Crescendo Manager Basics

macOS users: Crescendo Manager can be installed directly from the App Store.

Windows users: The Crescendo Manager installer is provided as a signed MSI Microsoft Installer is a software component used for the installation, maintenance, and removal of software on modern Microsoft Windows systems. package.

To install Crescendo Manager on Windows:

  1. Download the signed MSI package and save it to your desired location.
  2. Double-click the MSI file to start the installation process or run the msiexec command directly.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. There are no optional components to select, simplifying the setup.

When you first launch Crescendo Manager, the Devices view is displayed by default.

If no devices The security hardware held by an end user, used for authentication, digital signing, and encryption tasks. This is typically a hardware token or a reader. are connected, the interface prompts you to insert a USB security key or a smart card:

The Devices view with no device connected.

Once you connect a device, you can see and start using all user interface elements available for it.

The Devices view with individual UI elements highlighted.

Crescendo Manager provides an intuitive user interface, allowing you to quickly navigate between devices and various functionalities.

Crescendo Manager user interface elements.

Token Selector

This button allows you to select a connected device from a drop-down list.

Title bar with a bubble indicating the Token Selector.

The Token Selector can be configured in Settings to display either the selected reader or token first or not to be displayed at all.

Authentication Button

This button, marked with a lock symbol, shows whether you are authenticated to the selected device.

Click the button to change the authentication state (authenticate/deauthenticate).

The title bar with the authentication button highlighted.

  • A closed red lock symbol Red closed padlock icon indicates that the PIN hasn't been entered, and the token is locked.

  • An open blue lock symbol Open blue padlock icon indicates successful authentication.

  • A yellow warning circle Warning icon image. indicates that the token hasn't been personalized and still uses the default PIN. The user is authenticated with this default PIN and can perform certain actions without being prompted for a PIN.

  • A closed gray lock symbol Gray closed padlock icon indicates that authentication is not possible (e.g., the PIN is blocked).

The navigation pane on the left gives you access to the individual features and functionalities of Crescendo Manager.

UI with the Token-specific functionalities and general functionalities highlighted.

Note: Some of the listed features may not be available, depending on the connected token(s).

Token-Specific Functionalities

General Device and Application Management Functionalities

Note: Uninstalling Crescendo Manager does not remove its log files from the hard drive. If necessary, delete them manually from the C:\Program Files\Common Files\HID Global\Logs directory.

  1. Use any of these ways to open Installed apps:

    • Right-click the Windows Start button and select Installed apps.

    • Click the Windows Start button and begin typing "Crescendo Manager". When Crescendo Manager appears under Best match, right-click it and select Uninstall, or click Uninstall in the right-hand pane.

      Windows Start menu when searching for Crescendo Manager

  2. In the list of installed applications, locate Crescendo Manager.

  3. Click the More options (Three horizontal dots icon) button next to Crescendo Manager and select Uninstall.

  4. Click Uninstall again to confirm.

To uninstall Crescendo Manager using the installation wizard:

  1. Run the HID Global Crescendo Manager installer.

  2. When the Crescendo Manager Setup Wizard opens, click Next.

    The Crescendo Manager Setup Wizard

  3. Click the Remove button and then click Next.

    The Remove option in the Crescendo Manager installer

  4. In the Remove Crescendo Manager dialog, click Remove to confirm.

    Crescendo Manager installer dialog to confirm uninstallation

  5. When prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

  6. Click Finish to close the dialog box.

Prerequisites: Before uninstalling Crescendo Manager, make sure no token is inserted.

To uninstall Crescendo Manager using Finder:

  1. Switch to the Finder, such as by clicking your desktop or clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.

  2. Find Crescendo Manager, then click to select it.

  3. Use any of these ways to move the app to the Trash/Bin:

    • Drag the app to the Trash/Bin.

    • Select the app and choose File > Move to Trash/Bin from the menu bar.

    • Select the app and press Command-Delete on your keyboard.

  4. If you're asked for a username and password, enter the name and password of an administrator account on your Mac.

  5. To delete Crescendo Manager after moving it to the Trash/Bin, choose Finder > Empty Trash/Bin from the menu bar.

Note: For detailed instructions on uninstalling Crescendo Manager, refer to the macOS support page on app uninstallation.

What’s Next?

Using and Customizing Crescendo Manager