FAQ
Does Overwire need Docker?
Section titled “Does Overwire need Docker?”Only for live step execution, and it requires a Docker-API-compatible container engine rather than Docker specifically: Docker Desktop, Colima, OrbStack, and Rancher Desktop all work. Parsing, linting, simulation, and fully mocked runs need no container engine at all.
Does Overwire modify my workflow files?
Section titled “Does Overwire modify my workflow files?”No. Workflow YAML and action.yml files are read-only to Overwire. Step modes, mock contracts, and every other piece of Overwire state live in sidecar files under .overwire/.
How accurate is local execution?
Section titled “How accurate is local execution?”Matching real GitHub Actions semantics is the core engineering requirement: events, contexts, expressions, step ordering, and status behavior are implemented against the platform’s documented behavior, and drift is treated as a bug. Where something is not supported, Overwire says so explicitly rather than approximating silently.
Do my secrets leave my machine?
Section titled “Do my secrets leave my machine?”No. Secret values resolve from .overwire/secrets.yml or your environment, stay local, and are excluded from git by the scaffolded ignore rules. Step output capture is redacted by default, even in live mode.
Purchasing
Section titled “Purchasing”What does Pro cost, and what does it include?
Section titled “What does Pro cost, and what does it include?”Current prices are on overwire.io — monthly, yearly, or a one-time lifetime purchase. Pro unlocks the desktop app’s multi-repo workspaces, governance simulation, and pull request views; everything else, including the entire CLI, is free. Details: Licensing and purchases.
Do I pay for updates?
Section titled “Do I pay for updates?”No. Subscriptions include updates while active, and a lifetime license includes every future update we release — there is no update window and no renewal.
How many machines can I use?
Section titled “How many machines can I use?”A seat covers 3 device activations at a time — laptop, desktop, and a spare for reinstalls.
How do I move my license to a new machine?
Section titled “How do I move my license to a new machine?”Deactivate on the old machine (Settings → License, or overwire license deactivate) to free the slot, then activate on the new one. If the old machine is gone, [email protected] can help.
What is the refund policy?
Section titled “What is the refund policy?”14 days, no questions, on your first purchase; renewal charges may be refunded at our discretion within 14 days of the charge. The terms are authoritative.
Is there a Windows version?
Section titled “Is there a Windows version?”Yes. Overwire ships a signed installer for 64-bit Windows — download it from overwire.io. For live runs, the container engine runs on WSL 2 (e.g., Docker Desktop with its WSL 2 backend).
How do I report a bug or request a feature?
Section titled “How do I report a bug or request a feature?”File it at github.com/overwire/feedback — attaching a diagnostic bundle (app: Settings → Data, or Help → Export Diagnostic Bundle; CLI: overwire doctor --bundle) answers most environment questions in one shot. The bundle is redacted: names and sizes only, no file contents, no secrets. License, billing, or refund questions go to [email protected] instead.
Is Overwire affiliated with GitHub?
Section titled “Is Overwire affiliated with GitHub?”No. Overwire is compatible with GitHub Actions workflow files. Overwire is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by GitHub, Inc. “GitHub” and “GitHub Actions” are trademarks of GitHub, Inc.
Overwire is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by GitHub, Inc. “GitHub” and “GitHub Actions” are trademarks of GitHub, Inc.