When you run the PrivateByRight VPN installer on Windows 10 or Windows 11, you may see a blue window that says “Windows protected your PC”. This message comes from Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which is built into Windows. It doesn't mean the app is harmful.

Why it happens

SmartScreen warns you about apps that haven't yet been installed by many Windows users. Our Windows app is new, and it is signed with a new code-signing certificate issued to Javna Limited, the company that operates PrivateByRight VPN.

Microsoft builds trust in a certificate gradually, as more people install the app without problems. Until our certificate has built up that reputation, SmartScreen shows this warning. Over time it will stop appearing.

How to install the app

  1. In the blue window, click More info.
  2. Check that the publisher is shown as JAVNA LIMITED.
  3. Click Run anyway.
  4. If Windows User Account Control asks whether to allow the app to make changes, click Yes.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish the installation.

You only need to do this once. The warning won't appear when you open the app after it's installed.

If your browser warns you first

Microsoft Edge may say the file “isn't commonly downloaded” before you can open it. This has the same cause. To keep the file:

  1. In the downloads panel, hover over the file and click the … (more actions) button.
  2. Click Keep.
  3. Click Show more, then Keep anyway.

If the publisher isn't JAVNA LIMITED

If More info shows “Unknown publisher” or any name other than JAVNA LIMITED, don't run the file. Delete it and download the installer again, only from www.privatebyright.com/download or the Members Portal. If you see the same thing again, contact our support team.

If there's no “Run anyway” button

  • Work or school computer: your organisation may block apps it hasn't approved. Ask your IT team to allow PrivateByRight VPN.
  • Smart App Control (Windows 11): this stricter setting can block new apps without offering a way to continue. Contact our support team and we'll help you.
  • Windows in S mode: S mode only allows apps from the Microsoft Store, so the installer can't run.

We don't recommend turning off SmartScreen or Microsoft Defender to get around the warning. They protect you from genuinely harmful downloads.

For the full installation guide, see How to set up PrivateByRight VPN on Windows.