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Downloading, Installing and Updating Lakka for PC.

What is it?

Lakka is the official Linux distribution of RetroArch and the libretro ecosystem. Each game system is implemented as a libretro core, while the frontend RetroArch takes care of inputs and display. This clear separation ensures modularity and centralized configuration. Lakka is a lightweight Linux distribution that transforms a small computer into a full blown retrogaming console.

⚠ DISCLAIMER
Lakka is still under heavy development. In its current state, the project allows you to play most games on most platforms. However, expect bugs, missing features or features not working as intended, and hardware that is yet to be supported. If you find a bug, you can declare it in our tracker, unless already reported.

Prerequisites

  • SD card or USB You need a USB or SD Card to write the installation image.
  • Flashing Software You can use either Etcher or Win32 disk imager.

Download Lakka

Click here to get the 64bit version or click here to get the 32bit version.

Please note that due to the wide variety of PC hardware, Lakka may not work on your hardware. Those image are USB images, not CD or DVD images, those installation mediums are unsupported. Also, we don't support virtualization and dualboot. Lakka is meant to be installed on real hardware.

Flashing Lakka Image

The following softwares are fine however you can use any other software you want. The following softwares are not related to RetroArch or Libretro in any way. You must act consciously when providing or using these softwares.

Etcher

Etcher is a free and open-source utility used for burning image files such as .iso and .img files, as well as zipped folders to create live SD cards and USB flash drives.

• Run Etcher • Select Lakka Image • Select USB drive • Click Flash

Win32 Disk Imager

This program is designed to write a raw disk image to a removable device or backup a removable device to a raw image file.

• Click on the folder icon • Select the image file • Select drive letter UNDER DEVICE • Click Write

Installation

Lakka is still under heavy development. In its current state, the project allows you to play most games on most platforms. However, expect bugs, missing features or features not working as intended, and hardware that is yet to be supported.

The Live USB Mode

Lakka can be installed on an USB key, and be booted in Live Mode on any PC that supports Lakka’s requirements. This Live Mode is persistent: all changes will be saved to the key, safely storing games within the USB.

Unknown Sources To avoid compromising the safety of your device, always use applications provided through our official channels.

  1. Insert your USB drive into your computer.
  2. Boot from USB.
    1. You can use Boot Device Options by pressing the key specified by your motherboard manufacturer.
    2. You can choose to boot from USB in the BIOS. The above options may vary depending on your motherboard model.
  3. Wait during the bootloader phase.

This will start the Lakka operating system via USB. This Live Mode is persistent: all changes will be saved to the key, safely storing games within the USB. You will be able to check if Lakka works on your hardware, without altering your PC’s hard drive or partitions. Certain settings and configurations may not be saved in spite of the persistence property.

Full Setup

Installing Lakka on your device is as simple as installing any other operating systems. You may experience unexpected errors during setup. Lakka is still under construction.

  1. Insert your USB drive into your computer.
  2. Boot from USB.
    1. You can use Boot Device Options by pressing the key specified by your motherboard manufacturer.
    2. You can choose to boot from USB in the BIOS. The above options may vary depending on your motherboard model.
  3. Type installer or live
  4. Select Install Lakka.
  5. Use the up/down arrows to select the drive to install. Observe the warnings on the screen. If you continue the targeted drive will be wiped out.
  6. Select Yes in confirmation alerts.
  7. After the installation, you will return to the Main menu. Remove the USB and select Reboot.

Your computer will launch Lakka on the next Boot.

Conclusion

Lakka is still under heavy development. In its current state, the project allows you to play most games on most platforms. More information can be found in the Lakka documents. You may also want to check the Official Forum.