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Start here, follow the steps in order, then open your product’s Loader & activation guide. These PC setup steps apply to the software covered by this guide, not account purchases. Use your order’s instructions if your product has a different setup.

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PC preparation

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1. Remove conflicting software

Uninstall third-party antivirus software such as Avast, Malwarebytes, Norton or Kaspersky, plus Riot Vanguard and FACEIT if installed. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, uninstall them, then restart your PC. Closing Vanguard or FACEIT is not enough—their drivers remain loaded. Do not remove other anti-cheat software unless your product’s instructions require it. Leave Windows Defender for the next step.

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2. Windows Security

Open Windows Security:
  • Virus & threat protection → Manage settings: turn off Real-time protection and Tamper protection.
  • Device security → Core isolation: turn off Memory integrity, then restart.

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3. Windows Defender

  1. Download Defender Control.
  2. Use the small Direct Download link. The large advertisement buttons are not the download.
  3. Extract the archive with WinRAR. The password is sordum.
  4. Open dControl.exe and select Disable Windows Defender.

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Install runtimes

Install both dependencies before opening the loader:
  1. Download and install Visual C++ Redistributable. Choose Repair if already installed.
  2. Download and run the DirectX Runtime installer.
  3. If DirectX offers Bing Bar, untick it—it is not required.
  4. Restart if the installer asks.

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Open your product guide

Expand your game in the sidebar, select your product, then open Loader & activation. For Rust, continue to Disconnect Rust External — Loader & activation. Need help? Use your product’s Troubleshooting page or contact MintKeys support.