How to Run the G4 Launcher on Windows (SmartScreen Warning)

The G4 Launcher is not yet code-signed with a commercial certificate. Windows SmartScreen will show a warning the first time you run it. This is expected — the steps below let you open it safely.

What you'll see

When you double-click G4Launcher.exe, Windows may show a blue dialog:

"Windows protected your PC — Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting."

This does not mean the file is malicious. It means Windows hasn't seen enough runs of this specific binary to build a reputation score for it yet.

How to allow it

1. Click "More info" on the SmartScreen dialog.
2. A second line appears showing the app name and publisher. Click "Run anyway".
3. The launcher opens normally. You won't see this warning again for the same file.

If the "Run anyway" button is greyed out or missing, right-click the .exe, choose Properties, tick Unblock at the bottom of the General tab, then click OK and run again.

Verify the file before running

If you want to confirm you downloaded the correct file, open PowerShell and run:

Get-FileHash "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\G4Launcher.exe" -Algorithm SHA256

Compare the output to the SHA-256 shown on the download page. They must match exactly.

Windows Defender real-time protection

In rare cases Windows Defender may quarantine the file automatically. If that happens:

1. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection history.
2. Find the quarantined item and choose Restore or Allow on device.
3. Run the launcher again.

Why isn't it signed?

Code-signing certificates from commercial CAs cost several hundred pounds per year. We plan to obtain one as the project grows. In the meantime, SHA-256 checksums on the download page let you verify integrity independently.