> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.desktop.faros.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.desktop.faros.ai/settings-and-privacy/configure-faros.md).

# Configure Faros

Open **Settings** to adjust the app and the sources Faros can analyze.

## General

| Area              | What it controls                                                          |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Appearance        | System, light, or dark appearance for Faros windows.                      |
| Notifications     | Faros notification preferences and access to macOS notification settings. |
| Menu bar          | What Helper displays beside its icon.                                     |
| AI tools          | Collection choices for detected supported tools.                          |
| Privacy           | Product usage analytics, crash reports, and data-sharing information.     |
| Setup and tour    | Revisit setup while keeping installed profile settings.                   |
| Updates and About | Available update controls and the installed build identity.               |

Turning off a source changes collection; it should not be treated as a promise to erase previously collected records.

## Advanced → Directories

Review repositories and working folders Faros has requested access to. Grant or revoke access using the offered controls.

A Faros access decision and macOS permission are separate. A folder may also be missing, on a disconnected volume, or restricted by macOS. Follow the explanation on the row.

## Advanced → App

Manage **Enable Faros MCP**, **Run Faros Helper**, and the available background-service controls.

MCP changes back up the default profile before applying. Restart affected AI-tool sessions so they load the changed configuration. Manage individual capabilities in **Power Ups**.

## Managed Settings

Your organization can lock settings or disallow capabilities. A disabled control may be intentional policy. Contact the administrator when the displayed restriction requires an organization-level change.

## Profiles in an Enterprise Evaluation

**Settings → Advanced** manages manually configured profiles. Each profile has a primary harness and its own home folder, with choices for session sources, Faros MCP tools, skill packs, and the local gateway.

Skill-packs offer settings of **On** and **Inherit**, where Inherit follows the parent or policy.

Automated alignment of profiles with customer roles and access policies, deployment through MDM, central policy enforcement, and integration with company directory are roadmap items.

## Related Guides

* [Understand Your Data](/settings-and-privacy/understand-your-data.md)
* [Updates and Support](/troubleshooting/updates-and-support.md)


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