RetroArch is a free and open-source, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications. It is the reference implementation of the libretro API, designed to be fast, lightweight, portable and without dependencies. It is licensed under the GNU GPLv3. RetroArch runs on many computers, home consoles, handheld consoles, smartphones, smart TV's, single-board computers and web browsers. As of 1 April 2024, versions for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 are not out yet, but are available unofficially.
RetroArch runs programs converted into dynamic libraries called libretro cores, using several user interfaces such as command-line interfaces, a few graphical user interfaces optimized for gamepads, several input, audio and video drivers, and other sophisticated features such as dynamic rate control, audio filters, multi-pass shaders, netplay, gameplay rewinding, cheats, etc.
What is RetroArch?
RetroArch is an open-source pc game program for Windows from Libretro. It ranks 2nd by popularity among pc games in this catalogue. It is written in C++ and C. Besides Windows, it is available for Android, FreeBSD, GNU/Linux and macOS.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit and 32-bit as EXE (NSIS). The main installer is 209.0 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Updates and version history
The current version is 1.22.2, released on December 3, 2025. 15 versions are listed since April 15, 2022, each with links to its own installer files. That is about 4.1 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 76,076 times. The source code on GitHub (libretro/RetroArch) has 14,395 stars. Wikipedia has an article about it in 13 of our languages. Similar programs include PPSSPP, OpenTTD and Steam.
Project description on GitHub: “Cross-platform, sophisticated frontend for the libretro API. Licensed GPLv3.”
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Documented silent install
- Also runs on Android, FreeBSD and GNU/Linux
- Large user base
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: RetroArch is an open-source pc game tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. It is actively maintained. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Screenshots
Is RetroArch safe to download?
- The file is served by buildbot.libretro.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
BB2B95329542D98D951BB381C0DD57E803D846242878895F12D374B87201C1C9· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 15 versions ›15 versions over 4 years · about 4.1 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.22.2Latest | December 3, 2025 | 209.0 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)32-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 1.22.1.0 | November 15, 2025 | 209.0 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)32-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 1.21.0 | April 30, 2025 | 208.3 MB | 32-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 1.20.0.0 | January 6, 2025 | 203.4 MB | 32-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 1.19.1.0 | June 5, 2024 | 184.2 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)32-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 1.19.0.0 | May 30, 2024 | 184.2 MB | 32-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 1.17.0.0 | February 5, 2024 | 213.0 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)32-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 1.16.0.0 | September 20, 2023 | 223.1 MB | 32-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Libretro.RetroArch -echoco install retroarch -yscoop install extras/retroarchRetroArch-Win64-setup.exe /SRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install --cask retroarchflatpak install flathub org.libretro.RetroArchInformation
- Publisher
- Libretro
- Category
- PC games
- Licence
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- github.com/libretro/RetroArch
- Written in
- C++ and C
- Interface languages
- English
- Content rating
- All ages
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE (NSIS)
- Other platforms
- Android, FreeBSD, GNU/Linux, macOS
- Version
- 1.22.2
- Released
- December 3, 2025
- Added to the catalogue
- June 25, 2022
- Versions listed
- 15
- Updates / year
- 4.1
- Chocolatey downloads
- 76,076
- GitHub stars
- 14,395
- GitHub forks
- 2,309
- Website
- retroarch.com
- winget ID
- Libretro.RetroArch
- Chocolatey package
- retroarch
- Scoop package
- extras/retroarch
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to RetroArch
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Frequently asked questions
Is RetroArch free?
Yes. RetroArch is open-source software under the GPL-3.0-only licence.
Is RetroArch safe to download?
The download comes from buildbot.libretro.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install RetroArch with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can RetroArch be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does RetroArch run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of RetroArch?
The versions page lists all 15 versions with links to their official installer files, back to April 15, 2022.
What are alternatives to RetroArch?
PPSSPP, OpenTTD, Steam, ScummVM and Dolphin. The alternatives page compares them.
