Installing PastPaths

PastPaths is currently available for Windows.

System requirements

• Windows 10 or newer (64-bit)
• About 100 MB of free disk space for the program
• More space for your own genealogical data and images — expect a few gigabytes if you save a lot of photos

Installation

1. Download the installer: Download PastPaths. All versions are available on the Download page.

2. Double-click the downloaded .exe file.

   Windows or your antivirus warns you

   If Windows shows Windows protected your PC, click More info and then Run anyway. The warning is shown for programs that aren't code-signed and doesn't mean anything is wrong. → Read more

3. Follow the installation wizard. You can choose whether you want a desktop shortcut and where your backups should be saved.

Choose a language: Swedish or English. After that the installation guide will switch to chosen language.

License agreement. Accept it to continue with the installation.

Check the boxes if you want to create a shortcut or manage backups.

Choose where you want to save your backups.

Summary of settings. Click Back to change anything.

The installation completes on your computer.

The final message. It can be useful to note down this information, but the program always uses the same paths automatically.

Done! You'll find PastPaths in the Start menu.

The first time you start it

The first time you start PastPaths, it sets up a place for your genealogical data on your computer. This only takes a moment — then you're ready to begin.

Congratulations! You've installed PastPaths. The error messages disappear once you've added your first person.

Continue to first start →

Want to move the installation later?

The program and your genealogical data are stored in the same folder. When you uninstall, you choose what to delete. Anything left unchecked stays, so you can reinstall without losing data. More about where the data lives can be found under Overview and Troubleshooting.

Make a backup first

Before making major changes — whether that's moving the installation, updating Windows, or switching computers — make a backup on the Import & Export page. More info in troubleshooting.