“Windows protected your PC” when installing LAWD: what to do
Updated
Quick answer
The warning appears because the LAWD installer is not code-signed with Microsoft yet. If you downloaded LAWD-Setup.exe from lawd.me/baixar, click “More info” and then “Run anyway” to continue installing LAWD Browser on Windows 10 or 11. Don't run the file if it came from anywhere else.
When you open LAWD-Setup.exe, Windows may show a blue screen saying it protected your PC and that the app is not recognized. This is Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, the Windows filter for programs that are not code-signed with Microsoft yet. The warning does not mean the file is broken: it means Windows doesn't know the installer yet.
Why does Windows show this warning?
The LAWD installer is not code-signed with Microsoft yet. Without that signature, Windows 10 and Windows 11 treat the file as an unrecognized app and ask you to confirm before running it. This only happens during installation: once installed, LAWD updates itself.
How to continue the installation
- Make sure the file came from lawd.me/baixar, through the "Baixar para Windows" (Download for Windows) button.
- Open LAWD-Setup.exe.
- On the warning screen, click "More info" ("Mais informações" in Portuguese Windows).
- Click "Run anyway" ("Executar assim mesmo").
- The installer continues: it installs the Chromium-engine browser and the LAWD core and creates the shortcut.
- Open LAWD and sign in with your LUME Account.
The full walkthrough, including Mac and Android, is in How to download and install LAWD Browser.
When not to continue
Only confirm the warning if the file was downloaded from the official page, lawd.me/baixar. If LAWD-Setup.exe reached you through another site, an email or a link you don't recognize, don't run it: delete the file and download it again from lawd.me/baixar.
If the installation still doesn't work
- 32-bit or older Windows: LAWD needs 64-bit Windows 10 or 11.
- No "Run anyway" button: click "More info" in the warning text first.
- Installed, but you can't sign in: using LAWD Browser requires your LUME Account with LAWD subscribed. See What is LAWD Browser and the Account and billing section.
What about Android?
Android shows a different prompt: when you open the downloaded file, it asks for permission to install apps from this source. Allow it to continue the installation.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Windows block the LAWD installer?
Because LAWD-Setup.exe is not code-signed with Microsoft yet. Windows shows this warning for apps it doesn't recognize yet.
Is it safe to click Run anyway?
Yes, when the file was downloaded from lawd.me/baixar, the official LAWD page. If it came from another site or an unknown link, don't run it: delete it and download again from lawd.me/baixar.
I don't see a Run anyway button. What now?
Click More info first, in the warning text. The Run anyway button only appears after that.
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