SmartScreen warnings? Here's how to install SVD safely.
Edge and Windows show warnings for installers that haven't built reputation yet. SVD is safe — here's how to bypass the prompts and verify the file yourself.
⚠️ Why does Windows show these warnings?
Microsoft Edge SmartScreen flags any installer that hasn't been downloaded by enough users yet. Same warning shows for many small indie apps — Obsidian, Raycast, etc. — until they accumulate reputation.
SVD doesn't yet have an Extended Validation (EV) code signing certificate (those cost $350~600/year). We're a small team and that cost will be funded by Pro subscriptions. Until then, you can verify the installer by SHA-256 hash below.
Edge download warning
When you download the MSI, Edge shows a small warning in the download bar:
Click the ⋯ (three dots) next to the file in the download tray, then choose "Keep". If a second dialog appears with "This file isn't commonly downloaded", click "Show more" → "Keep anyway".
Windows Defender SmartScreen
When you double-click the MSI to install, Windows Defender shows a blue full-screen dialog:
Click "More info". A new button appears below the warning text: "Run anyway". Click it.
UAC (Administrator permission)
The standard Windows User Account Control prompt asks for permission to install. Publisher will show as "Unknown publisher" until we get an EV cert.
Click "Yes" to allow installation. The installer will run, place SVD in C:\Program Files\SVD, and add a Start Menu shortcut.
First launch
Open SVD from the Start Menu. The first run takes a few seconds — Windows is verifying the binaries against Defender. After that, paste any video URL and SVD will download it. Trial gives you 7 days × daily limit.
🔐 Verify the installer (optional)
If you want to confirm the file you downloaded is the exact one we built, compare the SHA-256 hash:
certutil -hashfile SVD-2.9.4.msi SHA256
The expected hash is published on the GitHub release page. If they match, the file hasn't been tampered with.