Frequently Asked Questions

After purchasing or starting a trial, you'll receive an email with a download link and your license. Install the app, then:

1. Open the app and paste (or type) your license into the License field.
2. Click Create My Vault.
3. Create your master password and, if offered, save your recovery phrase.
4. Start adding entries. The app works fully offline after that.

For a full step-by-step guide, see How to get started and load your license in the Knowledge Base.

On the first screen when you open the app, paste or type your license (from your purchase or trial email) into the License field. Then click Create My Vault. You only need internet for this one step; after that the app works offline.

Can't find your license? Check your confirmation or trial email (and spam folder). For detailed steps and troubleshooting, see How to get started and load your license.

Use the exact license from your purchase or trial email—do not change or guess any characters. If you still see an error, contact support@locallegacyvault.com with the email address you used. For steps, see How to get started and load your license.

I offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If Local Legacy Vault isn't right for you, simply contact me for a full refund—no questions asked.

This gives you plenty of time to set up your vault and make sure it meets your needs.

Local Legacy Vault is a desktop application available for:

• Windows: Windows 10 and Windows 11
• Mac: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and later
• Linux: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and other major distributions

Your purchase includes all versions. Remember: one license binds to one computer.

Yes, absolutely. Your vault is a single encrypted file that lives on your computer's hard drive. It never touches any servers or cloud services.

The only internet connection the app makes is to check for software updates (which you can disable). Your actual data never leaves your device.

During setup, you'll receive a recovery phrase—a unique code that can unlock your vault if you forget your password. Store this phrase somewhere safe (like a physical safe or with your attorney).

Important: Without your master password OR recovery phrase, there is no way to access your vault. This is by design—it means no one, including us, can bypass your security.

No. I have zero access to your vault. Your data is encrypted on your computer with encryption derived from your password. I never see your password, I never have access to your encryption, and I never have access to your data.

This is fundamentally different from cloud services that can (and sometimes do) access user data.

Local Legacy Vault uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the same standard used by governments and financial institutions worldwide. Your master password is processed using PBKDF2 with hundreds of thousands of iterations to create your encryption.

In practical terms: if someone stole your vault file, it would take billions of years to crack with current technology.

Yes. You pay once and own the software forever. There are no monthly fees, no annual subscriptions, no premium tiers to unlock.

Your purchase includes all future updates. As the software improves, you'll receive those improvements at no additional cost.

One license = one computer. Each license is bound to a single machine and cannot be shared or transferred between devices.

If you need to use Local Legacy Vault on multiple computers (desktop and laptop, for example), you'll need a separate license for each—or consider the Family plan which includes 3 licenses.

I offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied for any reason, contact me within 30 days of purchase and I'll refund your entire payment.

No complicated process, no questions asked. I want you to be completely confident in your purchase.

This is the most important question. Here's how:

• Store your master password and/or recovery phrase in a secure location your family can access (safe deposit box, sealed envelope with your attorney, etc.)
• Include instructions in your will about where to find the password
• The vault file itself can be on your computer, an external drive, or anywhere your family will have access

Many customers create a simple "In case of emergency" document explaining where everything is located.

Your vault keeps working. Because everything is local and there's no server dependency, your vault will continue to function indefinitely—even if this company disappeared tomorrow.

This is one of the main advantages of local software. Unlike cloud services that can shut down and take your data with them, your vault is yours forever.