Is it possible to deploy POS on desktop computers?

Retail & Point of Sale

Topic summary

Main issue: A retailer with 200+ stores wants to run Shopify POS (point of sale) on existing desktop PCs rather than tablets.

Current state: Shopify POS has no official PC/desktop version; it’s supported on iOS/Android devices only.

Workarounds/options:

  • Emulate Android on PCs (e.g., BlueStacks) to run the Shopify POS app. The app isn’t graphically demanding, so it may work, but this is unofficial and may carry support/compatibility risks.
  • Use a third‑party POS that integrates with Shopify, such as ConnectPOS (available in the Shopify App Store), which may offer desktop compatibility.

User perspective: One participant recommends embracing tablet‑based POS, citing strong in‑store/online integration and reduced counter space.

Status/outcome: No official desktop solution from Shopify confirmed. Practical paths are Android emulation or adopting a third‑party POS; alternatively, switching to tablets aligns with current ecosystem support. The discussion remains open with no final decision reported.

Summarized with AI on December 31. AI used: gpt-5.
1

We currently operate +200 stores and we’re investigating using Shopify POS. It seems today that Shopify POS is only available on tablets (iOS/Android). We have desktop computers deployed in all stores serving as POS.

Has anyone deployed Shopify POS solution through desktops or the only option would be to change our devices to tablets to ensure compatibility with the Shopify solution?

Thanks,

CH

2

There is no official option for Shopify POS on PC, but depending on how good your PC hardware is, you could emulate Android using Bluestacks.

The Shopify POS isnt graphically demanding or anything, so theres a possibility it could work out?

But it seems the tablet POS system is the future. I mumbled and complained about having to make the switch, but it integrates in store purchases with the website so well I cant even be bummed about it.

Saves A LOT of desktop space as well.

1 Like
3

Hello, I am running into a similar issue myself and I have found an app from the shopify store that might work for you. https://apps.shopify.com/connectpos