---
title: Getting Started
description: How to start using OpenReception
lastUpdated: 2026-08-06
sidebar:
  order: 1
---

import {Badge} from "@astrojs/starlight/components";

You can use OpenReception by [hosting it yourself](#self-hosted) or using the [managed service](#managed-hosting), which also supports the future availability of OpenReception.

## Self-Hosted

The community version of OpenReception can be self-hosted. We've added a <a href="https://github.com/open-reception/appointment-booking-software/blob/main/docs/deployment.md" target="_blank">guide with recommendations on deployment</a> in our public respository.

## Managed Hosting

[Managed Hosting for OpenReception appointment booking](https://open-reception.com) comes with the following benefits:

- You focus on your actual tasks while we are taking care of the stability and security of your calendar server.
- You are supporting the ongoing development of OpenReception. Although it's OpenSource it still needs people with the time to work on it to keep it a thing.
- Expert Personal Support via E-Mail and Phone available.
- Later: Premium Features are available in Premium plans.
- Management Features are available for larger organizations.

More information and prices are available on [open-reception.com](https://open-reception.com).

## Premium & Management Features

OpenReception is a free OpenSource software. As of now you can use all of the features in the self-hosted version.

In the future there will be **Premium-Features** that are only available on Managed Hosting from [open-reception.com](https://open-reception.com).

**Management Features** are only available if you are Self-Hosting or are on our medical care unit plans from [open-reception.com](https://open-reception.com).

Throughout this documentation we will be labeling <Badge text="Premium Features" variant="danger" /> and <Badge text="Management Features" />, so you know how you can get access to them.

## Passkeys

**For secure encryption**, OpenReception requires you to use Passkeys, which support the Pseudo-Random-Function extension (PRF). You can implement them using Software or Hardware Passkeys. For the best usability we recommend using passkeys with **biometric authentification**.

:::caution
Only Passkeys that support the Pseudo-Random-Function extension (PRF) are compatible with OpenReception.
:::

:::note
**PRF Passkeys on Windows** are only supported on Windows 11, release 25H2 (build 26200.7840+) or newer. This update was released in February 2026. Older builds of Windows do not support PRF Passkeys.
:::

| Key                     | Supported | Type           | Notes                                                       |
| ----------------------- | --------- | -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1Password 🇨🇦            | ✅        | Software       | Great usability with biometrics, syncs across devices       |
| Apple Keychain 🇺🇸       | ✅        | Software       | Great usability with biometrics, syncs across Apple devices |
| Bitwarden 🇺🇸            | ❌        | Software       | Does not support PRF                                        |
| Dashlane 🇺🇸             | ❌        | Software       | Does not support PRF                                        |
| Enpass 🇺🇸             | ✅        | Software       | Great usability with biometrics, syncs across devices                                         |
| Nitrokey 3A Mini 🇩🇪     | ✅        | Hardware USB-A | Usability ok                                                |
| Nitrokey 3A NFC 🇩🇪     | ✅        | Hardware USB-A | Usability ok                                                |
| Nitrokey 3C NFC 🇩🇪     | ✅        | Hardware USB-C | Usability ok                                                |
| Windows Hello 🇺🇸        | ✅        | Software       | Great usability with biometrics                             |
| Yubico Yubikey Bio 🇸🇪🇺🇸 | ✅        | Hardware USB-C | Great usability                                             |
| Yubico Yubikey 5C 🇸🇪🇺🇸  | ✅        | Hardware USB-C | Usability ok                                                |
| Yubico Yubikey 5 🇸🇪🇺🇸   | ✅        | Hardware USB-A | Usability ok                                                |

### Recommendations

We recommend using a passkey that fits your every-day needs for quickly unlocking OpenReception.

Use one passkey for every staff member/ workstation accessing OpenReception. Each staff member/ workstation will need to register with their own e-mail address.

Additionally we recommend using a hardware passkey for backup access, if you have lost access to your primary passkey. Place it in a safe place, so you can use it in case of emergency. **If you have lost all your passkeys, you will lose access to appointments**.

In the near future you will be able to register multiple passkeys for each staff member.
