How to prevent multiple instances in Electron

Question

I do not know if this is possible but I might as well give it a chance and ask. I\'m doing an Electron app and I\'d like to know if it is possible to have no more than a single

Answer 1

There is a new API now: requestSingleInstanceLock

const { app } = require('electron')
let myWindow = null

const gotTheLock = app.requestSingleInstanceLock()

if (!gotTheLock) {
  app.quit()
} else {
  app.on('second-instance', (event, commandLine, workingDirectory) => {
    // Someone tried to run a second instance, we should focus our window.
    if (myWindow) {
      if (myWindow.isMinimized()) myWindow.restore()
      myWindow.focus()
    }
  })

  // Create myWindow, load the rest of the app, etc...
  app.on('ready', () => {
  })
}

Answer 2

Use the makeSingleInstance function in the app module, there's even an example in the docs.

Answer 3

In Case you need the code.

let mainWindow = null;
//to make singleton instance
const isSecondInstance = app.makeSingleInstance((commandLine, workingDirectory) => {
    // Someone tried to run a second instance, we should focus our window.
    if (mainWindow) {
        if (mainWindow.isMinimized()) mainWindow.restore()
        mainWindow.focus()
    }
})

if (isSecondInstance) {
    app.quit()
}