Freedom for Windows
Freedom works on Windows XP, Vista, and 7. For Freedom to run properly, your account needs to have administrator privileges, or you need to run the program as an administrator. This document covers how to install Freedom, and how to give Freedom administrator privileges (if needed).
After you purchase Freedom for Windows, PayPal or Google will send you a URL to download the Freedom installer. Download the installer (setup.msi) and then run it by double-clicking.
If you are on an older version of Windows (XP), you may see a message informing you that you need Microsoft’s .Net 3.5 for the program to install. .Net 3.5 is a simple Windows update that will take a minute or two to install. Simply download .Net 3.5 from Microsoft and install. After you install .Net 3.5 SP1, re-run the Freedom installer and you’ll be good to go.
After you install Freedom, you’ll see the Freedom icon on your desktop. Double-click it and take Freedom for a test run (minimum is 15 minutes). If you find that you’re locked offline, then you’ve run the program with the correct permissions. If you find that you’re still able to access the internet, then you need to take one more step and allow the program to run as administrator.
Important bugfix: A very small number of Windows users have experienced delays in Freedom re-starting network adapters. This bug is isolated and has been fixed. Please update to the most recent version, please email fred@fredstutzman.com if you need support!
To allow the program to run as administrator:
If you right-click on the Freedom icon on your desktop, you should notice that one of the menu items is “Run as Administrator” (On Vista and 7) or “Run as…” (on XP). You’ll need to run the program as administrator so it can temporarily lock out your networking.
Here’s what it looks like on Windows XP, after you click on “Run as…“:
Here’s what it looks like on Windows 7. When you click “Run as Administrator” Windows 7, the program will run, though it may ask for administrator password or access.
If you don’t want to right-click to “Run as Administrator” each time you launch Freedom, you can also set it to permanently run as administrator. To do so, right-click the Freedom icon and select “Properties.” Within the properties menu, select “Compatibility.” At the bottom of the form, you should see “Privilege Level.” Check the box “Run this program as an administrator.”
If you’re still confused, here are some great resources on the multiple ways you can run programs as administrators:
