Trouble-Shooting Windows

We’ve worked hard to make iA Writer for Windows stable and reliable, but sometimes problems occur.

Below are some basic troubleshooting steps to try first if you have problems with the app.

Restarting

Many issues can be resolved by closing an affected app and restarting the device. Please try this as a first step for troubleshooting any issue.

Reinstalling App

Reinstalling iA Writer may resolve issues with the app. Prior to uninstalling the app, please verify all current progress has been saved.

You can:

• Launch File Explorer and verify files are saved by checking timestamps.
• Export a copy of a file to another location using File → Export → Markdown
• Transfer files to the cloud: right-click the file, select Move, then choose a connected cloud storage Location (Dropbox or Google Drive, for example).^*

*Please check your documents stored in Dropbox and Google Drive have correctly synced by logging in to their web console or verify in their file storage apps.

To reinstall iA Writer for Windows:

1. Back up your documents, then close iA Writer
2. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10), select iA Writer, and choose Uninstall
3. Ensure the iA Writer folder is removed from the Program Files directory (if not, delete it manually.)
4. Delete* the library.json and user_settings.json files found in: C:\Users\{your username}\AppData\Roaming\iA Writer (or type %APPDATA%\iA Writer in the File Explorer address bar)
5. Restart the computer
6. Download the most recent compatible version of iA Writer (Windows 10+): Downloads

*It’s important to make sure certain folders are deleted/created properly so make sure to complete each step.

Dropbox | Google Drive | iCloud | OneDrive

From time to time connectivity issues or other problems can cause issues with cloud storage Locations. In general even if you cannot access a document in-app or have inadvertently deleted a file, you should be able to recover these from the service’s app or web console.

For specific instructions please select the service below:

Dropbox | Google Drive | iCloud | OneDrive

An internet connection is required to access or synchronize files stored in cloud locations. Please ensure that your device has a proper internet connection.

If you are still unable to access documents please remove the Location or folder from iA Writer’s Library and add it again:

1. Right-click on the Location
2. Select Remove from Library
3. Quit iA Writer and restart device
4. Launch iA Writer and add Location using Add to Library button

Specific Issues

Purchase not recognized after signing in

Since version 2.1, iA Writer for Windows doesn’t use license keys. You sign in with your iA Account: enter your email address and the six-digit confirmation code we send you. To see which address you’re signed in with, open File → Settings → Account.

If it isn’t the address you used to buy iA Writer, click Sign Out and sign in again with your purchase email. Signing in with any other address creates a new iA Account and offers a trial.

If the app still doesn’t recognize your purchase, please email us and include the following details so that we can best support you:

1. Email address used at time of purchase
2. Email address you signed in with
3. Order or invoice number (from your purchase receipt email)

The app doesn’t launch, saying it needs .NET Framework

iA Writer for Windows requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8. It is included in Windows 11 and in Windows 10 version 1903 or later. On older versions of Windows 10, install it from Microsoft: .NET Framework 4.8.

The app was installed correctly, but nothing appears when you launch it

The Preview engine in iA Writer needs the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. The iA Writer installer normally adds it, but if it is missing or damaged, nothing appears when you launch the app.

To fix this, install the latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable (X64) from Microsoft, then restart your PC.

Troubleshooting