# Konduit GUI — Windows Quickstart

## Requirements

- Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- Administrator account (required for VPN driver installation)

## 1. Download

Download `konduit-gui-*-windows-x86_64.zip` from the [Releases](../../releases) page.

## 2. Extract

Right-click the zip file and choose **Extract All**. Extract to a folder of your choice, for example `C:\Konduit`.

Keep all files together — `Konduit.exe` and `wintun.dll` must be in the same folder.

## 3. Run

Double-click `Konduit.exe`.

Windows will show a **UAC prompt** asking for administrator permission. This is required because Konduit uses the [WinTun](https://www.wintun.net/) driver to create a virtual network adapter. Click **Yes** to continue.

> If you dismiss the UAC prompt, Konduit will not be able to establish a VPN connection.

## 4. Load your config

Your server administrator will provide either a `client.toml` config file or a QR code image.

- **TOML config:** your administrator will provide a `client.toml` file. Open it in a text editor and enter the server address, port, and key values into the corresponding fields in the app.
- **QR code:** tap **Import QR image** and select the QR code image file from disk.

## 5. Connect

Press **Connect**. A system tray icon will appear while the VPN is active. Right-click the tray icon to disconnect.

## 6. Windows Defender / antivirus warning

Some antivirus tools flag `wintun.dll` or new unsigned executables. If Windows Defender blocks the launch:

1. Open **Windows Security → Virus & threat protection**
2. Click **Protection history**
3. Find the Konduit entry and choose **Allow**

Alternatively, add the Konduit folder to your antivirus exclusion list.

## 7. Autostart on login (optional)

To start Konduit automatically when Windows starts, enable it in the app: **Settings → Start on login**.

Alternatively, create a shortcut to `Konduit.exe` and place it in your Startup folder:

```
Win + R → shell:startup → paste shortcut here
```

## Troubleshooting

**UAC prompt does not appear / app closes immediately** — make sure you are running as a user with administrator privileges. Standard (non-admin) accounts cannot install the WinTun driver.

**"wintun.dll not found"** — `Konduit.exe` and `wintun.dll` must be in the same folder. Do not move them separately.

**Connection fails immediately** — check that your `client.toml` points to the correct server address and port. Contact your server administrator if you are unsure.

**Tray icon disappears unexpectedly** — the app may have crashed. Check Windows Event Viewer or relaunch `Konduit.exe`.