How to Install Rook on Windows

Follow the 3 visual steps below to complete setup safely. Your download will start upon completing the guide.

➔ ➔ ➔
Step 1 of 4

Open RookSetup.exe

When your download finishes, click on RookSetup.exe in your browser's download shelf or open it from your PC's Downloads folder.

100% Virus-Free: Clean binary with zero bundled adware or unwanted tools.
EXE
RookSetup.exe
68 MB • Complete
Open file
Step 2 of 4

Click "More info"

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen may display "Windows protected your PC" for newly published apps. Simply click the underlined More info link.

Why? Microsoft flags all new indie apps until download volume builds an automated reputation certificate. It is NOT malware.
Windows protected your PC
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting.

More info
Don't run
Step 3 of 4

Click "Run anyway"

The dialog will expand to show the app name RookSetup.exe. Click the Run anyway button at the bottom right.

100% Offline & Local: Rook runs exclusively on your machine with zero telemetry and zero tracking.
Windows protected your PC
App: RookSetup.exe
Publisher: Unknown publisher
Run anyway
Don't run
Step 4 of 4 • Download Started

Downloading RookSetup.exe...

Your download has started automatically. Open the installer file and click Run anyway as shown in the guide.

Shortcut: Press Alt + Space anywhere on Windows after install!
Ready to Install
Summon Rook Bar
Alt Space

Why does Windows show the SmartScreen prompt?

Why We Built This Guide

Many users mistake Microsoft's standard "Unrecognized app" prompt for malware and abandon setup. This guide ensures complete transparency before download.

How SmartScreen Works

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen relies on an automated reputation system. New software releases start with 0 reputation until hundreds of thousands of users download them.

100% Clean & Verified

"Unknown Publisher" just means an indie release without an enterprise certificate. Rook is scanned clean across 70+ antivirus engines and runs 100% offline.

100% Virus & Malware Free
100% Offline & Local Only
Official GitHub Release