Windows 10 and 11
Install SmartNotch.
The app is an NSIS setup executable. The first 24 hours are a trial. When that ends, SmartNotch locks until you paste a one-time license key. After a purchase, Dodo emails this page plus that key.
When a build is published, its SHA-256 is listed here. Compare it before you run the file.
After it opens
- The notch appears at the top center. Click it to open. Alt+Space toggles it. Esc closes the panel.
- Closing the panel leaves SmartNotch in the system tray. Quit is in the tray menu or Settings.
- If the trial has ended, the lock screen asks for the key. You can also paste it in Settings → License. One key works on 2 PCs.
SmartScreen
An unsigned installer shows “Windows protected your PC.” Choose More info, then Run anyway. A code-signing certificate removes that prompt. There is no free way to skip it.