---
id: getting-started.what-happens-on-first-launch
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/what-happens-on-first-launch
category: "Getting started"
subcategory: "First launch and Full Disk Access"
question: "What happens the first time I open Storage Studio?"
alt_questions:
  - "Storage Studio first launch steps"
  - "What screens appear when I first open Storage Studio?"
  - "Storage Studio onboarding"
  - "First run of Storage Studio"
  - "What does Storage Studio ask for on first open?"
short_answer: "A short sequence: a splash screen, accepting the Terms, granting Full Disk Access (skippable), registering your free trial with an email code, then a quick setup wizard. Later launches skip what's done."
tags: ["first launch", "onboarding", "setup"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/what-is-the-splash-screen", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/what-happens-in-the-setup-wizard"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What happens the first time I open Storage Studio?

The first time you open Storage Studio it walks you through a short chain of screens, then settles into the menu bar. Later launches skip anything you've already done.

1. **Splash screen** — the app checks for updates and fetches its settings.
2. **Welcome & Terms** — accept the Terms, Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.
3. **Full Disk Access** — a one-time permission ask; you can skip it for now.
4. **Register and start your free trial** — your name, email and country, then a one-time code sent to your email.
5. **Setup wizard** — pick your external drive (or skip) and start the background service.

If you already own a licence, choose **I have a licence** on the registration screen to go straight to activation.