"Windows protected your PC" / SmartScreen prompt due to executable not being digitally signed

[orca43]

I downloaded the program but Windows closed it and said it was "protecting my PC".

[CreeperPookie]

I would guess this is probably because the executable isn't signed, which windows isn't a big fan of; However, if you click more info then run anyway (as shown by the below stock image) the NBS installer should work fine :D

[Bentroen]

Thanks for reporting the issue! As @CreeperPookie mentioned, it's an issue with the distribution of the app, not within the source code, since the executable isn't digitally signed. We're looking into options to mitigate this in the future. I'll be closing this for now as it requires a deeper change in the process of packaging and shipping the app, so it's not in the scope handled by this project's issue board.

From the FAQ over on Discord:

The reason Windows doesn't trust the program is that the executable isn't digitally signed. Signing an executable involves acquiring a digital certificate, emitted by some regulating authority, that proves that the program you're trying to run comes from a reputable vendor (in this case, that the copy of Note Block Studio you're trying to run indeed comes from the NBS developers). This process, however, can cost hundreds of dollars, and as we currently don't earn any amount from developing the project, it's not a viable option for us at the moment. As such, Windows warns that the program could pose a threat to your machine, since it's not able to verify if it comes from a reputable source. That being said, Note Block Studio is used daily by thousands of people and its entire codebase is available for inspection on GitHub, so rest assured it's completely safe to use. :)

[Bentroen]

Actually - it might be useful to keep this open as a reminder for us, and also a notice for people who happen to find this issue.