Windows: Troubleshooting Download and Installation
Having trouble downloading or installing Hedy on Windows? This guide covers the most common issues and how to fix them.
"Isn't commonly downloaded" warning in Edge
Microsoft Edge may show a warning that says "HedySetup.exe isn't commonly downloaded. Make sure you trust the file before you open it." This is normal for newer applications and does not mean the file is unsafe.
To proceed:
Open the Downloads panel in Edge (click the download icon in the toolbar)
Click the three-dot menu (路路路) next to the blocked download
Select Keep
A second warning will appear. Click Show more, then click Keep anyway
Open your Downloads folder and double-click HedySetup.exe to start the installer
Windows SmartScreen warning
When you run the installer, Windows SmartScreen may show a warning that says "Windows protected your PC" because the app is not yet widely recognized.
To proceed:
Click More info on the SmartScreen warning
Verify the publisher shows Hedy AI LLC
Click Run anyway to start the installation
Antivirus blocking the download or installer
Some antivirus programs (McAfee, Norton, Windows Defender, etc.) may incorrectly flag or quarantine the Hedy installer. This is a false positive that can happen with newer applications.
Check if your antivirus blocked Hedy:
Open your antivirus program
Look for Quarantined items or Blocked downloads
If you find Hedy there, restore it from quarantine
Add Hedy to your antivirus exclusions list to prevent future blocking
If you're using McAfee:
Open McAfee and go to Device > Antivirus
Check Quarantined items and restore Hedy if found
Go to Device > Real-time Scanning and add hedy.exe to Excluded files
Download redirected to File Explorer
If clicking the download link opens File Explorer instead of downloading Hedy, your browser or antivirus may be intercepting the download. Try these steps:
Use the direct download link: go to windows.hedy.bot in your browser
Right-click the download button and choose Save link as...
Save the file to your Downloads folder
If it still redirects, try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge)
Still having trouble? Contact us at [email protected] with a screenshot of the error or warning you're seeing, and we'll help you get Hedy installed.