Setup Guide

Windows Installation Guide

Step-by-step instructions to install HintQ AI

About Windows SmartScreen

Our app is 100% safe, but Windows may show a warning because we're a new app. Microsoft's SmartScreen builds trust based on how many people download an app. As more users download HintQ AI, this warning will automatically disappear.

1 Download the Installer

Click the download button on the download page to get the latest version of HintQ AI.

HintQAI-Setup.exe

~50 MB • Windows Installer

2 Handle SmartScreen Warning

When you run the installer, Windows SmartScreen may show a warning. Here's how to proceed safely:

a You'll see this screen first

Windows protected your PC

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.

App: HintQAI-Setup.exe

Publisher: Unknown publisher

Click "More info" to reveal the option to proceed.

b Then click "Run anyway"

Windows protected your PC

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.

App: HintQAI-Setup.exe

Publisher: Unknown publisher

Click "Run anyway" to start the installation.

3 Complete Installation

Follow the installation wizard to complete the setup:

  • Accept the license agreement
  • Choose installation folder (default is recommended)
  • Click "Install" and wait for completion
  • Launch HintQ AI when installation finishes

4 Sign In & Get Started

Once installed, sign in with your HintQ account:

  • Use the same email you registered with on hintq.ai
  • Your AI credits will sync automatically
  • Grant microphone permission when prompted
  • Start a session and begin your interview!

Why does Windows show this warning?

Microsoft SmartScreen is a security feature that warns users about apps it doesn't recognize. Recognition is based on:

  • Download count: New apps with fewer downloads are flagged until they build reputation
  • Code signing: We're working on an Extended Validation (EV) certificate which will remove this warning
  • Publisher reputation: As more users install our app, Microsoft will recognize us as trusted

Our Promise: HintQ AI is 100% safe. We do not collect any data beyond what's needed for the service, and we never install malware or adware.