> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/yakushabb/mirror-ryujinx/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation

> Step-by-step guide to installing Ryujinx on Windows, macOS, and Linux

# Installation Guide

Ryujinx is available as pre-built binaries for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can also build from source if you prefer.

<Warning>
  Before installing, ensure your system meets the [minimum requirements](/system-requirements), especially the 8GB RAM requirement.
</Warning>

## Choose Your Build Type

Ryujinx offers two release channels:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Stable Builds" icon="shield-check">
    **Recommended for most users**

    Released monthly based on the `master` branch. These builds provide a more enjoyable and stable experience with consistent, tested updates.

    [Download Stable](https://git.ryujinx.app/ryubing/ryujinx/-/releases)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Canary Builds" icon="flask">
    **For experienced users**

    Compiled automatically for each commit on the `master` branch. May be unstable or completely broken. Only recommended for testing and development.

    [Download Canary](https://git.ryujinx.app/ryubing/canary/-/releases)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  Stable builds are released every month or so to ensure consistent updates without overwhelming users with frequent individual downloads.
</Info>

## Installing Pre-Built Binaries

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Windows">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Download Ryujinx">
        1. Visit the [Stable Releases page](https://git.ryujinx.app/ryubing/ryujinx/-/releases)
        2. Download the latest Windows build (`.zip` file)
        3. Alternatively, use the direct link: [Latest Stable Build](https://update.ryujinx.app/latest/stable)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Extract the Archive">
        1. Right-click the downloaded `.zip` file
        2. Select "Extract All..."
        3. Choose a destination folder (e.g., `C:\Program Files\Ryujinx` or `C:\Games\Ryujinx`)
        4. Click "Extract"

        <Note>
          Avoid extracting to a folder that requires administrator privileges to prevent permission issues.
        </Note>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Launch Ryujinx">
        1. Navigate to the extracted folder
        2. Double-click `Ryujinx.exe` to launch the emulator
        3. On first launch, Ryujinx will create necessary configuration folders
      </Step>

      <Step title="Optional: Create a Shortcut">
        1. Right-click `Ryujinx.exe`
        2. Select "Send to" > "Desktop (create shortcut)"
        3. Rename the shortcut if desired
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="macOS">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Download Ryujinx">
        1. Visit the [Stable Releases page](https://git.ryujinx.app/ryubing/ryujinx/-/releases)
        2. Download the latest macOS build (`.dmg` or `.app.tar.gz` file)
        3. Alternatively, use the direct link: [Latest Stable Build](https://update.ryujinx.app/latest/stable)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Install the Application">
        **For `.dmg` files:**

        1. Open the downloaded `.dmg` file
        2. Drag `Ryujinx.app` to your Applications folder

        **For `.app.tar.gz` files:**

        1. Extract the archive by double-clicking it
        2. Move `Ryujinx.app` to your Applications folder
      </Step>

      <Step title="First Launch">
        1. Open Applications and locate Ryujinx
        2. Right-click (or Control-click) on Ryujinx.app
        3. Select "Open" from the context menu
        4. Click "Open" in the security dialog

        <Warning>
          macOS may show a security warning for unsigned applications. You only need to use the right-click method on the first launch.
        </Warning>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Graphics API Setup">
        macOS uses Metal API through MoltenVK for graphics rendering. This is configured automatically, but you can verify in Settings > Graphics.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Linux">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Download Ryujinx">
        1. Visit the [Stable Releases page](https://git.ryujinx.app/ryubing/ryujinx/-/releases)
        2. Download the latest Linux build (`.tar.gz` file)
        3. Alternatively, use the direct link: [Latest Stable Build](https://update.ryujinx.app/latest/stable)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Extract the Archive">
        Open a terminal and run:

        ```bash theme={null}
        cd ~/Downloads
        tar -xzf ryujinx-*.tar.gz
        sudo mv ryujinx /opt/
        ```

        Or extract to a location of your choice:

        ```bash theme={null}
        mkdir -p ~/Applications
        tar -xzf ryujinx-*.tar.gz -C ~/Applications/
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Install Dependencies">
        Install required libraries for your distribution:

        <CodeGroup>
          ```bash Ubuntu/Debian theme={null}
          sudo apt update
          sudo apt install libsdl3-dev libopenal-dev libvulkan1
          ```

          ```bash Fedora theme={null}
          sudo dnf install SDL3-devel openal-soft vulkan-loader
          ```

          ```bash Arch Linux theme={null}
          sudo pacman -S sdl3 openal vulkan-icd-loader
          ```
        </CodeGroup>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Launch Ryujinx">
        Run from terminal:

        ```bash theme={null}
        cd /opt/ryujinx  # or your installation path
        ./Ryujinx
        ```

        <Note>
          You may want to create a desktop entry or shell alias for easier access.
        </Note>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Optional: Create Desktop Entry">
        Create a file `~/.local/share/applications/ryujinx.desktop`:

        ```desktop theme={null}
        [Desktop Entry]
        Version=1.0
        Type=Application
        Name=Ryujinx
        Comment=Nintendo Switch Emulator
        Exec=/opt/ryujinx/Ryujinx
        Icon=/opt/ryujinx/ryujinx.png
        Terminal=false
        Categories=Game;Emulator;
        ```
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Building from Source

If you want to build Ryujinx from source (for development or customization), follow these steps:

<Warning>
  Building from source is intended for developers and contributors. Most users should use the pre-built binaries above.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install .NET SDK">
    Install the .NET 10.0 SDK or higher:

    1. Visit [dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/10.0](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet/10.0)
    2. Download and install the SDK for your platform
    3. Verify installation:

    ```bash theme={null}
    dotnet --version
    ```

    <Info>
      The minimum required version is specified in `global.json` (currently **10.0.100**). Your SDK version must be equal to or higher than this.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Clone the Repository">
    Clone the Ryujinx repository:

    ```bash theme={null}
    git clone https://git.ryujinx.app/ryubing/ryujinx.git
    cd ryujinx
    ```

    Or download the source as a ZIP file from GitLab and extract it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build the Project">
    Open a terminal in the project directory and run:

    ```bash theme={null}
    dotnet build -c Release -o build
    ```

    <Note>
      On Windows, you can quickly open a command prompt in File Explorer by holding Shift, right-clicking in the folder, and selecting "Open command window here" or "Open PowerShell window here".
    </Note>

    The built files will be in the `build` directory.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Your Build">
    <CodeGroup>
      ```bash Windows theme={null}
      cd build
      .\Ryujinx.exe
      ```

      ```bash macOS/Linux theme={null}
      cd build
      ./Ryujinx
      ```
    </CodeGroup>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Data Folder Location

Ryujinx stores system files, saves, and configuration in the Ryujinx data folder:

<CodeGroup>
  ```text Windows theme={null}
  C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Ryujinx
  ```

  ```text macOS theme={null}
  ~/Library/Application Support/Ryujinx
  ```

  ```text Linux theme={null}
  ~/.config/Ryujinx
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Info>
  You can quickly access this folder by clicking **File > Open Ryujinx Folder** in the GUI.
</Info>

## Troubleshooting Installation

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Windows: 'Missing DLL' errors">
    Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable:

    * [Download VC++ Redistributable](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist)

    Also ensure you have .NET Desktop Runtime installed if needed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="macOS: 'App is damaged' message">
    This is a Gatekeeper issue. Run in Terminal:

    ```bash theme={null}
    xattr -cr /Applications/Ryujinx.app
    ```

    Then try launching again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Linux: Graphics/rendering issues">
    Ensure you have proper graphics drivers installed:

    **NVIDIA:**

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall  # Ubuntu
    ```

    **AMD/Intel:**
    Mesa drivers should work out of the box on most distributions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Build from source: .NET version mismatch">
    Check your .NET SDK version:

    ```bash theme={null}
    dotnet --version
    ```

    Must be >= 10.0.100. Install a newer SDK if needed.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

Now that Ryujinx is installed:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start Guide" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Learn how to load and play your first game
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="sliders" href="/user-guide/configuration">
    Optimize Ryujinx settings for your system
  </Card>
</CardGroup>