I bought this as well and ended up returning it because of this issue. If you cannot install the software (which most corporations will not allow you to do at work) then you lose all the special functionalities of the remote (what you essentially paid all that money for). It essentially becomes a very expensive remote to move backwards and forwards throughout a presentation. The software is amazing when you are able to install it, but alas most are unable to in their work environments. I personally returned it and bought the Logitech R800 that has a green laser pointer. A lot cheaper and no software hassles.