Cradle

Getting started

Installing Cradle on Windows

Install Cradle on Windows 10 or 11 from the Microsoft Store or as a direct download — including how to handle the SmartScreen prompt.

There are two ways to get Cradle onto a Windows PC — the Microsoft Store and a direct download. The Store version is easier for most people; the direct download is useful when your organisation blocks the Store or your IT team prefers to manage installs themselves.

Before you start

  • You're on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Windows 10 still works but is no longer receiving Microsoft security updates, so you may run into issues your IT team can't easily fix. Windows 11 is recommended.
  • For the direct download, you need admin rights on the PC to run the installer. The** Microsoft Store** version doesn't require admin rights.
  • You have a stable internet connection.

Choose your install method

  • Microsoft Store (recommended). Cradle is listed at microsoft.com/store/productId/9NW645JBXT6S. The Store handles updates for you in the background.
  • Direct download. Get the Windows installer from the Cradle download page. Use this if your organisation blocks the Microsoft Store, or if your IT team wants to deploy Cradle as a managed install.

If you've already installed Cradle one way and want to switch to the other, uninstall the existing version first — see Uninstalling and reinstalling Cradle. Running both side by side causes conflicts.

Install from the Microsoft Store

  1. Open the Cradle listing in the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click Get (or Install).
  3. Wait for the download to finish — usually under a minute.
  4. Click Open, or find Cradle in your Start menu.

Install from the direct download

  1. Open the Cradle download page and click the Windows installer.
  2. Once the .exe finishes downloading, double-click it.
  3. The first time you run an installer Windows hasn't seen before, you'll see a Windows protected your PC screen. This is normal — click More info, then** Run anyway**.
  4. Follow the installer prompts. Cradle installs to your user profile by default, so you don't need to enter an admin password unless your IT team has locked that down.
  5. When the installer finishes, Cradle opens automatically.

What you should see

Cradle appears in the Start menu and opens to the welcome screen. From there, sign in with your work account — see Signing into the Cradle desktop app.

If it doesn't work

  • Windows protected your PC won't let me past it. Click More info on the dialog — the Run anyway button only appears after that. If your IT team blocks SmartScreen overrides at policy level, you'll need them to install Cradle for you.
  • The installer fails with a network error. Your firewall may be blocking the download. Try again on a different network, or ask your IT team to allow the download.
  • An older Cradle install is in the way. Uninstall the previous version first — see Uninstalling and reinstalling Cradle.
  • The Microsoft Store won't open or won't install Cradle. Your organisation may have disabled the Store. Use the direct download instead.

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