Setup Wizard
Overview
Section titled “Overview”The Setup Wizard guides new users through the initial configuration of HiFi Control. It runs automatically on first launch and can be re-run from Settings → Setup Wizard.
Wizard Steps
Section titled “Wizard Steps”Step 1: Welcome
Section titled “Step 1: Welcome”An introduction page that thanks the user for installing HiFi Control and provides an overview of the configuration steps ahead. Lists upcoming steps with descriptions.
Step 2: Terms of Service
Section titled “Step 2: Terms of Service”Presents the Terms of Service agreement with a link to hificontrol.com/terms. The user must accept the terms to continue; this is a mandatory step and cannot be skipped.
Step 3: Theme Selection
Section titled “Step 3: Theme Selection”Displays previews of the Dark and Light themes. The user selects their preferred theme, which is applied in real-time as a preview. See Theming.
Step 4: Windows Startup
Section titled “Step 4: Windows Startup”Option to enable HiFi Control to start automatically with Windows. Defaults to enabled. The setting is applied when the user proceeds to the next step.
Step 5: Device Detection
Section titled “Step 5: Device Detection”Scans the network for compatible audio devices and displays discovered devices with their brand, model, and network address. Users select which devices to add as favorites.
If no devices are found, a link to hificontrol.com/supported-devices is provided for guidance.
The 14-day trial does not begin while HiFi Control is still looking for supported equipment.
Step 6: Trial or License
Section titled “Step 6: Trial or License”After a supported device has been discovered, three options are presented:
- Start 14-day trial: Starts one local Essentials evaluation with core control for one saved hi-fi device and up to three presets. Advanced and Premium features are not included. No account, credit card, or automatic payment is required.
- Buy Essentials: Opens the checkout for the Essentials — Lifetime License.
- Enter a license key: Validates and activates an existing Essentials, Advanced, Premium, or Advanced — Lifetime License key.
Starting the trial is a deliberate action. Installing or opening HiFi Control does not consume trial time. The license can always be configured or changed later in Settings → License.
When the trial expires, control functionality pauses while existing devices, presets, and settings remain saved. Device discovery, diagnostics, settings, updates, and license activation remain available until a paid license is activated.
Eligible existing Free installations retain their current functionality as Legacy Free through ordinary in-place updates. Legacy Free is tied to that installation: a clean reinstall or replacement PC starts the trial and purchase flow, and Legacy Free cannot be restored with a recovery key or support request.
Completion
Section titled “Completion”After completing the wizard, the application launches with the configured settings, connected devices, and selected theme.
Re-running the Wizard
Section titled “Re-running the Wizard”The wizard can be launched again from Settings → Setup Wizard at any time. This is useful when adding new devices or reconfiguring the application.