1
Download ListingGuard
Click Download for Windows on the official ListingGuard website. The installer file should be named ListingGuard-Setup-1.3.0.exe for this release.
Windows Installation Guide
Installing ListingGuard
when Windows shows SmartScreen.
ListingGuard is currently an Early Access Beta and its Windows installer is not yet digitally code-signed. On some PCs, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen may show “Windows protected your PC.” This guide explains exactly what to check and what to click.
Important: These instructions apply to the blue SmartScreen unrecognized app warning. If Windows Security reports an actual virus, Trojan, malware, or other threat detection, do not bypass it. Stop the installation and contact ListingGuard support.
STEP-BY-STEP
What to do if Windows says “Windows protected your PC”
Always download ListingGuard from the official ListingGuard website. Then follow these steps.
2
Open the installer
Open the downloaded .exe file from your browser downloads list or Windows Downloads folder.
3
If SmartScreen appears, choose “More info”
Windows protected your PC
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.
More info
The wording can vary slightly by Windows version.
4
Verify the app, then choose “Run anyway”
After selecting More info, Windows will reveal additional details and the Run anyway button. Confirm the app is the ListingGuard installer you downloaded from the official site, then choose Run anyway.
Windows protected your PC
App:ListingGuard-Setup-1.3.0.exe
Publisher:Unknown publisher
5
Complete ListingGuard setup
Follow the installer prompts. When setup finishes, open ListingGuard, choose Connect Etsy, and continue with the normal in-app setup.
WHY YOU MAY SEE THIS
Why does SmartScreen warn about ListingGuard?
Windows uses digital publisher signatures and reputation signals when evaluating downloaded apps. ListingGuard’s ListingGuard installer is currently unsigned, so Windows may treat a newly downloaded version as an unrecognized app even when it came from the official ListingGuard website.
SmartScreen warning
“Windows protected your PC” or “unrecognized app” is a reputation/publisher warning. Follow the instructions above only when you intentionally downloaded ListingGuard from the official website.
Actual Defender threat alert
If Windows Security identifies a specific malware threat, do not disable Defender, add exclusions, or force the installer to run. Stop and contact support so the file can be investigated.
Smart App Control
Some Windows 11 systems use Smart App Control, which can block unsigned apps more strictly and may not offer a per-app “Run anyway” option. ListingGuard does not recommend disabling Windows security features just to install the app.
Future code signing
ListingGuard may adopt trusted Windows code signing as the product grows. Until then, this guide is provided so Early Access users know exactly what Windows is showing them.
QUICK CHECKS
Before you choose “Run anyway”
- You intentionally downloaded ListingGuard from listingguard.leapthread.workers.dev.
- The file name matches the ListingGuard Windows installer shown on the website.
- The message is the SmartScreen “unrecognized app” warning — not a specific malware detection.
- You have not been asked to disable Windows Defender, turn off SmartScreen, or add antivirus exclusions.
Still unsure? Do not continue. Email leapthread@gmail.com and include a screenshot of the Windows message you are seeing.
READY TO CONTINUE?
Download ListingGuard for Windows
ListingGuard v1.3.0 • Windows desktop app