How to download safely

Legal free software does not need a crack. The risk is usually in the path to the installer: an aggregator, a fake download button, or a “portable” from an unknown source. SwitchToFree does not host files — each Visit button goes to the project's official site.

Official site only

1. In the catalog, use the card's Visit button — the URL should belong to the project (known domain, the team's GitHub/GitLab, or a foundation page).
2. Check the HTTPS lock and the domain name before clicking Download.
3. Prefer the installer or package listed in the official docs, not the first sponsored result in a search engine.

If the page asks for a serial, “activator,” or payment outside the developer's site, go back to the catalog and pick another option. More detail in the FAQ.

What to avoid

• Aggregators (Softonic, CNET Download, and similar) that push their own installer or “Download Manager.”
• Giant green buttons in the middle of the page — the real download is often a smaller text link in the project block.
• Crack, keygen, activator — malware by another name. They are not listed on this site.
• “Portable” from a random blog — a portable build only makes sense if it comes from the project or a known repository (see portable in the glossary).
• Forum attachments or shortened links instead of the official site — even in good communities, the safe habit is to download at the source.

Freeware, open source, and freemium

In the catalog, badges help you read the model and the risk:

• Open Source — open code; generally free in what we list. See the glossary.
• Freeware — free, closed source. Still legitimate; trust known projects and the official site more. See the glossary.
• Freemium — a permanent free tier. Listed only if the free part is already useful (not a seven-day trial). See the glossary.
• Aggregator — a site that pushes its own installer instead of the official download. See the glossary.

Short definitions are also in the FAQ.

When you install

• Read every screen: uncheck browser toolbars, “offers,” and extra software.
• On Windows, SmartScreen or antivirus may warn about new programs — that does not prove malware; compare the publisher with the official site.
• Keep your system updated. For passwords and browsers, see Security.

Asked for an account?

A free account (Google Docs, Microsoft 365 on the web, Nextcloud) is common. A scam is asking for a card, serial, or “unlock” outside the developer's domain. If the URL changed after Visit, close it and return via the catalog.

Build a starter pack in the kits, compare tools in the comparison, or browse the catalog. Need help installing a specific program? Try the community and the project's official forum.