Welcome to AppCage
AppCage is a Windows application containment tool that runs lockdown browsers and proctoring software in an isolated environment. The target app runs normally, but it can't detect that it's inside a cage.
What does AppCage do?
When you launch an app through AppCage, it runs in a completely invisible container. The app sees a normal Windows desktop with real hardware - your GPU, monitor, webcam, and microphone all appear native. Every detection check the app performs is handled automatically.
Quick Start
Getting up and running takes just a few minutes:
Check Requirements
Make sure your PC meets the Windows requirements.
Activate Your License
Redeem your license key in our Discord server.
Launch Your First Cage
Open AppCage, select your app, and click launch.
Need help? Join our Discord server for support.
Windows Requirements
AppCage requires a specific Windows configuration to work properly. Make sure your system meets these requirements before getting started.
Operating System
- Windows 10 or Windows 11 (x64 only)
- Pro or Enterprise edition is required
System Requirements
- 64-bit processor
- 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
- Administrator access on your PC
- Internet connection (required for license activation)
First-Time Setup
The first time you run AppCage, it will:
- Create a local user account for the cage session
- Ask you to restart your PC (one-time requirement)
After the restart, AppCage is ready to use. You won't need to restart again.
Webcam & Microphone
If your exam requires a webcam or microphone, make sure they're plugged in and working before launching AppCage. The cage will redirect them automatically and the proctoring software will see your real device names.
Upgrading to Windows Pro
If you're on Windows Home, follow these steps to upgrade to Pro for free. This process will change your Windows edition and activate it with a KMS license.
Please note, that this will override your current Windows license. Do not proceed if you want to keep your original Windows license. However do note the process below will set you up with pro and activate it for you. It will look like nothing changed on your end and you can still personalize and use features on your pc as you would usually do.
Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click the Start button and search for Windows PowerShell. Right-click and select Run as Administrator
Run the activation script
Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
irm https://get.activated.win | iex
Your screen should look something like this:
Change Windows Edition
Press 6 on your keyboard to select Change Windows Edition.
Select Professional
Press 2 to select Professional and press Enter.
Confirm and restart
A confirmation screen will appear. When you're ready, press 1 and Enter to continue. This will change your edition and automatically restart your PC.
Re-open the script
After restarting, open PowerShell as Administrator again and run the same command:
irm https://get.activated.win | iex
Activate Windows
Press 4 to select Online KMS.
Select Activate Windows
Press 1 to select Activate - Windows.
Done!
Your Windows is now upgraded to Pro and activated. You can close any remaining PowerShell windows.
After upgrading, you can verify by going to Settings > System > About and checking that it says Windows 10/11 Pro.
Activating Your License
After purchasing AppCage, you'll receive a license key. You need to redeem it in our Discord server before you can use the app.
Steps to Activate
Join the Discord Server
Join our server at discord.gg/WKJmSK8vMZ
Go to the Redeem Channel
Find the license redemption channel and click the Redeem License button.
Enter Your License Key
Paste your license key in the popup. Your key is private and only visible to you.
Launch AppCage
Open AppCage on your PC and enter the same license key when prompted. The app will activate and you're ready to go.
License Key Format
License keys look like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
They are not case-sensitive. You can enter them in uppercase or lowercase.
HWID Binding
Your license is locked to the hardware ID (HWID) of the machine you activate it on. This means one license works on one computer at a time.
If you need to use AppCage on a different machine, you must request a HWID reset through our support team in the Discord server. Once reset, you can activate your license on the new machine.
Do not share your license key with others. If your key is found on a different HWID without a reset request, it may be suspended.
Launching Your First Cage
Once your license is activated, follow these steps to get your cage up and running for the first time.
Important: Please follow these instructions carefully and in order. Skipping steps or clicking things during setup can cause the cage to fail. Read each step fully before proceeding.
First-Time Setup
Authenticate
Open AppCage.exe. Enter your license key and click Activate. Once authenticated, you'll see the main window.
Click Open Cage
Click Open Cage. On the very first launch, AppCage will create a local user account for the cage session and then ask you to restart your PC. Go ahead and restart.
The restart is a one-time requirement. You will not need to restart again after this.
After the Restart
Open AppCage Again
After your PC restarts, open AppCage.exe again. You will already be authenticated.
Click Open Cage Again
Click Open Cage. This time, AppCage will download the necessary files and configure the cage environment. This may take a minute on the first run -- please be patient.
Click Connect
A Connect popup will appear. Go ahead and click it.
Wait for Windows to Prepare
You will see a "Preparing Windows" screen. Do not click anything or interact with the screen during this time. Just wait for it to finish and load into the desktop.
You're In
Once you see the desktop, the cage is fully operational. You can now press the default Ctrl+Shift+E to escape out of the cage environment, and click Stop Cage to shut it down.
Launching Apps
Now that the initial setup is complete, you can launch applications through AppCage. Select your target app using Browse, then click Open Cage to start it inside the cage. Subsequent launches will be much faster since the environment is already configured.
Next Steps
- Check the Hotkeys section in Settings to learn the keyboard shortcuts and customize them to your preference.
- If you plan to use the AI Overlay, set it up in the main window by clicking Launch Overlay and adding your API key in the overlay settings.
Need help? Reach out to our support team on the Discord server.