Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor most desktop PCs and laptops, download Batocera’s x86_64 image, flash it to a USB drive, and boot the computer from that drive. A USB installation lets you try Batocera without replacing the PC’s operating system. Once it starts, use a keyboard to navigate EmulationStation; mouse behavior depends on the game and emulator.
What you need before installing Batocera
- A PC that can boot from USB. Batocera’s PC image is intended for desktop PCs, laptops, NUCs, and Intel-based Apple computers.
- A USB drive or other supported storage device. Batocera’s installation guide lists 16 GB as the minimum and recommends 32 GB for full functionality. Check the official download page for the current release and choose the x86_64 image for most contemporary PCs.
- An image-flashing utility. Batocera names Raspberry Pi Imager and USBImager in its installation guide.
- A keyboard for setup. A mouse can be useful, but it is not required for EmulationStation menu navigation.
Flashing erases the selected destination drive. Confirm the drive’s identity and contents before you start; choosing the wrong disk can destroy its files.
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Flash Batocera to a USB drive
- Download the PC x86_64 image from batocera.org/download. Releases change, so use the version currently offered rather than relying on an older version number.
- Open Raspberry Pi Imager, USBImager, or another suitable image-flashing tool. Select the Batocera image and the USB drive you intend to erase.
- Check the selected destination carefully, then start the flash and wait for the tool to finish.
- If your desktop operating system asks to format the drive afterward, cancel the prompt. Formatting can wipe the Batocera installation.
On first boot, Batocera expands its SHARE/user-data partition to use available space and then reboots. Let this process finish; do not interrupt the expansion.
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Boot the PC from the Batocera drive
- Insert the prepared drive into the PC and restart it.
- Open the computer’s one-time boot menu and select the Batocera USB device. Common keys include F10, F11, and F12, but the correct key and menu labels depend on the PC or motherboard. If needed, consult its manual or change the boot order in firmware settings.
- Choose the UEFI entry for the drive when available. Batocera’s installation guide prefers UEFI, though it is not essential. Some firmware hides removable-media boot options or lists UEFI drive priorities in a separate submenu.
If the PC starts its usual operating system instead, return to the boot menu and select the USB device explicitly. Also check that removable-media boot is enabled and that the USB device is ahead of the internal drive in the boot order.
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Handle Secure Boot carefully
If a recent x86/x86_64 PC refuses to start Batocera, Secure Boot may be the reason. The installation guide describes disabling it as one possible remedy. Batocera’s separate Secure Boot documentation says Batocera v39 and later supports Secure Boot on x86_64 through enrollment of Batocera’s certificate in the PC’s Machine Owner Keys. That option requires compatible 64-bit UEFI firmware and a keyboard to navigate enrollment.
| Option | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Disable Secure Boot | May allow booting where firmware blocks the USB. The setting and steps vary by PC; follow the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Enroll Batocera’s certificate | Available on supported x86_64 systems with Batocera v39 or later and compatible 64-bit UEFI. Enrollment requires keyboard input in the firmware flow. |
On a Windows PC protected by BitLocker, save the BitLocker recovery key before changing Secure Boot-related firmware settings. Changes can alter TPM measurements and prompt Windows to request that key. For the exact firmware procedure, use the PC or motherboard manual.
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- 【Fully Function Keyboard】Redragon S101M-KS Wireless Keyboard is equipped with 10 independent multimedia keys and 12 Combination multimedia keys to ensure quick management during gaming. It also has splash resistance, WIN lock function, and comes with a 6-foot detachable USB-C cable
- 【Programmable Keyboard and Mouse Gaming】You can customize the keyboard keys and backlighting as well as the DPI value and polling rate of the mouse (125-1000Hz) and remap the 7 mouse buttons through the software (download the software on Redragon.com). The ergonomic design of this gaming keyboard makes you feel comfortable while typing and gaming!
Use USB or install Batocera on an internal drive?
| Choice | Best for | Trade-off and risk |
|---|---|---|
| Boot from USB | Trying Batocera while keeping the existing operating system on the PC’s internal drive. | More reversible: remove the USB and restart to return to the normal boot device. The computer must still be configured to boot from USB. |
| Install to an internal drive | Using a dedicated drive for Batocera rather than booting from removable storage. | The install operation overwrites all data on the destination, including an existing operating system. Some motherboards may not boot Batocera from an internal drive. |
To install from within Batocera, use Main Menu → System Settings → Install Batocera on a New Disk. Identify the destination disk with care before confirming. Do not select a drive containing files or an operating system you want to keep.
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Navigate Batocera with a keyboard and mouse
EmulationStation, Batocera’s front-end menu, has keyboard shortcuts for common navigation. Connect a keyboard before setup if you need to use firmware menus or Secure Boot enrollment.
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- 【RGB Backlit】Rainbow backlit keyboard, you can easy turn ON/OFF by pressing “Scroll Lock” key, the Rainbow Backlight can illuminate the letters through the keys, which make it easier for You to type in a dark room.
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| Key | EmulationStation action |
|---|---|
| Enter | Confirm |
| Esc | Cancel |
| Space | Open the main menu |
| Backspace | Select |
| F1 | Open the built-in file manager from the main EmulationStation menu on x86/x86_64 |
A mouse is not guaranteed to work the same way in every game. Input support and configuration can vary by emulator; for a mouse-dependent game, check the system’s or emulator’s control settings. Batocera documents per-emulator remapping at Remapping controls per emulator. No special gaming keyboard or mouse is specified as a general requirement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common setup problems
The PC keeps starting its usual operating system
Use the one-time boot menu and select the Batocera device. If it is absent, check firmware boot order and whether removable-media boot is enabled. The relevant key and setting names vary by manufacturer.
Rank #4
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- 【RGB Gaming Keyboard and Mouse】The gaming keyboard has 6 RGB lighting modes to choose from & the gaming mouse has 8 lighting effects to switch between, and the keyboard and mouse set can be adjusted for speed and brightness to suit your preference. Whether it's a single light, changing light effects or no light at all, the Redragon gaming keyboard and mouse will meet your needs!
- 【DPI Adjustable Gaming Mouse】You can adjust the DPI up to 5000 via the DPI button, or adjust it up to 10000 via the software driver to easily meet your different needs in gaming or work. (The software also supports adjusting the mouse polling rate up to 1000Hz)
- 【Professional Customised Software Support】S107RGB gaming keyboard and mouse is equipped with professional Redragon customization software support, where you can freely adjust the Macro, DPI, Report rate, and RGB lighting effects and customize the buttons to meet your customization needs (redragon.com)
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- 【Comfortable Gaming】The keyboard's foldable stand, skin-friendly coating, and floating Keycaps increase typing comfort. This keyboard and mouse are dedicated to providing an efficient gaming experience while ensuring maximum comfort
A Secure Boot verification screen appears
Use the applicable Secure Boot instructions for your Batocera version and firmware, or disable Secure Boot if that is the route you choose and the firmware permits it. If Windows uses BitLocker, have the recovery key available before changing firmware settings.
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First determine whether Batocera actually booted—for example, whether its splash screen appeared. A blank display after startup may be a display problem rather than a failure to boot.
Best Value
- 【Professional Gaming Keyboard】The 104-key full-size keyboard has a standard layout with F-keys (function keys) and a numeric keypad, and 26 Anti-Ghosting keys allow you to press multiple keys simultaneously. The quality of the built-in steel plate of the keyboard is very strong and durable.
- 【Professional gaming mouse】The mouse uses high-precision optical sensor, sensitivity is 7200DPI, 12000fps scan rate, 1000Hz tour detection rate, can withstand 40G acceleration and 400IPS tracking speed, can meet your fast browsing and game requirements.
- 【Upgraded RGB Lighting Gaming Combo】All the keys of the keyboard, the light bar on the bottom side of the keyboard, and the RGB lights on the side of the mouse will glow. Your fingertips dance on the designed floating keycaps and click on the hyper-responsive mouse, accompanied by rainbow-like RGB lighting, allowing you to instantly enter the cool game state.
- 【Perfect Ergonomic Computer Game Combo】The adjustable tripod keyboard makes your keys easier. The anti-slip material mouse that is more suitable for the hand can reduce your hand fatigue.Soft leather wrist rest made from smooth faux leather and memory foam for extra relaxation while gaming.
- 【High-quality Game Combination】The curved ABS keycaps are exquisite in workmanship, the built-in steel plate of the keyboard base is sturdy and resistant to falling, the non-slip ABS material mouse has a better grip, and the soft leather wrist-rest filled with memory foam is more textured. High quality allows you to choose worry-free.
The flash tool seems to have broken the USB drive
Image flashing changes the drive’s partition layout, so a desktop operating system may not show it as an ordinary storage device. Follow Batocera’s installation guide for instructions on recovering the USB for reuse.
The keyboard or mouse works in menus but not as expected in a game
Input behavior can differ by emulator. Check the system’s advanced settings and the emulator’s own control options; use Batocera’s per-emulator remapping guide where applicable.
What to do after the first boot
Installing Batocera does not add your game collection or any BIOS files that particular systems may require. Batocera’s getting-started guide links to separate instructions for adding ROM and BIOS files, using EmulationStation, connecting to Wi-Fi, and updating the system. PC emulation performance also depends on hardware, especially the CPU and GPU; installation alone does not ensure that every emulator will run well. See Batocera’s desktop computer guidance for hardware considerations.
Quick Recap
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