Installing RedactIt

RedactIt installs in a few clicks and runs entirely on your own computer. The whole process takes about a minute — here it is, step by step.

About the blue "Windows protected your PC" screen: Windows may show this the first time you run the installer. It appears for any newly released program that Windows hasn't yet seen downloaded by many people — it is not a virus warning and doesn't mean anything is wrong. Steps 1 and 2 below show exactly how to continue safely.

Download RedactIt for Windows

Step 1 — Open the installer

Open the file you downloaded (RedactIt-Setup-1.0.1.exe). If Windows shows the blue "Windows protected your PC" screen, click More info — not "Don't run".

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen 'Windows protected your PC' dialog with a More info link. — Click “More info”.

Step 2 — Check the publisher, then Run anyway

The screen expands to show the file and who signed it. Confirm it reads Publisher: Black Dog Analytics, LLC — that's our code-signing certificate, which proves the installer really is from us and hasn't been altered. Then click Run anyway.

SmartScreen expanded to show App RedactIt-Setup and Publisher Black Dog Analytics, LLC, with a Run anyway button. — Verify “Black Dog Analytics, LLC”, then click “Run anyway”.

Step 3 — Accept the license agreement

Read the End User License Agreement, choose I accept the agreement, and click Next.

RedactIt setup License Agreement step with 'I accept the agreement' selected. — Accept the agreement and continue.

Step 4 — Choose where to install

RedactIt installs just for your account, so it needs no administrator password. The default location is right for almost everyone — simply click Next. (Use Browse only if you want a different folder.)

RedactIt setup 'Select Destination Location' step showing the default per-user install folder. — The default folder is fine — click “Next”.

Step 5 — Activate with your key

When installation finishes, RedactIt opens to its activation screen. Paste the license key from your purchase or trial email into the box, check I have read and agree to the End User License Agreement, and click Activate. Activation is one-time and works entirely offline — your key is verified on your own computer and never sent anywhere.

RedactIt activation screen with a license key field, an agreement checkbox, and an Activate button. — Paste your key and click “Activate”. You're ready to redact.

Already installed RedactIt from a trial and just purchased a license? You don't need to reinstall — open RedactIt and choose About → Enter license key… to enter your new key.

Trouble installing? Contact us and we'll help.