Documentation · For users
Installation
How to install FlowLock on macOS, Windows and Linux, what to do about the “unidentified developer” warning, and how updates arrive.
FlowLock is a free client for the subscription you bought from a VPN provider. You can download it on the “Downloads” page: the website offers the right file for your system.
macOS
You need macOS 14 or later; one build runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel.
- Open the DMG and drag FlowLock to “Applications”.
- FlowLock is signed without an Apple certificate, so macOS stops it on the first launch. Open “System Settings” → “Privacy & Security” and click “Open Anyway”.
The same result with one command in Terminal:
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/FlowLock.appFor TUN mode FlowLock asks for the administrator password once: it installs a small helper that starts the network adapter.
Windows
Two files to choose from:
- Installer
…-Windows-x64-setup.exe: the app goes to Program Files together with the “FlowLock VPN” service, so TUN mode works without extra prompts. Settings and subscriptions are kept when you uninstall. - Portable version
…-Windows-x64-portable.exe: a single file, no installation. System proxy mode needs no administrator rights; when you choose TUN, FlowLock restarts with administrator rights and Windows asks for permission.
The builds aren't signed with a Microsoft certificate, so SmartScreen may show a warning: “More info” → “Run anyway”.
Linux
You need Linux x64 with glibc 2.35 or later (Ubuntu 22.04, Debian 12, Fedora 36, Mint 21 and newer) and an X11 or Wayland desktop.
Installer: the app goes to /opt/flowlock, with a menu entry and a systemd service:
sudo sh FlowLock-*-Linux-x64-setup.runTo uninstall, run sudo /opt/flowlock/uninstall.sh (with --purge the settings are removed too).
Portable version: a single file:
chmod +x FlowLock-*-Linux-x64-portable && ./FlowLock-*-Linux-x64-portableWhen you choose TUN, the system asks for the administrator password, and only the core restarts with those rights.
The tray icon works in KDE, Cinnamon, Xfce, MATE and Budgie; GNOME needs the AppIndicator extension (it is turned on in Ubuntu).
Updates
FlowLock updates itself: it checks for new versions after launch and every few hours, and offers “Update and restart”. Before installing, it checks the file's signature and checksum. The channels are stable, beta and nightly; what's new in each build is shown on the “Releases” page.
Next: add a subscription.
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