Frequently asked questions
General
What is RunContainer?
A Windows application management and isolation tool. With it, you install and run Windows applications inside environments that RunContainer manages, instead of directly on your PC. → Introduction
Is it like LiveContainer?
The idea is similar. LiveContainer lets iOS apps run inside its own managed space instead of being installed on the device directly. RunContainer applies the same idea to Windows applications. The two are separate, unrelated projects.
Is RunContainer free?
RunContainer is free and open source. Its source code is public at github.com/RunContainer-7/runcontainer. It is released under the MIT licence. The full text is in the LICENSE file.
Is it available now?
Yes. RunContainer 0.8.0 is the current stable release for Windows. The official installer is on the Downloads page and on the GitHub Releases page; both point at the same file, verifiable by its SHA-256 checksum. There is an official download link, and it has been available since the first release.
Will RunContainer update itself?
No. When a newer release is published, RunContainer shows a notice at the top of the window. It never installs an update for you. To update, download the new installer from Downloads and run it over the existing installation. Your environments and applications stay in place. You can dismiss the notice, and it returns when the next version is published.
How do I install RunContainer if I don't have it yet?
Download RunContainer-Setup-0.8.0.exe from Downloads or the latest GitHub release, then follow Installation. Windows may still warn that a new build is unrecognised, because release installers are not code-signed yet: Windows shows “Unknown publisher”, and SmartScreen reputation is built over time. The installation page explains how to check the file and get past the warning safely.
I am on 0.6.5 and it stops with a JavaScript error
0.6.5 could fail before its window opened, so its own update notice never appeared and it cannot update itself. Download the current installer from Downloads and run it once by hand. It replaces the broken files, keeps your apps and environments, and closes the leftover 0.6.5 process (including its error window) before installing. Later releases update from the in-app notice as usual.
Using RunContainer
Can I use applications I already have installed?
Applications installed directly on your PC stay where they are. To use an application inside RunContainer, install it into an environment. → Installing applications
Can I run applications from more than one environment at once?
Yes. Each application runs in its own environment. → Running & stopping
Why do I have to sign in again in a new environment?
Each environment keeps its own copy of an application's settings and sign-ins. → Settings & profiles
Will every Windows application work?
No. Applications that need drivers, system services, anti-cheat or deep system access often don't. → Unsupported applications
Safety
Does RunContainer protect me from malware?
No. Isolation reduces the impact an application has on the rest of your PC, but it isn't malware protection or a guarantee of safety. → Isolation is not a guarantee
Is it safe to sign into accounts inside an environment?
Only as safe as the application itself. The application can see whatever you type into it. → Privacy & credentials
How do I report a security problem?
Project
How can I help?
Where's the source code?
RunContainer is free and open source. The source code is at github.com/RunContainer-7/runcontainer. → Community & links
Where can I get support?
Visit the Support page for the Discord server and tips on asking for help.