> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://leonasmp-help.jubear.tv/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://leonasmp-help.jubear.tv/getting-started/using-the-leonasmp-launcher.md).

# Using the LeonaSMP Launcher

{% hint style="info" %}
The launcher is currently in Beta and may be subject to major changes and frequent updates!
{% endhint %}

## Downloading the LeonaSMP launcher

Firstly, the launcher is an unsigned application which 99% of the time will flag a warning with Windows and some security software. The reason why you can get false positive warnings is because the application is unsigned and thus untrusted. Some security policies may even flat out block the installer or application from running completely. Should this happen, there are other ways to get connected but ideally, the LeonaSMP launcher is best as this launcher will always keep your Minecraft up to date and give you all the required mods without you needing to worry about a thing!

As mentioned, this launcher is unsigned so when using the installer, you may see either a big red warning box appear or the installer being completely blocked from running. If you see a big red box titled "Windows protected your PC", you should be able to click "More Info" and then "Run anyway". If you get a security warning saying that the application has been blocked from running, you might be able to use the launcher by downloading it as a zip file instead.

**Download the launcher installer here:** <https://www.jubear.tv/leonasmp-launcher/release-notes/1.0.0-beta.html>

If the installer doesn't work, click the link on the page where it says "Installer not working?".

If using the zip file, extract the files into a folder on your desktop or somewhere you know where you'll find it. Then you can run the launcher application by double clicking `LeonaSMP Launcher.exe`

## After installing the LeonaSMP launcher

Once you have installed the launcher and have opened it, you'll first need to sign in. Click the Sign In button on the right hand side of the application window. This will begin the authentication process with Microsoft to link your Microsoft account to the launcher so Minecraft can launch.

*Note: No sensitive information is stored or seen through the launcher, everything is handled by Microsoft. They simply tell the launcher a "yes" or "no" type of response when the launcher asks their servers if you own a legitimate copy of Minecraft.*

Microsoft will ask you for an activation code, this can be found in the launcher window in the same place you found the Sign In button. Provide that code in the Microsoft activation window and then click Activate. It'll then ask you if you wish to grant permissions to the LeonaSMP Launcher to access your Xbox Live information which allows the launcher to check if you own Minecraft. Click allow. After that, you should be logged in to the launcher. You can confirm this by seeing "Signed in as \<your username here>".

## Launching for the first time

You may see a big pink button that says "Update", you need to click this so the launcher can download all the required Minecraft assets and mods to get you connected to the server. This usually only takes a few minutes to process but can vary depending on your internet connection and server traffic.

Once the update has completed, you can browse through some recommended add-ons by clicking the button with the jigsaw icon at the very bottom right of the launcher window. Here you can toggle on or off additional mods. For example, controlify should be enabled if you wish to use a controller instead of keyboard and mouse. Select which extras you want and then click save. You'll only need to do this once.

Once you are ready, click the big pink button again which should now be displaying "PLAY". The launcher will then quickly run verification checks to make sure that all Minecraft assets, required mods and selected add-ons are installed and verified prior to launching. After that, you'll see Minecraft open and you'll be automatically connected to the LeonaSMP Minecraft server straight away without needing to enter any server information in the Mulitplayer menu.

## Having issues?

If you have any issues with installing or using the LeonaSMP Launcher, please reach out in the Minecraft Discord channel and we'll be happy to assist you.