Quick overview to using Smart ID Desktop App

Install Smart ID Desktop App

Download Install the Smart ID Desktop App from Microsoft Store or install it as an MSI using the .exe file. See See Install and upgrade Smart ID Desktop App for details.

Initial steps before you can start using... 

Start using virtual smart cards

See Get virtual smart card

(self-service user) for more information.

Activate tokens

Depending on how your organization has decided to onboard users, you might get an activation link or you can request a virtual smart card or other token via Smart ID Self-Service. 

Certificates and keys in PKCS#12 format can also be imported directly into Smart ID Desktop App. For more information, see Import PKCS#12 file into Smart ID Desktop App. 

Manage lifecycle of tokens

For common use cases that are covered by the Nexus Smart ID solution, see Digital IDVirtual smart card - Use cases for the operator and Virtual smart card - Use cases for the self-service user.

About virtual smart cards in Smart ID Desktop App

Virtual smart cards in Smart ID Desktop App is based on Microsoft Virtual Smart Card (VSC) and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) technology and uses the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, which is available in many computers, rather than requiring a separate physical smart card and reader. The solution uses native Microsoft mini-driver for communication with the VSC. 

A virtual smart card that is provisioned with the relevant certificates, can be used by Microsoft Base Smart Card Cryptographic Service Provider (BaseCSP) for most Windows-related use cases. See Features of Smart ID Desktop App. 

Smart ID Desktop App is integrated to Hermod for message distribution between Smart ID Desktop App and remote provisioning / verification entities such as Smart ID Identity Manager and Smart ID Digital Access component.