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

# Getting started

> Prepare your PC before opening your product.

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.

## PC preparation

### 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.

### 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**.

### 3. Windows Defender

1. Download [Defender Control](https://www.sordum.org/downloads/?st-defender-control).
2. Use the small **Direct Download** link. The large advertisement buttons are not the download.
3. Extract the archive with [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/fileadmin/winrar-versions/downloader/WinRAR-723.exe). The password is **sordum**.
4. Open **dControl.exe** and select **Disable Windows Defender**.

## Install runtimes

Install both dependencies before opening the loader:

1. Download and install [Visual C++ Redistributable](https://aka.ms/vc14/vc_redist.x64.exe). Choose **Repair** if already installed.
2. Download and run the [DirectX Runtime installer](https://download.microsoft.com/download/1/7/1/1718ccc4-6315-4d8e-9543-8e28a4e18c4c/dxwebsetup.exe).
3. If DirectX offers **Bing Bar**, untick it—it is not required.
4. Restart if the installer asks.

## 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](/games/rust/disconnect-external/loader).

Need help? Use your product's **Troubleshooting** page or [contact MintKeys support](/support).


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.