How do I …?
Step-by-step guides with annotated screenshots for every part of Clavis.
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Getting started
Install Clavis, create your vault and keep your recovery key safe.
Install Clavis on Windows or Linux
Download and install Clavis on Windows 10/11 or Ubuntu/Debian Linux — no administrator rights, no account.
Read → FreeCreate your vault and master password
Set the master password for your first Clavis vault: the strength meter, the optional key file and restoring a backup instead.
Read → FreeYour recovery key: save it, use it, replace it
Clavis gives every vault a one-time, post-quantum recovery key. How to store it, unlock with it if you forget your password, and replace it.
Read → FreeA tour of the Clavis window
What every part of the Clavis main window does: the sidebar, the vault switcher, dark mode, and the difference between closing and quitting.
Read →Everyday use
Encrypt, decrypt, verify and open files — the things you'll do most.
Encrypt, decrypt and verify files
Step by step: encrypt a file with Clavis, decrypt it again, and check encrypted files are intact — with what happens to the originals.
Read → Clavis ProOpen encrypted files without decrypting them
Open a Clavis-encrypted file in its usual app without leaving a decrypted copy behind, then save your changes and re-lock it.
Read → FreeUse Clavis from the File Explorer right-click menu
Encrypt, decrypt, open, verify and share files straight from Windows File Explorer with the Clavis right-click menu.
Read → FreeChange your vault password
How to change a Clavis vault password safely, and why to re-encrypt existing files with the new one.
Read → FreeSee what Clavis has done (Activity)
The Activity history lists every encrypt, decrypt and verify run with its result, size and vault.
Read →Pro features
Folders, watch folders, notes, browsing, several vaults and key-file 2FA.
Encrypt new files automatically with watch folders
Set up a Clavis watch folder so every file you save, scan or download into it is encrypted automatically.
Read → Clavis ProKeep secure notes in your vault
Store Wi-Fi passwords, PINs and other small secrets as encrypted notes inside your Clavis vault.
Read → Clavis ProBrowse encrypted files by their real names
Clavis gives encrypted files random names. Browse Encrypted shows their real names, sizes and dates, and lets you search and open them.
Read → Clavis ProUse more than one vault
Keep separate Clavis vaults — for example Personal and Work — each with its own password and recovery key.
Read → Clavis ProAdd a key file as a second factor
Make a Clavis vault need both your password and a key file — for example one kept on a USB stick.
Read →Settings & troubleshooting
Licence, language, updates, settings and answers to common problems.
Clavis settings explained
Every Clavis setting in one place: licence, session timeout and auto-lock, Argon2id tuning, recovery key, backup, cloud folder, language and updates.
Read → FreeActivate Clavis Pro or Premium
Paste your Clavis licence key into Settings to unlock Pro or Premium, move it to another PC, or remove it.
Read → FreeChange the language
Clavis is available in English, French, German, Tamil and Hindi. How to switch language.
Read → FreeTroubleshooting and common questions
Answers to common Clavis problems: forgotten passwords, wrong password errors, files that won't open, SmartScreen warnings and moving to a new PC.
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