Installation problems

Most installation trouble is a security warning, not a broken download. Both operating systems can flag the first run of an installer they have not seen before.

Windows protected your PC

When you run the installer, Windows SmartScreen may show “Windows protected your PC” and name an unknown publisher.

1. Confirm you downloaded the installer from the official GeckoGrid site or a release announcement.
2. On the warning, click More info.
3. Click Run anyway and continue with the wizard.

This warning comes from SmartScreen reputation, not from something wrong with your copy: a newer installer with a limited install base has not built the download history Windows looks for yet. Antivirus tools can react the same way; adding an exception for the installer resolves it.

macOS blocked the app

Gatekeeper also blocks the first launch of an app downloaded from the internet until you approve it:

1. Drag GeckoGrid to Applications as usual.
2. Right-click GeckoGrid in Applications and choose Open, then confirm Open in the dialog. Starting it from the right-click menu once teaches Gatekeeper the app is intentional.
3. If the dialog only offers Move to Trash, launch it anyway from System Settings > Privacy & Security, where an Open Anyway button appears after the blocked attempt.

macOS says GeckoGrid wants to manage apps

During a local scan, macOS may show “GeckoGrid wants to manage apps on your Mac” and offer to open App Management in System Settings. You don’t need to turn it on. Scans work the same either way.

GeckoGrid runs local scans in its own copy of Google Chrome. Chrome checks for updates when it starts, and because GeckoGrid launched it, macOS shows that update check under GeckoGrid’s name. GeckoGrid itself never changes Chrome or any other app. Leaving the permission off only stops that background copy of Chrome from updating itself; your everyday Chrome keeps updating as usual.

The installer will not run

• Run the installer as administrator on Windows.
• Uninstall a previous version first if the installer complains one exists.
• Check you have at least 100 MB of free disk space and Windows 10 or newer, 64-bit, or an Apple Silicon Mac.
• A failed or stalled install leaves no partial state to clean up: retry the installer after freeing space or adjusting antivirus settings.

The app installed but will not launch

Reinstall with the same installer, which repairs the installation in place without touching your data. Your settings and project database live in your user data folder, separate from the program files, so a reinstall does not lose anything.

Full requirements and step-by-step install walkthroughs are on the installing page. If you are past installing, next is activating your license.