What are the prerequisites for installing StreamStash?

Windows 10 or 11, a few GB of free disk space for the application and growing archive, and Firefox installed if you want the smoothest cookie-extraction path (Chrome, Edge, and Brave work but must be fully closed when StreamStash launches because they lock their cookie database). An NVIDIA GPU is recommended if you plan to use NVENC compression or AI semantic search but is not required for basic archival.

Why does Windows SmartScreen warn me when I run the installer?

SmartScreen flags any new installer that has not yet built reputation with Microsoft, regardless of whether it is malicious. The StreamStash binary is signed and VirusTotal-verified clean. Click 'More info' on the SmartScreen prompt, then 'Run anyway' to proceed. The warning will fade as more users install the same build.

Do I need a licence key to install?

No. The installer runs without a key and gives you the Free tier (TikTok and Twitter/X archival, plus Quick Download for any TikTok URL). To unlock Personal or Power, paste the licence key you received by email after checkout into the activation screen on first launch. Licence keys are checked once at install and not on every run.

Can I change where StreamStash stores its library and recordings?

Yes. The recordings folder, the SQLite library file, and the application data location are all configurable. On first launch you can pick a path on any local or attached drive. If you choose later, the configuration page lets you point each one at a new location.

How do I change the port StreamStash listens on?

StreamStash runs a local Flask server, and its port is configurable. The Installation guide shows where the port is set. Change it if another service on your machine already uses the default.

Installation

Installation Guide

Download and install StreamStash on Windows. The entire setup takes under 5 minutes. macOS, Linux, and Docker builds are in active development.

Prerequisites

StreamStash currently ships as a Windows installer. You do not need Python, FFmpeg, yt-dlp, gallery-dl, or any command-line setup. The installer includes the application and required helper binaries.

Windows today: macOS, Linux, and Docker/NAS builds are planned, but the current public download is for Windows.

Install StreamStash

Download your installer from the pricing section, your purchase confirmation page, or the license email sent after checkout.
Run the setup file. Windows may show a SmartScreen warning while StreamStash is new. Click More info, then Run anyway if you trust the download source.
Open StreamStash from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut. The app launches as a desktop window with system tray integration.
Activate your tier when prompted. Free users can continue without a paid key; Personal and Power users should paste the license key from their email.

Tip: Paid licenses activate on up to 3 devices, which covers reinstalls and a second machine.

First Launch

On first launch, StreamStash creates its app data folder, local database, and settings file automatically. Your archive, license, and database are preserved when you uninstall or upgrade the app.

Verify Installation

Once running, open Settings in the sidebar. The System Status section shows green/red indicators for the bundled helper tools and runtime checks. Everything should show as installed automatically.

Changing the Port

By default StreamStash uses port 5000 internally. Most users never need to change this. If another local service already uses that port, create or edit the app settings file and set:

FLASK_PORT=8080

Changing the Storage Directory

By default, all downloads are stored in your StreamStash app data folder. To change it:

RECORDINGS_DIR=D:\MyArchive

Or set it via Settings → Recordings Directory in the app UI.