The "Windows protected your PC" warning
When you install Remora for the first time, Windows may stop you with a blue SmartScreen window. That's expected — it does not mean something is wrong with the file. This page explains honestly why it appears, how to proceed, and why you can.
Why does the warning appear?
Before running an installer, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen checks two things: whether the file is signed with a code signing certificate, and the file's download reputation (how many people have downloaded and run it before).
Remora's installer is currently not signed with a code signing certificate — obtaining one is on our roadmap, and once it ships this warning will go away. Remora is also a new, small app, so its download reputation is still building. Put those together and Windows plays it safe with an "unrecognized app" warning.
In short: the warning doesn't say "this file is harmful" — it says "I don't know this file yet".
How do I proceed?
- In the blue window, click "More info".
- Click the "Run anyway" button that appears below.
- Setup continues normally.
Your browser may show a similar warning while downloading (especially Edge). In that case use "Keep" from the menu next to the file in the downloads list.
So is it safe?
We don't want to ask for blind trust; here is what we can say:
- One official source: only download the installer from remora.embedra.net/download. The download is served over HTTPS from our official distribution bucket. If the file came from anywhere else, don't run it — our advice to click through the warning applies only to the file from the official source.
- Verifiable: before installing, you can scan the file with Windows Defender or an independent service like VirusTotal.
- Updates are signed: in-app automatic updates are verified with a cryptographic signature — a package with an invalid signature never installs. You only see the SmartScreen warning at first install; a fake "update" can't slip in past that mechanism.
- A permanent fix is coming: acquiring a code signing certificate is on our roadmap. Once it's in place, new releases won't trigger this warning — and we'll keep this page up to date.
For the rest of the setup: installation guide. Questions? remora-info@embedra.net