> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.guardware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.guardware.com/protect/about/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

## Welcome to GuardWare PROTECT!

You've accepted the invitation sent by GuardWare Australia to use GuardWare PROTECT. 

GuardWare Australia is dedicated to helping organisations keep their sensitive information safe. To learn more about GuardWare Australia, visit our [website](https://www.guardware.com.au/).

GuardWare **PROTECT** is a persistent file encryption and data protection solution provided by GuardWare Australia that secures sensitive files throughout their entire lifecycle. Files stay protected whether stored locally or shared externally via USB, cloud drives, emails, or other methods and only authorised users can access the protected files.

You need to install GuardWare PROTECT Agent to open and use the protected files shared with you. 

## How to Get Started

### Install GuardWare PROTECT Agent

1. Double-click the provided **PROTECT Agent installer** file to begin the installation.
2. In the **Setup Wizard**, click **Next** to continue.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/bfc2e4a91bab9fad1cec0e56edbe8b73856669ea" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

3. Read and accept the **End User Licence Agreement (EULA)** and click **Next**.

<div align="left"><img src="/files/zaPFKlP7uEZBXuJEIzlV" alt="" width="375"></div>

4. Choose the folder where you want to install GuardWare PROTECT and click **Next**. By default, PROTECT will be installed in: `C:\Program Files\`.
5. Click **Install**. The installation may take a few minutes to complete.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/9be44d3a0aa9d718b2341bc6d482182597a08b98" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

6. If you do not have Microsoft Azure CLI installed, a Setup Wizard will prompt you to install it. Read and agree to the licence agreement terms and click **Install**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/uRRwnIu5dO0in1ilCgg5" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

7. If you do not have Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed, a Setup Wizard will prompt you to install it. Read and agree to the licence agreement terms and click **Install**.\
   ![](/files/A2C839dOz6ImVUQnfgLo)
8. Once the installation is complete, click **Finish** to exit the Setup Wizard and continue with the PROTECT Agent installation.
9. During the agent installation, a User Account Control (UAC) dialog box may appear. This is a standard Windows security feature that verifies whether you want to allow the installer to make changes to your computer. When this dialog appears:
   1. Verify that the publisher is GuardWare Australia Pty Ltd.
   2. Click **Yes** to allow the installation to proceed. Clicking **No** cancels the installation.
10. Once the PROTECT Agent installation is complete, click **Finish** to exit the wizard.
11. You’ll be prompted to restart your device. Click **Yes**. After restarting your device, follow the steps in [Post-Installation Setup](#post-installation-setup).<br>

    <figure><img src="/files/I14UpyDdsg5SDwlhJCdu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Restarting is mandatory for GuardWare PROTECT to install successfully.

### Post-Installation Setup

After restarting your device, a **Welcome Wizard** appears automatically. If you do not see it right away, please wait a few minutes.

1. In the Welcome wizard, click **Login with Azure**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/b5ed8eb8d2556b94dbc9268420084f0cc40477e7" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

2. Select **Work or school account**.
3. Enter the email address where you received the invitation, and click **Next**.
4. Check your email for a verification code, then enter the code and click **Sign in**.
5. When prompted to sign in automatically across desktop apps and browsers, select\
   **No, this app only** (for better security). This ensures your Azure login is used only within GuardWare PROTECT, preventing other apps or browsers on the same device from automatically accessing your credentials. You can always sign in separately to other apps when needed.
6. Click **Exit** when the setup is complete.
7. During the process, if a Windows Security prompt appears stating that **Windows Firewall has blocked some features of** **GWProtectDesktop**, click **Allow**.\
   \
   If the **prompt does not appear** or **you did not allow** it in the above step, follow the steps below to allow **GWProtectDesktop** to communicate through Windows Defender Firewall. Allowing **GWProtectDesktop** through the firewall ensures the PROTECT Agent can communicate with required services and enforce file protection policies correctly.
   1. Open **Control Panel** > **System and Security** > **Windows Defender Firewall**.
   2. Click **Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall**.
   3. Select **Change settings**.
   4. Locate **GWProtectDesktop** in the list and enable the **Private** and **Public** networks.
   5. Click **OK** to save the changes.

      <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/6db46ab113ec759ece59d81c966e4bd16133aaa3" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You can now use GuardWare PROTECT to add protection to sensitive files and access protected files shared with you.&#x20;

To learn more about the features, see [PROTECT Features](/protect/protect-features/protect-features.md).


---

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