# Understand multiple instances on same pc
**URL:** https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590
**Category:** General
**Created:** [12 January 2023 11:13 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590 "2023-01-12T11:13:15Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@agmacedo](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/agmacedo)
#### Post date: [12 January 2023 11:13 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590/1 "2023-01-12T11:13:15Z")
I have 4 instances (app) running node-red on different folders on the same pc.
When I update to node-red 3.0, I was surprised because some apps doesn´t work well. The dark mode disapear (doesn´t responde) and multiple nodes do not apear on the ui. On layout nodes programming is everithing the same.
Can someone explain why this happens ?
Is there a best way to have multiple instances of node-red running on same pc?
Thanks and regards,
---
### Author:  [@Steve-Mcl](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Steve-Mcl)
#### Post date: [12 January 2023 11:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590/2 "2023-01-12T11:21:24Z")
> [@agmacedo](#):
>
> When I update to node-red 3.0, I was surprised because some apps doesn´t work well.
Which "apps" are these? What did you see? Did you add issues to the repositories so they can be fixed?
> [@agmacedo](#):
>
> The dark mode disapear (doesn´t responde)
What was the exact process you used for updating?
What was your previous version of node-red?
> [@agmacedo](#):
>
> Can someone explain why this happens ?
Not without details I'm afraid. However, if you had asked for advice before upgrading we could have guided you on the best path to avoid issues.
> [@agmacedo](#):
>
> Is there a best way to have multiple instances of node-red running on same pc?
No, but you may benefit from something like [flowforge](https://flowforge.com/docs/install/local/) which is designed for running and managing multiple instances of node-red (full disclosure: I work for flowforge alongside one of the original creators of node-red)
---
### Author:  [@agmacedo](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/agmacedo)
#### Post date: [12 January 2023 12:23 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590/3 "2023-01-12T12:23:12Z")
I have 2 app running.
One for datalog and the for viewing and set-points transfer.
It is not simple to explain but I know if I create a new application and copy all the nodes then it works fine.
I need to understand how and where node-red saves the configuration for each application.
I have the main app running on the default user windows folder and the other on a specific folder and another port. Both are config to dark mode.
To install node-red 3 I follow the sit indications and run the “node --version && npm --version” on cmd window
---
### Author:  [@agmacedo](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/agmacedo)
#### Post date: [12 January 2023 12:24 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590/4 "2023-01-12T12:24:13Z")
I have backups of both applications, just in case!
---
### Author:  [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)
#### Post date: [12 January 2023 14:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590/5 "2023-01-12T14:55:08Z")
> [@Steve-Mcl](#):
>
> > [@agmacedo](#):
> >
> > Is there a best way to have multiple instances of node-red running on same pc?
>
> No
There are two ways. With a "standard" install - Node-RED is installed to the global npm location and you can only have 1 set of core code but can create many running instances from that 1 core.
Alternatively, you can install node-red locally to a folder. Then you can have as many different versions of node-red running as you like - great for testing new versions of node-red along side old ones. I created a little tool to help with that kind of installation. [TotallyInformation/alternate-node-red-installer: An alternative installer for Node-RED. Avoids global installs, no admin rights required. (github.com)](https://github.com/TotallyInformation/alternate-node-red-installer)
Which is "best" depends on your needs.
---
### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)
#### Post date: [13 March 2023 14:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/understand-multiple-instances-on-same-pc/73590/6 "2023-03-13T14:55:09Z")
This topic was automatically closed 60 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.