This article provides step-by-step instructions for downloading, installing, and activating the HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer software on your Windows computer. Follow this guide if you are a new inspector or need to reinstall the Desktop Report Writer software.

HomeGauge software licenses are issued per inspector, not per computer. You can install the Desktop Report Writer software on multiple computers as long as you are the only inspector using the software. This allows you to work from different locations, such as your office computer and a laptop for field use.

Before downloading and installing Desktop Report Writer, ensure your computer meets the system requirements. For detailed system requirements, see this article: System Requirements and Device Selection Guide.

You can download the latest version of HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer from your Inspector Dashboard.

Visit https://account.homegauge.com/ and enter your inspector account credentials.

This will take you to the Desktop Report Writer download page.

This button will download the latest version of Desktop Report Writer software to your computer. The file will be saved to your computer's default Downloads folder.

After downloading the Desktop Report Writer installer, you need to run the installer to install the software on your Windows computer.

The file will be named something like "HomeGauge-5.5-Setup.exe" or similar.

Depending on your Windows security settings, you may see a User Account Control prompt asking if you want to allow the installer to make changes to your computer.

The installer will guide you through the installation process. Accept the default installation location unless you have a specific reason to change it.

The installer will copy all necessary files to your computer and set up Desktop Report Writer.

Desktop Report Writer is now installed on your computer and ready to be activated.

If Desktop Report Writer is already installed on your computer and you run the installer again, the installer will check your existing files. If a HomeGauge file is damaged or missing, the installer will replace it with a working version.

Important notes about reinstalling:

Before you can activate Desktop Report Writer, you need to locate your software license key. Your license key is available in your Inspector Dashboard.

Visit https://account.homegauge.com/ and enter your inspector account credentials.

This will display your current HomeGauge subscription information.

Your software license information is located at the bottom of this page.

You will need this license key to activate your Desktop Report Writer software in the next section.

After you have installed Desktop Report Writer and located your software license key, you can activate the software to begin creating inspection reports.

Launch Desktop Report Writer from your desktop shortcut or Start menu.

This will open the Inspector & License window where you enter your inspector information and activate your license.

Type your name in the Inspector Name field. Spacing, capitalization, and punctuation all matter - your name will appear exactly as you type it in all your inspection reports.

Type your company name in the Company Name field. Like the Inspector Name, this will appear exactly as you type it in your reports.

You can enter your address, phone number, email, website, and other relevant contact information. You can change the Contact Info fields at any time by returning to this window.

If you hold a state inspector license, enter your license number and state. You can change the State License fields at any time by returning to this window.

This button opens the activation window where you will enter your software license key.

Paste or type your software license key exactly as it appears in your Inspector Dashboard My Subscriptions page.

Desktop Report Writer will connect to the HomeGauge servers to validate your license key and activate your software.

After successful activation, you will see a confirmation message.

This will remove the limitations.

Your software is now fully activated and ready to use for creating inspection reports.

If you encounter problems during the download, installation, or activation process, try these solutions.

Windows security settings may block the installer from running.

Solution:

Your computer may have corrupted files or insufficient permissions.

Solution:

Your license key may have been entered incorrectly or may already be in use.

Solution:

These fields are locked after activation to maintain consistency in your reports.

Solution: Contact HomeGauge Support at (828) 254-2030 to request changes to your Inspector Name or Company Name. HomeGauge Support can update these fields for you.

The software may not be properly installed or may have corrupted files.

Solution:

After successfully activating Desktop Report Writer, you can begin creating inspection reports. Here are some recommended next steps:

Learn the Desktop Report Writer Interface
Familiarize yourself with the Desktop Report Writer interface and tools. See this article: Desktop Report Writer Interface Guide.

Create Your First Inspection Report
Start creating your first inspection report using Desktop Report Writer. See this article: Creating Your First Inspection Report.

Customize Your Report Templates
Personalize your report templates with your branding and preferred inspection items. See this article: Customizing Report Templates.

Upload Your Company Logo
Add your company logo to your inspection reports for professional branding. See this article: Adding Your Logo to Reports.

Set Up Your Inspector Profile
Complete your inspector profile with certifications, associations, and additional information. See this article: Setting Up Your Inspector Profile.

Yes, you can install Desktop Report Writer on multiple computers as long as you are the only inspector using the software. HomeGauge software licenses are issued per inspector, not per computer. This allows you to use the software on your office computer, laptop, or any other computer you own.

Yes, you need internet access to download the Desktop Report Writer installer from your Inspector Dashboard and to activate your software license. After activation, you can use Desktop Report Writer offline to create inspection reports, but you will need internet access to upload reports to your Inspector Dashboard.

No, reinstalling Desktop Report Writer will not delete your existing reports, templates, inspector information, logo, contacts, invoice settings, or other customized information. The installer only replaces damaged or missing program files and does not affect your work.

You can find your software license key by logging in to your Inspector Dashboard, clicking Settings, then My Subscriptions, and scrolling to the bottom of the page. Your software license information is displayed at the bottom of the My Subscriptions page.

You cannot change your Inspector Name or Company Name yourself after activation. These fields are locked to maintain consistency in your inspection reports. If you need to change your Inspector Name or Company Name, contact HomeGauge Support, and they will update these fields for you.

If your activation fails, verify that you have copied the complete license key from your Inspector Dashboard without extra spaces. Check that your subscription is active in your Inspector Dashboard under Settings > My Subscriptions. If activation continues to fail, contact HomeGauge Support for assistance.

After successful activation, Desktop Report Writer will display a confirmation message. You can verify your activation status at any time by clicking Options > Inspector & License in the top menu. If the software is activated, you will see your license key information and Inspector/Company details in this window.

No, this article is for home inspectors installing HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer software. If you are a home buyer or property owner trying to view your inspection report, visit this Customer Dashboard article or contact your inspector for assistance accessing your report.