# GitHub Actions Runner
[](https://github.com/actions/runner/actions)
## Get Started
The runner is the application that runs a job from a GitHub Actions workflow. The runner can run on the [hosted machine pools](https://github.com/actions/virtual-environments) or run on self-hosted virtual machines.
Read more about self-hosted runners [here](https://help.github.com/en/actions/automating-your-workflow-with-github-actions/about-self-hosted-runners).
For more information about installing and using self-hosted runners, see [Adding self-hosted runners](https://help.github.com/en/actions/automating-your-workflow-with-github-actions/adding-self-hosted-runners) and [Using self-hosted runners in a workflow](https://help.github.com/en/actions/automating-your-workflow-with-github-actions/using-self-hosted-runners-in-a-workflow)
Runner releases:
 [Pre-reqs](docs/start/envwin.md) | [Download](https://github.com/actions/runner/releases)
 [Pre-reqs](docs/start/envosx.md) | [Download](https://github.com/actions/runner/releases)
 [Pre-reqs](docs/start/envlinux.md) | [Download](https://github.com/actions/runner/releases)
**Configure:**
*MacOS and Linux*
```bash
./config.sh
```
*Windows*
```bash
config.cmd
```
## Contribute
We accept contributions in the form of issues and pull requests. [Read more here](docs/contribute.md) before contributing.