Your Step-by-Step Guide to MontavueGO Desktop PC-NVR Setup

Revised Blog Post: MontavueGO Desktop – Your Windows 10 Surveillance Powerhouse

What is MontavueGO Desktop?

MontavueGO Desktop is a Windows 10-optimized software that transforms your PC into a professional-grade Network Video Recorder (NVR). While a macOS version exists, full compatibility and advanced features are guaranteed only on Windows 10. Supporting up to 128 cameras, it offers live viewing, AI motion alerts, remote access, and robust recording management—all without costly dedicated hardware.

Why Windows 10?

Optimized Performance: Leverages Windows 10’s architecture for stability and speed.
Future-Ready: Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest security protocols.

Key Features

🔹 128-Channel Support: Ideal for large-scale deployments (e.g., warehouses, campuses).
🔹 H.265+/H.264 Compression: Reduces bandwidth by 50% while maintaining 4K/8MP quality.
🔹 AI-Powered Motion Detection: Filters false alerts by recognizing people/vehicles only.
🔹 Military-Grade Encryption: AES-256 (the gold standard in data security) protects footage from cyber threats.
🔹 Windows 10 Exclusive: Full feature set and stability guaranteed.

System Requirements

Note: For optimal performance, MontavueGO Desktop is recommended exclusively for Windows 10.

Component	Minimum	Recommended
OS	Windows 10 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit
CPU	Intel i5 (8th Gen)	Intel i7/i9 or Ryzen 7
RAM	8GB	16GB+
Storage	1TB HDD	4TB SSD + External RAID
Network	1Gbps Ethernet	Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 or 1 Gig Speeds

⚠️ Important:

macOS Limitations: Critical features like AI motion detection may not function optimally.
Large Deployments: For 50+ cameras, dedicate a Windows 10 PC to avoid performance bottlenecks.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Download & Install

Visit Montavue’s Download Page.
Windows 10 Users: Select the 64-bit Windows version.
- During Installation: Ensure “Enable Local Storage” is checked to grant MontavueGO access to your PC’s drives.
Mac Users: A macOS version is available, but features are limited.

Step 2: Network Configuration

Assign Static IPs to cameras (e.g., 192.168.1.101 for Camera 1).
- Pro Tip: Use your router’s DHCP reservation to automate this.
Port Forwarding: Enable ports 37777 (TCP), 37778 (UDP), and 80 (HTTPS) on your router for remote access.
- Security Note: For safer remote connections, use a VPN instead.

Step 3: Add Cameras

Launch MontavueGO Desktop on your Windows 10 PC.
Click + Add Device > Enter:
- Device Name
- IP Address/Serial Number
- Username (default: admin)
- Password (Change immediately!).

Step 4: Enable PC-NVR & Allocate Storage

Go to Settings > NVR Mode > Toggle to Enable. Confirm the status shows “Online”.
In Storage > HDD Manager:
- Click Allocate and assign space via slider or manual input (e.g., 2TB for 10 cameras recording 4K 24/7).
- ⚠️ Warning: Formatting a drive erases all existing data. Back up files first!
- Avoid OS drives (C:) to prevent system slowdowns.

Step 5: Assign Cameras to Channels

Navigate to Devices > Channel Management.
Select cameras from the device list and click >> to assign them to recording channels.
Use Select All to batch-add devices or << to remove unwanted cameras.
Verify live previews load for each assigned camera.

Step 6: Configure Recording Schedules

Go to Recording > Schedule > Click the Gear Icon.
Choose Continuous (24/7) or Event (motion-triggered) recording.
Adjust time blocks by dragging sliders (e.g., record only during business hours).
Click Copy To to apply schedules to multiple cameras simultaneously.

Step 7: Enable Alerts & Notifications

Push Notifications:
- Customize motion zones under Alerts > Motion Detection.
- Enable Smart Motion to filter people/vehicles.
Email Alerts:
- Configure SMTP settings to receive email notifications.