Open this page on a Windows PC to complete setup
Windows Set Up

HardStop Windows Set Up

One app for everything. Protect this PC, set up your iPhone and iPad — all from here. Watch the quick video, then download the app below ↓

Download HardStop

For Windows 10+

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Please Note

Non-adult content sites you've visited before, such as Reddit or X (Twitter), may have content saved to your browser from previous visits. This content could still appear even after HardStop is active. To make sure everything is fully blocked, clear your browser cache. You can easily search how to do this for your specific browser.

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Step 1

Run the Installer

Once the download finishes, open the file you just downloaded (HardStopGuard.exe). It's usually in your Downloads folder, or you can click it directly from the download bar at the bottom of your browser.

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You'll see a blue warning screen — this is normal

Windows shows a blue "Windows protected your PC" message for new apps that aren't yet widely recognised. It does not mean anything is wrong. To continue:

  1. Click More info
  2. Then click Run anyway
✓

This step is complete when the HardStop installer window opens on your screen.

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Step 2

Follow the Prompts to Set It Up

  • Click Install and let it finish — it only takes a moment
  • If Windows asks "Do you want to allow this app to make changes?", click Yes
  • When it's done, HardStop will open automatically
✓

This step is complete when HardStop opens after installation.

3
Step 3

Verify Your Membership

When HardStop opens, enter the email address you used to make your payment or start your subscription. This is how we verify you as a member.

✓

Make sure it's the same email you signed up with, otherwise we won't be able to verify your account.

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Step 4

Choose What to Protect

Inside the app, pick what you want to lock down. You can do both, or just one:

  • Protect this PC — one click and this computer is locked. The app stays installed and can't be turned off without your wait time.
  • Set up an iPhone or iPad — grab your device and its cable, and the app walks you through it step by step.
✓

On a borrowed computer? Just choose the iPhone/iPad option. Nothing gets locked on this PC unless you click to protect it, and you can delete the app when you're done.

✓
✓
All Done

You're Locked In

That's it. Every device you chose to protect is now covered. Come back to the app any time to add another device.

iPhone & iPad

Setting up an iPhone or iPad?

It all happens inside the HardStop app on this PC — no separate download, no separate guide. Open the app, choose iPhone/iPad, plug in your device, and follow along.

Have a Mac too?

One membership covers it. Open the Mac setup page on that computer and install HardStop there as well.

Mac Setup Page
Common Questions

Setup Questions

Where do I set up my iPhone or iPad?+
Right inside this app. After you verify your membership, choose the iPhone/iPad option and the app walks you through the whole thing. You'll need your device and a cable to connect it to this PC.
I'm using a borrowed PC just to set up my iPhone. Will it change anything on this computer?+
No. The app only locks a computer if you click to protect that computer. If you're just setting up your iPhone, nothing on this PC is blocked or changed, and you can delete the app afterwards - like you were never there.
Will this work in every browser?+
Yes. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and any other browser. The block works at the system level, not browser by browser.
Why does Windows say "Windows protected your PC"?+
This is a standard Windows SmartScreen message that appears for newer apps. It's safe to continue — just click "More info" and then "Run anyway" to install HardStop.
Will my normal browsing be slowed down?+
We've done speed tests and there's no noticeable impact on browsing speed.
What about gaming, streaming services, or normal websites?+
Steam, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, news sites, social media and so on all work normally. Only adult content is blocked.
Which email should I enter when the app opens?+
Use the same email address you used to make your payment or start your subscription with HardStop. That's how we verify you as a member.
I do work on this PC, is that okay?+
Yes. Most of our members use their PC for work and don't have any problems.
Setup isn't working. What do I do?+
Email us at support@tryhardstop.com and we'll get you sorted quickly.