🔒 pvtcoms

Extract the zip to a folder (right-click the zip → Extract All), then double-click pvtcoms.exe inside it. Keep the three files together: pvtcoms.exe, lyrebird.exe (the Tor obfs4 helper — gets you through networks that block Tor), and pvtcoms.conf (your relay settings).

pvtcoms opens in its own app window. Nothing to install, no account. It keeps running quietly in your system tray (near the clock), so you still receive messages after closing the window — right-click the tray icon to reopen or quit.

Upgrading? Quit the old copy first (tray → Quit, or end pvtcoms.exe in Task Manager), then run this one.

Prefer separate files? pvtcoms.exe · lyrebird.exe · pvtcoms.conf — put all three in one folder.

⚠ Antivirus / "Windows protected your PC"?

pvtcoms isn't signed by a paid certificate authority, and it routes over Tor — so Windows SmartScreen shows a caution screen, and some antivirus (incl. Defender's Wacatac!ml) may show a false positive. The !ml means it's a machine-learning guess based on behaviour (an unsigned app that opens anonymized network connections), not a real malware match.

lyrebird.exe is the official Tor Project obfs4 client — the very same file inside Tor Browser, used by millions. We publish the exact build fingerprints below so you can verify both files are the real, unmodified originals — stronger than a certificate, and fully open about it.

✓ Verify it's genuine (optional)

Open PowerShell where you downloaded the file and run:

The result must equal this SHA-256:

Build provenance + how to reproduce this exact hash from source: BUILD.txt · SHA256SUMS.txt

How to chat

1. Open pvtcoms → tap ＋ → Invite a friend → share the invite via WhatsApp / email, or show the QR code in person.
2. Your friend installs pvtcoms, taps ＋ → I have an invite → pastes it (or 📷 scans your QR) → names you.
3. You both appear in each other's contacts — start chatting, end-to-end & post-quantum encrypted.