alpine

Your connection string will look like: redis://localhost:6379

Verify Prerequisites

Before proceeding, confirm both services are running:

PostgreSQL:

psql -U postgres -h localhost -d exekra_hub -c "SELECT 1;"

Redis:

redis-cli ping

Expected output: PONG

Hub Installation

System Requirements

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Download the Hub installer from the Exekra Customer Portal (Downloads page) or from the link provided by your administrator.

Step 2: Right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator.

Step 3: Accept the license agreement and choose the installation directory. The default is C:\Program Files\Exekra\Hub.

Step 4: Enter your database and Redis connection details:

Step 5: The installer will automatically:

• Generate TLS certificates for HTTPS
• Generate encryption keys for secure data storage
• Run database migrations to create the required tables
• Install and start the Hub as a Windows service (ExekraHubService)

Step 6: Open your browser and navigate to https://localhost:<your chosen HTTPS port>.

First-Time Activation

When you first open the Hub, you'll see the activation screen. Upload your .lic license file (downloaded from the Customer Portal). After activation, create your admin account password and sign in.

Service Management

Common commands for managing the Hub Windows service:

sc query ExekraHubService
nssm stop ExekraHubService
nssm start ExekraHubService
nssm restart ExekraHubService

Logs are stored in the installation directory under the logs/ folder.

Studio and Runner Installation

Studio and Runner ship in a single installer with a Components page. You can install Studio only, Runner only, or both on the same machine.

System Requirements

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Download Exekra Setup.exe from the Customer Portal (Downloads page) or the Hub dashboard.

Step 2: Run the installer. On the Choose Components page, tick Exekra Studio, Exekra Runner, or both. Both are checked by default.

Step 3: Accept the default install directory or change it. The default is C:\Program Files\Exekra; selected components land under Studio\ and Runner\ subdirectories.

Step 4: Launch the installed apps from the Start Menu or Desktop shortcuts the installer creates.

Connecting Runner to the Hub

If you installed Runner, finish setup by connecting it to your Hub:

Step 1: In the Hub dashboard, go to Runners > Register Runner.

Step 2: Enter a name for the runner and click Register. The Hub will generate a Machine Key and Machine Secret.

Step 3: In the Runner application, enter:

Step 4: Click Connect. The runner should show as Online in the Hub's Runners page within a few seconds.

Running as a Background Service

For unattended automation, you can configure the Runner to start automatically with Windows. The Runner tray icon stays in the system tray and maintains the connection to the Hub. Workflows assigned to this runner will execute automatically without user interaction.

Browser Extension (Optional)

The browser extension enables element selection and recording for web automation activities. It is only needed on machines where you design workflows, not on runner-only machines.

Installation:

• Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions
• Enable "Developer mode" in the top right
• Click "Load unpacked" and select the extension folder from the Hub installation directory
• The Exekra icon should appear in the browser toolbar

License Renewal

When your license expires, the Hub will display a banner and workflow executions will be disabled. To renew:

• Contact Exekra sales or your account manager to request a renewal
• Once renewed, download the new .lic file from the Customer Portal
• In the Hub, go to the License page and upload the new file
• The Hub will reactivate immediately. No restart required

Upgrading

To upgrade Hub, Studio, or Runner to a new version, download the latest installer and run it. Studio and Runner share a single combined installer; Hub has its own. Each installer detects the existing installation and upgrades in place. Your data, configuration, and license are preserved. Stop the Hub service before upgrading Hub.

nssm stop ExekraHubService
:: Run the new installer
nssm start ExekraHubService