Get Started with Zones
Zones organizes your Windows Desktop into clear containers — zones — where you group files, shortcuts, and apps by theme. Each zone reflects a real folder on your disk: nothing is hidden, nothing is duplicated.
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
- About 3 MB of disk space
- No admin rights required: installs per user account
Install Zones
- Download the installer from the official website.
- Run it and follow the assistant. Installation is local (per user).
- On the first launch, Windows may show a SmartScreen "unknown publisher" warning. This is normal for a recent indie studio: click More info, then Run anyway (see Troubleshooting).
The first launch & built-in guide
On the very first start, a welcome bubble appears and introduces the essential gestures. Two buttons: Start (close and begin) and Open the full guide.
Zones also sets up a starter pack: a few sample zones placed on your Desktop. You can keep them, rename them, empty them, or delete them.
You can reopen the guide at any time: Settings → Guide, then Review the startup guide.
Activate your license (or trial)
Zones can be used 14 days for free, with all features and no credit card required.
- During the trial, everything is unlocked.
- To continue, open Settings → License and enter your license key. Activation is done online once, then Zones works offline.
- Plans and seat limits are detailed in License & purchases.
Finding your way around
- The Desktop: your zones sit there like lightweight, translucent windows.
- A zone: a title bar (the name) and, underneath, the content of a real folder, possibly in tabs. The zone footer indicates the number of items.
- The notification icon (near the clock): right-click to Show / Hide zones, create a zone, undo/redo, or Quit.
- The dock (optional, Beta): macOS-style launch bar. See The dock.
- Right-clicking on a zone or the Desktop opens the action menu.
Zones