Documentation

Everything you need to get started with ISONQ.

What is ISONQ?

ISONQ is a private search tool for your work. It lets you search across your files, emails, and messages in one place — without uploading anything to the cloud.

Think of it as a personal search engine that runs entirely on your computer. Your data stays with you.

How It Works

ISONQ reads your files and creates a searchable index on your device. When you search, it finds results instantly — even using natural language like "that contract from last month" or "emails about the budget meeting."

If you connect Microsoft 365, ISONQ pulls your emails and Teams messages to your device and includes them in search. Everything stays local.

Zero-Knowledge Architecture

You may have heard of "Zero Trust" security — the idea that systems should verify everything and trust nothing. ISONQ goes further with Zero-Knowledge Architecture.

Here's the difference:

• Zero Trust: "We check your identity before giving access." Your data still lives on someone else's server.
• Zero-Knowledge: "We can't see your data even if we wanted to." Your data never leaves your device.

With ISONQ, we have no servers storing your files, no access to your search queries, and no way to read your content. We literally don't have the keys.

System Requirements

macOS support coming soon.

Installation

1. Download ISONQ from the home page
2. Run the installer
3. Launch ISONQ and enter your license key (or start a free trial)
4. Choose which folders to include in search
5. Wait a few minutes while ISONQ indexes your files

That's it. You're ready to search.

Your First Search

Open ISONQ and type what you're looking for in plain English:

• "Q3 financial results"
• "Email from Sarah about the deadline"
• "That PDF I was reading yesterday"
• "Compliance documents"

ISONQ understands context, so you don't need exact keywords. Just describe what you're looking for.

Search

ISONQ uses semantic search — it understands meaning, not just keywords. If you search for "vacation policy," it will find documents about PTO, time off, and leave even if they don't contain the exact phrase.

You can search everything at once or filter by type (files, emails, messages) using the tabs above the search results.

Microsoft 365 Integration

Connect your Microsoft account to include Outlook emails and Teams messages in search.

1. Open Settings
2. Click "Connect Microsoft Account"
3. Sign in and approve the permissions
4. ISONQ will sync your recent emails and messages

Your Microsoft credentials stay with Microsoft. ISONQ only receives the content you authorize, and it's stored locally on your device — never on our servers.

AI Assistant Optional

ISONQ can connect to AI assistants like Claude to help answer questions using your files as context.

When you use this feature, ISONQ automatically removes sensitive information (like names, addresses, and health data) before sending anything to the AI. The AI sees only what it needs to help you — nothing more.

This feature is completely optional. ISONQ works perfectly without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ISONQ upload my files anywhere?

No. Everything stays on your computer. We can't see your files, your searches, or your results.

How long does setup take?

About 5-10 minutes depending on how many files you have. You can start searching while indexing continues in the background.

Can I use ISONQ offline?

Yes. Once your files are indexed, search works without an internet connection.

Is my data encrypted?

Yes. ISONQ encrypts your search index using AES-256 encryption on your device.

What about HIPAA compliance?

ISONQ is designed for healthcare environments. Because data never leaves your device, there's nothing to protect on our end — you maintain full control.

Support

Need help? Email us at support@isonq.com with a description of your issue. We typically respond within one business day.