> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stagemic.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing and Updating

Download StageMic from the [StageMic website](https://www.stagemic.co.uk/). Choose the appropriate download for your operating system and processor.

## Installing on macOS

1. Extract the downloaded archive.
2. Move **StageMic.app** into your **Applications** folder.
3. Open StageMic.
4. If macOS blocks the first launch because the developer cannot be verified, open **System Settings → Privacy & Security** and look for the option to allow StageMic to open.
5. Activate StageMic with your licence key.

Current macOS builds are not notarised for distribution, so a security warning may appear on first launch. Only allow a copy downloaded from the official StageMic distribution links.

macOS may also ask for permission to access StageMic’s secure storage in Keychain. This protects locally stored licence credentials; it does store the licence itself.

## Installing on Windows

### Installer

1. Run the downloaded StageMic setup executable.
2. Approve the administrator prompt.
3. Follow the installation wizard.
4. Open StageMic using its desktop or Start menu shortcut.
5. Activate StageMic with your licence key.

The installer registers `.mic` files with StageMic. Windows may still ask you to choose an application the first time you open one.

Current Windows builds are not Authenticode signed. Windows may display a security warning. If offered, choose **More info → Run anyway** after checking that the file came from the official StageMic distribution links.

## Updating StageMic

Before updating:

1. Use **Save** to create a separate `.mic` backup of your current show.
2. Finish any running show session.
3. Quit StageMic.

On **macOS**, replace the existing application in Applications with the new version.

On **Windows**, run the new installer.

StageMic stores autosave, activation and computer settings separately from the application. Updating normally preserves them. You should not need to deactivate your licence simply to install an update on the same computer.

After updating, open your show and check its allocations, network connections and OSC control before the next performance. Do not update to a new version of StageMic during a production run.

## Opening show files

On all builds of v1.9 and later, double-clicking a `.mic` file can open it in StageMic.

If another application opens it instead, change the file association in your operating system:

* **macOS:** select a `.mic` file in Finder, choose **Get Info → Open with → StageMic**, then **Change All**.
* **Windows:** use **Open with** to choose StageMic and make it the default application for `.mic` files.

You can always open a show using **Load** inside StageMic.

## Uninstalling

If you want to release a paid licence’s activation slot, use **Licence → Deactivate this computer** while connected to the internet, before uninstalling.

In v1.10, uninstalling StageMic does **not** automatically deactivate the computer in the licensing service. This is a feature planned for v1.11.

Removing the application may also leave autosave, settings and activation data on the computer. Uninstalling should not be treated as a way to erase your show data or reset a trial.


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