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IBM Aspera Desktop Guide for Core

How to install, set up, troubleshoot and uninstall IBM Aspera for desktop

Overview

Core now uses IBM Aspera (for desktop) for fast uploads and downloads. It replaces IBM Aspera Connect, which IBM is retiring.

Aspera is Core's primary uploader and downloader. It moves large files at high speed, lets you choose which folder downloads land in, and keeps uploads running if you navigate away from the page. (With the Simple upload option, leaving the page stalls or cancels the upload.)

What's different: Aspera Connect was a browser extension plus a helper app. Aspera Desktop is a standalone desktop app, so most browsers need no extension. (Safari is the exception: its extension installs with the app and just needs switching on.) Core opens the app for you when a transfer starts.

Chrome & Safari users: after installing, you must allow Chrome to access your local network, or transfers won't start. Safari users must enable the IBM Aspera extension. See Step 5 below.

Before you start

  • You'll need permission to install apps on your computer. On a company-managed machine, you may need your IT team's help.

  • Aspera Desktop works on Windows, macOS and Linux.

  • Already have Aspera Connect? You can leave it installed, but we recommend removing it to avoid conflicts:

    • Mac: quit Connect, open Finder > Applications, drag Aspera Connect to the Trash, then empty the Trash.

    • Windows: quit Connect, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find IBM Aspera Connect and click Uninstall.

    • Browser extension: in Chrome, Edge or Firefox, open your extensions or add-ons page and remove IBM Aspera Connect. (Safari removes it automatically.)

Aspera Connect Users

Aspera Connect will be officially retiring by IBM on March 27, 2027. This includes the browser extension and the Connect desktop app. Transitioning to IBM Aspera for desktop is recommended prior to this date.

See below for how to uninstall Aspera Connect.

Install Aspera Desktop

  1. Upload or download an asset in Core. The first time you try to upload or download anything, Core prompts you to download the Aspera Desktop installer. If you dismiss the prompt, you'll see it again the next time you upload or download.

  2. Download the installer. Click the download button in the prompt. The installer saves to your Downloads folder.

  3. Run the installer.

    • Mac: open the installer and follow the prompts, adding IBM Aspera to your Applications folder. If macOS says "IBM Aspera is an app downloaded from the Internet. Are you sure you want to open it?", click Open.

    • Windows: open the installer and follow the setup wizard. There are two versions: the .exe installs for just you and doesn't need admin rights; the .msi installs for everyone on the computer and needs admin rights. If you're unsure, use the .exe.

    • Linux: install the .deb package or run the AppImage. A desktop (GUI) environment is required.

    • Mac installer example

  4. Open the app and allow permissions. Launch IBM Aspera from Applications (Mac) or by searching for it from the Start menu (Windows). You only need to do this the first time; after that, Core opens it automatically.

    • Mac: click OK when macOS asks for access to your Downloads folder, and Allow when it asks to find devices on your local network. If you clicked Don't Allow, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and turn on IBM Aspera.

  5. Allow your browser to talk to the app.

    • Chrome: return to Core and refresh the page. When Chrome asks to "Look for and connect to any device on your local network," click Allow. Without this, Core can't hand transfers to the app. Clicked Block by mistake? Click the site settings icon to the left of the address bar, set Local network access to Allow, then refresh.

    • Safari: Safari needs the IBM Aspera extension, which installs with the app. Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions, make sure IBM Aspera is enabled, and set its website permission to Allow. Then refresh Core.

    • Edge and Firefox need no extra setup.

  6. Try your transfer again. Upload or download your asset in Core. If your browser asks to open IBM Aspera, click Open (tick Always allow so you aren't asked again). The transfer will appear in the Aspera Desktop app.

You're all set. Aspera Desktop updates itself; when a new version is available, you'll see a notice in the app's About page.

Aspera on Your Desktop & Transfer Activity

Once installed, you'll see the Aspera app on your desktop or in your dock.

After installation, when you first select to upload or download assets in Core with Aspera, you'll be redirected to the Aspera app where you'll be asked for your privacy settings. Make your choice and select Continue. You won't be asked to do this again.

At this point depending on your prompt (upload or download), you'll see your computer file directory with Aspera where you can choose the assets or download locations. From here, upload or download as usual.

Download example

Upload example

Aspera vs. Simple upload

The value of using Aspera with Core when you have large assets or large numbers of assets to upload or download. Simple upload or download is your standard browser transfer experience, great with small assets and small numbers of assets.

Aspera

Simple

Speed for large files

High-speed

Standard browser speed

Leave the page mid-transfer

Transfer keeps running

Transfer stalls or cancels

Choose download folder

Yes

Browser default

Install needed

Aspera Desktop

None

Troubleshooting

Core still asks me to install Aspera after I've installed it

  1. Make sure the IBM Aspera app is open.

  2. Refresh Core in your browser.

  3. In Chrome, check that local network access is allowed (Step 5).

  4. Still stuck? Clear your browser cache, log back in to Core and try again.

The transfer doesn't start in Chrome

Local network access is almost always the cause. Set it to Allow for Core (Step 5) and refresh. On a company-managed computer, your IT team may need to allow it for you. For more specific information about this from IBM, go to Grant local network access to IBM Aspera.

The transfer doesn't start in Safari

  1. Click the IBM Aspera extension icon next to the address bar and select Manage extensions.

  2. Set the permission to Allow, and under Websites change Ask to Allow.

  3. Refresh Core.

No extension icon? Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and enable IBM Aspera, then restart Safari. If it isn't listed, reinstall the app. Safari's warning that the extension can "read and alter" web pages is a standard message; IBM confirms the extension only connects Aspera-enabled websites to the app. See IBM's Safari troubleshooting guide.

The installer was blocked or didn't download

Download it directly from IBM's Aspera downloads page (listed as IBM Aspera Client, which replaces Aspera Connect), then follow the steps above.

Something else is wrong with the app

In IBM Aspera, go to Help > Troubleshooting > Reset App Data, then try again. If you contact Sohonet support, include the logs from Help > Troubleshooting > Open Logs Folder.

Uninstall Aspera Desktop

Quit IBM Aspera before you start. To keep your settings for a later reinstall, export them first from the app's File menu.

Mac

  1. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.

  2. Drag IBM Aspera to the Trash.

Windows

  1. Click Search on the taskbar and type Add or remove programs.

  2. Find IBM Aspera and click Uninstall.

Linux

Remove the app with your distribution's package manager. If you installed the .deb package, run apt-get remove ibm-aspera.

For more, see IBM's uninstall guide.

Uninstall Aspera Connect

Already have Aspera Connect? Uninstall Connect and its browser extensions in preparation for the transition.

Quit Connect before uninstalling it.

Mac App Uninstall

  1. In Finder, select Applications folder

  2. Control-Click on Aspera Connect icon

  3. Move to Trash

PC App Uninstall

  1. Click on your Desktop

  2. Hold down the Windows key

  3. Hit the letter E - This opens File Explorer

  4. Search Aspera Connect

  5. Right-click on Aspera Connect folder

  6. Uninstall

Browser Extension Uninstall

If you have the Connect Browser Extension for Firefox or Chrome remove those as well. However, for Safari, the extension is removed when you uninstall Connect.

Chrome Extension Removal

  1. Click the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of the Chrome browser window.

  2. In the drop-down menu, select Extensions

  3. Select Manage Extensions

  4. For IBM Aspera Connect, select Remove

Firefox Extension Uninstall

  1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines ) in the top-right corner of Firefox.

  2. Click Add-ons and themes (or press Ctrl + Shift + A on Windows/Linux or Cmd + Shift + A on Mac).

  3. Select Extensions in the left sidebar of the manager tab.

  4. Scroll through your installed extensions list.

  5. Click the ellipsis (3-dot) icon next to the IBM Aspera Connect extension

  6. Select Remove. Confirm if prompted.

Still need help? Contact [email protected].

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