Every question,
answered honestly.
These are the real questions families ask before protecting a parent or grandparent. No fluff — straight answers about what GuardianDesk does, how it works, and what it costs.
Tell them to hang up immediately, do not install any software, and call a trusted family member. GuardianDesk is the long-term protection — the immediate action is always: hang up.
Is GuardianDesk a subscription?+
No — never. GuardianDesk is a one-time payment of $29.99 for lifetime access. No monthly fees, no annual renewals, no hidden charges. Buy once, protected for life.
What exactly does the $49.99 buy me?+
The software itself is free to download. The $29.99 activation key unlocks full protection — remote-access blocking, the full-screen Guardian lock screen, the PIN system, and lifetime access. One key, one PC, forever.
Is there a refund policy?+
If you have an issue with GuardianDesk, contact us first — we'll do everything we can to help you get it working. Reach us at support@guardiandeskpro.com or call (910) 231-5505.
Do you support anti-fraud charities?+
Yes. GuardianDesk pledges to donate 10% of sales to the AARP Fraud Watch Network to support the broader fight against scams targeting seniors. Every purchase contributes.
What happens right after I buy?+
After purchase you'll receive an email with your activation key. Download the free GuardianDesk installer, run it, enter your key, set your Guardian PIN, and add your contact info as the Guardian. The whole setup takes about 5–10 minutes.
Download → Install → Enter activation key → Set Guardian PIN → Add Guardian contact info → Done.
What is the Guardian PIN and how do I set it?+
The Guardian PIN is a secret code set by the trusted family member (you) during installation. If GuardianDesk triggers a lock event, the PC stays completely locked until this PIN is entered. You set it during the first-time setup — the setup video walks through it step by step.
Is there a setup walkthrough video?+
Yes — there's an official GuardianDesk setup video that covers everything: downloading the installer, installing the software, entering your activation key, setting the Guardian PIN, and filling out the Guardian Contact form. Watch it on YouTube or find it on the homepage.
Can I reinstall it on a new computer?+
Yes. Download the installer again from the Downloads page and re-enter your activation key on the new PC. Your key is tied to your purchase — it can be reused if you replace or reinstall on the same computer.
What is the Guardian Contact form?+
During setup, you enter your name and phone number as the Guardian Contact. If GuardianDesk triggers a lock event, your name and phone number appear prominently on the full-screen warning — so your loved one knows exactly who to call, even in a panic.
What scams does GuardianDesk target?+
GuardianDesk is built for remote-access takeover scams — the classic IRS, Amazon, Microsoft, PayPal, and Geek Squad "refund" calls where the scammer pressures the victim into installing a remote-control app so they can take over the computer and manipulate what they see.
Does it block AnyDesk and TeamViewer?+
Yes — blocking remote-access tools like AnyDesk and TeamViewer is the core function. GuardianDesk also targets portable versions and renamed executables that scammers use to slip past basic blockers.
What does the lock screen look like when it triggers?+
The entire screen turns red with a large warning message that tells the victim they may be getting scammed, instructs them to hang up the phone immediately, and shows the Guardian's name and phone number. The victim cannot close it, minimize it, or use the computer in any way until the Guardian PIN is entered.
Can a scammer or the victim bypass the lock screen?+
GuardianDesk is specifically designed to prevent this. The full-screen lock cannot be closed with standard keyboard shortcuts or task switching. The Guardian PIN is the only way to unlock the computer — and only the family member who set it up knows that PIN. A scammer coaching over the phone cannot talk them through it.
Does GuardianDesk stop all scams?+
GuardianDesk is purpose-built for remote-access takeover scams — it is not a general antivirus or phishing filter. It won't stop email phishing or bad links on its own. But it does stop the most financially devastating step: the moment a scammer takes control of the computer and starts manipulating what the victim sees.
Does it run in the background automatically?+
Yes. After setup, GuardianDesk runs silently in the background — no daily prompts, no alerts, no maintenance required. It only activates when a remote-access threat is detected. Your loved one doesn't need to interact with it or even know it's there.
What does GuardianDesk run on?+
GuardianDesk is a Windows PC application. It supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 on both laptops and desktops. Mac support is in development — if you need Mac protection, email us and we'll add you to the notification list.
Does installation require admin rights?+
Yes — like most security software, GuardianDesk requires administrator access to install. This is by design: it means a scammer who has already taken remote control cannot silently uninstall it without the admin password either.
Will it conflict with antivirus software?+
GuardianDesk is designed to run alongside standard antivirus software including Windows Defender, Norton, and McAfee. If your antivirus flags the installer, you can whitelist it — or contact us at support@guardiandeskpro.com and we'll walk you through it.
Can I install it on more than one computer?+
Each activation key covers one PC. If you need to protect multiple computers — for example, a parent and a grandparent — you'll need a key for each. Contact us at support@guardiandeskpro.com if you need a multi-PC arrangement.
Does GuardianDesk update automatically?+
Updates are available through the Downloads page. When a new version is released, you can download the latest installer and run it — your existing activation key will continue to work. Your lifetime license covers all future updates.
One key. One install.
Protected for life.
Download the software free, buy your $29.99 activation key, and have GuardianDesk set up in under 10 minutes.