System Requirements
This page lists the hardware and software requirements for running Necron Vault Manager. The application is designed to be lightweight, but certain features — particularly USB dongle detection — have specific requirements.
Supported Operating Systems
| OS | Version | Architecture | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | 10 (build 1809+) | x86_64 (64-bit) | ✅ Fully supported |
| Windows | 11 | x86_64 (64-bit) | ✅ Fully supported |
| macOS | — | — | 🔜 Planned |
| Linux | — | — | 🔜 Planned |
Note
macOS and Linux support is planned for future releases. The core encryption engine is written in Rust and is cross-platform by design — only the USB dongle detection layer and OS-specific key storage need platform-specific implementations.
Hardware Requirements
Minimum Specifications
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Any 64-bit x86 CPU | Modern multi-core CPU |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
| Disk Space | 200 MB (application) | 500 MB+ (application + vaults) |
| Display | 1024 × 768 | 1280 × 800 or higher |
Storage Considerations
The application itself is compact (~200 MB installed), but your storage needs will depend on your usage:
- Software key (Free tier): The virtual dongle key file is ~20 MB, stored in your user profile
- Vault data: Encrypted files are slightly larger than the originals due to encryption headers and authentication tags (typically 1–2% overhead for large files)
- Cloud-synced vaults: Each vault location stores its own copy of the encrypted files — plan storage accordingly if you use multiple locations
USB Dongle Requirements
For Pro tier users with a hardware dongle:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| USB port | USB-A or USB-C (with adapter) |
| USB standard | USB 2.0 minimum; USB 3.0+ recommended for faster key reads |
| Drive size | 8 GB or larger (Necron-provisioned) |
| Filesystem | Must contain a valid Necron key file (.dat) provisioned through your account |
Tip
The dongle is a standard USB flash drive with a Necron key file written to it during provisioning. It does not require special hardware — any reliable USB drive works. However, we recommend using a quality drive from a reputable manufacturer for durability.
Dongle Detection
Necron Vault Manager uses a hybrid detection system on Windows:
- Startup scan — dongle is detected immediately when the app launches
- OS-event watcher — uses Windows WMI (
Win32_VolumeChangeEvent) to detect USB insertions and removals in real time - Manual scan — click the dongle card in the sidebar to trigger a rescan
No polling is used, so dongle detection has minimal impact on system resources.
Network Requirements
| Feature | Internet Required? |
|---|---|
| Encryption / Decryption | ❌ No — fully offline |
| Vault operations | ❌ No — all local |
| Account creation | ✅ Yes |
| USB dongle provisioning | ✅ Yes |
| Subscription management | ✅ Yes |
| Software updates | ✅ Yes (for download) |
Warning
Necron Vault Manager does not send your files or encryption keys over the network. All cryptographic operations are performed entirely on your local machine. The internet connection is used only for account management, dongle provisioning, and license verification.
Administrator Privileges
Necron Vault Manager does not require administrator privileges. The application runs with standard user permissions (asInvoker). All features — including USB dongle detection via WMI, encryption, and vault operations — work under a normal user account.
Note
If you encounter permission issues with specific vault locations (e.g., system-protected folders), choose a vault location within your user profile or a directory where you have write access.
Runtime Dependencies
Necron Vault Manager is a self-contained application with no external runtime dependencies:
- ❌ No Java required
- ❌ No .NET Framework required
- ❌ No Python required
- ✅ All dependencies are bundled with the installer
The application is built with Tauri (Rust backend + WebView2 frontend), and the Windows installer includes everything needed.
Compatibility Notes
- Antivirus software: Some antivirus products may flag the application during first launch due to its use of cryptographic operations and USB device access. Add Necron Vault Manager to your antivirus exclusion list if you experience issues.
- Windows Defender SmartScreen: On first run, you may see a SmartScreen warning. Click "More info" → "Run anyway" to proceed.
- Cloud storage clients: Necron vaults work seamlessly with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and other cloud sync services. Encrypted files are synced as regular files — the cloud client doesn't need to know about the encryption.