# Windows downloads and publisher verification

The current Trace v0.5.0 native Windows executable is **unsigned**. Microsoft Store publication and verified-publisher signing have not been completed. Windows SmartScreen or Chrome may warn about this native preview because it is unsigned and has little download reputation.

These warnings alone are not a malware verdict, but the release's regression tests and published checksums are not malware certification either. The publisher cannot legitimately promise to remove reputation warnings with a website edit, a renamed file, a ZIP wrapper or a self-signed certificate.

## Recorded local antivirus check

On 3 November 2026, Microsoft Defender’s custom file scan completed and reported no threats for SHA-256 `7064ffbbab3e918dee7aba41903df2cccf5b6979b7507ce0694dc155d79319e3`. This is a bounded local scan result, not Microsoft Store approval, a trusted publisher signature, or a guarantee about every antivirus product. SmartScreen/Chrome reputation warnings can still appear. See `Windows-Trust-Check.json` for the recorded status.

## Installation available now

The Python package and Docker setup remain available. For a Windows Python installation, install a supported Python 3.13 runtime from https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/ and use an isolated environment:

```powershell
py -3.13 -m venv .trace-venv
.\.trace-venv\Scripts\python.exe -m pip install "https://trace.shrianshvikram.tech/assets/synapsoul_trace-0.5.0-py3-none-any.whl#sha256=24df29d8e714798b419595079ad6ee593d19cf98129dc5b608696dbe091e0ef7"
.\.trace-venv\Scripts\python.exe -m synapsoul_trace serve --open-browser
```

This installs the released Python engine using your Python runtime, rather than executing the bundled native Trace EXE. pip verifies the stated package hash. The optional Mem0 sample needs its own supported Python environment and dependency setup. Docker users can follow `CONNECT_v0.5.0.md`.

## Microsoft Store review status

On 3 November 2026, after the publisher completed account verification and age ratings, SynapSoul Trace was submitted to Microsoft Store (product ID `9NWTX9CP7T86`). The genuine-identity x64 MSIX passed MakeAppx validation and Partner Center package acceptance. Package version is `1.0.0.0`; the contained engine is `0.5.0`. Partner Center reports **In certification**, with pre-processing underway, and publication is configured to begin after approval. This is not certification success, Store signing or public availability. Microsoft's restricted `runFullTrust` approval and actual Store installation, launch and uninstall verification remain outstanding. The unsigned submission package is not offered as a public installer.

The direct-download release tools also reject unsigned executables, missing certificates and test identities for production signing. A trusted, timestamped signature is useful, but Microsoft explains that newly signed direct downloads can still receive reputation warnings. Microsoft Store installation is the preferred route for a consumer Windows release.

## What this page does not claim

No Microsoft Store approval, verified-publisher badge, universal antivirus compatibility, or guarantee that every Windows/Chrome configuration will permit installation is claimed. Windows and browser protection settings remain under the user's control.

Official guidance:

- Microsoft SmartScreen: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/package-and-deploy/smartscreen-reputation
- Microsoft Store package requirements: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/publish/publish-your-app/package-version-numbering
- Chrome download warnings: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6261569