System requirements
What a till computer, tablet, or phone needs before you install Centra POS. After activation, the terminal can keep selling offline and sync when the connection returns.
- 64-bit Windows 10 or 11
- Visual C++ Redistributable (x64)
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB nicer)
- Internet for first-time activation
- Store activation code from the dashboard
- Administrator rights to install
Supported platforms
Windows 7, Windows 8, and 32-bit Windows are not supported.
| Platform | Installer |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 / 11 | Setup (.exe) |
| Android 8.0+ | APK |
| macOS 11+ | DMG |
| Linux (64-bit) | AppImage |
Windows in detail
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 |
| Processor | Dual-core Intel or AMD (not Windows on ARM) |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended |
| Storage | 500 MB free |
| Graphics | DirectX 11 capable GPU — built-in Intel graphics is fine |
| Display | Any monitor; 1024 px wide or more is nicest at checkout |
| Runtime | Visual C++ Redistributable 2015–2022 (x64) |
| Install rights | Administrator (installs under Program Files) |
Visual C++ runtime
The most common reason POS will not open on a new PC.
Flutter Windows builds need VCRUNTIME140_1.dll. A clean office PC often does not ship it.
If you see “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found”, install the 64-bit Visual C++ Redistributable, then open POS again. You do not need to reinstall Centra POS.
Download vc_redist.x64.exehttps://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe
Use the x64 installer, not x86. If the till has no internet, download it on another computer and copy it on a USB stick. Newer POS setup builds install this runtime automatically when it is missing.
Android, macOS, and Linux
Android 8.0 or later. An 8–10" tablet is better at a counter than a phone.
Allow install from the browser to sideload the APK. Bluetooth is needed for Bluetooth thermal printers.
macOS 11 Big Sur or later, Intel or Apple Silicon.
Grant printer and local-network permission if macOS asks after first launch.
64-bit x86_64 with GTK 3. Use the AppImage.
Mark it executable if the desktop requires that before it will run.
Network and first-time setup
No VPN, inbound ports, or public IP are required on the till.
- 1. Activate once. Enter the branch store activation code from Dashboard → Stores & terminals. That step needs HTTPS access to the Centra API.
- 2. Sell offline. After activation, cashiers can keep taking payments without internet. Sales sit in a local outbox until the till reconnects.
- 3. Sync when online. Catalog, prices, and staff PINs download; queued sales upload. Fiscalization, if enabled, also goes through the cloud API.
Printers
Optional to open the app. A live store will want one for receipts.
| Connection | Typical hardware |
|---|---|
| Network / Wi‑Fi ESC/POS | Epson TM-T88, Star TSP, Bixolon, Citizen, and similar 58/80 mm thermals on the LAN |
| USB ESC/POS | USB thermal printer installed as a Windows printer |
| Serial / COM | Legacy RS-232 receipt printers (COM1–COM8) |
| Bluetooth ESC/POS | Mobile and tablet counters |
| System printer | Any Windows or macOS inkjet, laser, or thermal driver, including A4 invoices |
Recommended till
- Dedicated Windows 10/11 laptop or mini PC
- 8 GB RAM, SSD, 14" or larger screen
- Wired Ethernet if store Wi‑Fi is unreliable
- UPS if load shedding is common
- Visual Studio or Flutter
- Node.js or .NET
- Microsoft Edge WebView2
- Any other developer tools
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