Installation Guide

Getting past Windows warnings.

Windows SmartScreen flags software that hasn't been downloaded thousands of times yet. As a new, niche haptic engine for sim racing, Track Impulse triggers this warning. It doesn't mean anything is wrong. Here's how to get past it.

Why this happens

SmartScreen uses download volume, not safety

Microsoft SmartScreen builds a reputation score for every piece of software based on how many people have downloaded it. Popular software like Spotify or Chrome passes instantly. Specialty tools with smaller user bases get flagged, regardless of whether they contain anything harmful.

Track Impulse is purpose-built for sim racers running bass shakers. That's a small audience compared to mainstream software, so SmartScreen shows the warning. As more users install it, the warning will eventually disappear on its own.

Step 1

Browser download warning

When you download the installer, your browser may warn that the file "isn't commonly downloaded."

Microsoft Edge

  1. 1 Click the three-dot menu (···) on the download notification
  2. 2 Click Keep
  3. 3 Click Show more, then Keep anyway

Google Chrome

  1. 1 Click Keep or Keep dangerous file when prompted

The installer will save to your Downloads folder as TrackImpulse-Setup.exe.

Step 2

"Windows protected your PC"

When you run the installer, you may see a blue dialog saying "Windows protected your PC" with only a Don't run button visible.

[ Screenshot: "Windows protected your PC" dialog ]
  1. 1 Click the More info link (blue text, below the warning message)
  2. 2 A Run anyway button will appear. Click it to start the installer.

This only happens the first time you install. Updates to the same version won't trigger it again.

Optional

Windows Defender or antivirus interference

In rare cases, Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus may quarantine the installer or flag it after download. If the installer disappears from your Downloads folder:

  1. 1 Open Windows Security and go to Virus & threat protection
  2. 2 Check Protection history for any recent blocks
  3. 3 Select the blocked item and choose Allow or Restore

If you're still having trouble, email us at support@track-impulse.com and we'll help you get set up.

Ready to download?

← Back to download page