Windows

Windows is where TIGHC gets the most testing, and has two setup paths: the standalone executable (no Python needed) or running from source. For everything not covered here (profiles, the GUI, global settings, cover art), the main README applies exactly as written.

Option A: the standalone executable

Grab TIGHC-windows-vX.Y.Z.exe from the Releases page and run it directly - no Python install required. The first time you run it, Windows SmartScreen will likely show "Windows protected your PC" - this is expected for any executable that isn't code-signed (a paid certificate this hobby project doesn't have), not a sign anything's wrong. Click More info, then Run anyway.

Option B: running from source

git clone https://github.com/TIGHC/Engine.git
cd Engine
python -m pip install -r requirements.txt
python gui.py

If python isn't recognized, try py instead, or call your Python install by its full path. This mostly comes up if Python wasn't added to PATH during install, or - specifically - if your user folder is OneDrive-synced: OneDrive's placeholder/on-demand files can confuse how Windows resolves the python command from a folder under it.

Install Intiface Central

Intiface Central - the app that actually talks to your Bluetooth toy over the Buttplug protocol - ships a native Windows build. Install it, pair your toy through Windows' own Bluetooth settings first if it isn't already paired, then scan for it from Intiface Central's device list.

Run TIGHC

Either launch the executable, or (from source):

python gui.py

This opens an interactive window: connect to Intiface, scan for devices, assign nicknames to each motor/capability, build or edit game profiles, tune global settings, and start/stop the haptics engine - all in one place, after confirming the 18+ age-gate.

Troubleshooting

• SmartScreen won't let the executable run at all. Make sure you clicked More info first - the "Run anyway" option only appears after that, not on the initial warning screen.
• 'python' is not recognized as an internal or external command. Try py instead, or reinstall Python from python.org and check "Add python.exe to PATH" during setup.
• Haptics never trigger, even mid-game. Confirm Intiface Central shows your device as connected first - TIGHC only drives devices Intiface Central itself already sees, it doesn't talk to Bluetooth directly.
• A specific game's profile never matches. Confirm the game's window title actually matches what's in that profile's window_titles.
• Bluetooth pairing issues in Intiface Central. This is a Buttplug/Intiface-level concern, not a TIGHC one - check Intiface Central's own docs/Discord if your toy won't pair.

Still stuck?

Open an issue on GitHub with what you've tried and what happened.