Refine Setup Guide
Complete installation in under 2 minutes
⚠ Important: Certificate Installation Required
Windows requires a one-time certificate installation for security. This is only needed once per computer and takes 30 seconds.
Installation Steps
If you haven't already, download Refine here.
Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer. You'll see these files:
- Refine.msixbundle - The application installer
- Refine.cer - Security certificate
- SETUP_GUIDE.txt - This guide in text format
This step is required for the app to install properly.
- Right-click on Refine.cer
- Select "Install Certificate"
- Choose "Local Machine" and click Next
- If Windows asks for permission, click Yes
- Select "Place all certificates in the following store"
- Click Browse and select "Trusted People"
- Click OK → Next → Finish
- You should see "The import was successful"
Now that the certificate is installed:
- Double-click Refine.msixbundle
- A window will appear showing app information
- Click the blue "Install" button
- Wait for installation to complete (about 10 seconds)
- Click "Launch" or find Refine in your Start Menu
When Refine opens for the first time:
- Review the three subscription tiers
- Click your preferred plan to open Stripe payment
- Complete the secure payment process
- After payment, you'll receive an activation token
- Paste the token in Refine and click Activate
- Refine will minimize to your system tray
You're all set! Here's how to use Refine:
- Select any text in any application
- Press Ctrl+R to refine the text
- Press Ctrl+Shift+R to get answers
- The enhanced text replaces your selection instantly
- Right-click the tray icon (near clock) for settings
Troubleshooting
Certificate warning appears when installing
Solution: Make sure you completed Step 2 (Install Certificate) before trying to install the app. The certificate must be in "Trusted People" store, not "Trusted Root".
App doesn't appear after installation
Solution: Search for "Refine" in the Start Menu. If not found, check if Windows Defender blocked it. You may need to allow the app in Windows Security settings.
Hotkeys don't work
Solution: Make sure Refine is running (check system tray). Some applications may block global hotkeys - try in Notepad first. Restart Refine if needed.
Activation fails after payment
Solution: Copy the activation token from the success page and paste it manually in the Refine activation window. Make sure you're connected to the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my data secure?
Yes. Refine processes text through secure APIs. Your activation token is encrypted locally, and no personal data is stored on our servers.
Can I change my subscription plan?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade anytime through your Stripe customer portal. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.
Does it work with all applications?
Refine works with any application that supports standard Windows text selection and clipboard operations. This includes browsers, Office apps, code editors, and more.
What if I exceed my monthly limit?
You'll receive a notification when you reach your limit. You can upgrade your plan immediately or wait for the next billing cycle reset.