> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.otter-shell.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# otter-welcome

> PikaOS welcome app for updates, drivers, optional software, tips, and desktop-shell selection.

`otter-welcome` provides PikaOS setup actions after installation. It is a separate package, not part of the `otter-shell` metapackage.

## Usage

```bash theme={null}
otter-welcome
otter-welcome --list-tiles
otter-welcome --list-tips
otter-welcome --driver-status
```

The packaged login entry runs `otter-welcome --at-login`. That mode exits on live media, while First Setup tasks remain, or when the installed manifest cannot be queried. It opens after [First Setup](/apps/otter-first-setup) completes.

## Updates and software

Updates, driver selection, and optional package installs use the native [Packages](/apps/otter-pkg) transaction panel. Review changes before committing them. The panel shows progress, cancellation, and package questions. Navigation and closing are disabled while a transaction is active.

Pages support scrolling, <kbd>Tab</kbd>/<kbd>Shift+Tab</kbd>, <kbd>Enter</kbd>/<kbd>Space</kbd>, and <kbd>Page Up</kbd>/<kbd>Page Down</kbd>.

## Switch desktop shell

On Hyprland, Niri, and Mango sessions, **Switch desktop shell** opens a native profile picker. Welcome first reviews and installs the selected concrete profile. **Use selected shell** then applies it to your account with `pika-shell-apply`. Log out and back in to start the selected shell.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Package changes are system-wide. Applying a shell profile replaces existing shell startup and binding fragments only after confirmation. Review the changes before proceeding.

Shell switching needs `pika-shell-profile-common` version 0.1.12 or later and the selected Otter, Noctalia, or Dank profile package. These are PikaOS profile packages; Otter Shell itself does not ship a compositor. Shell-specific documentation and tips appear only in the supported sessions.


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