Getting Started with RetroSave

Set up automatic cloud saves for your retro gaming in just 3 minutes

Quick Start

Create Account

Download Client

Install RetroSave for your OS

Start Gaming

Launch any supported emulator

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

• 4GB RAM minimum

• 100MB disk space

• Internet connection

Linux

• Ubuntu 20.04+ or equivalent

• 4GB RAM minimum

• 100MB disk space

• X11 or Wayland

macOS

• macOS 11 Big Sur+

• 4GB RAM minimum

• 100MB disk space

• Apple Silicon or Intel

Installation

Windows Installation

Download the installer

Run the installer

Double-click RetroSave.exe and follow the installation wizard. Windows Defender may show a warning - click "More info" then "Run anyway".

Launch RetroSave

RetroSave will start automatically and appear in your system tray (bottom-right corner).

If Windows SmartScreen blocks the installer, click "More info" → "Run anyway". This is normal for new software.

Initial Setup

1. Sign In to Your Account

When RetroSave launches for the first time, you'll see a login prompt in the system tray menu.

Right-click the RetroSave icon in your system tray
Click "Sign In"
Enter your email and password
Click "Connect"

Your credentials are securely stored using your system's keychain/credential manager.

2. Configure Auto-Start

Enable auto-start to ensure RetroSave is always ready when you game.

Right-click the RetroSave tray icon
Go to Settings → General
Check "Start RetroSave on system startup"
Check "Start minimized to tray"

3. Verify Emulator Detection

RetroSave automatically detects supported emulators. Let's verify it's working:

Launch any supported emulator (PCSX2, Dolphin, etc.)
Check the RetroSave tray icon - it should show "Monitoring: [Emulator Name]"
Load a game and create a save
Right-click the tray icon and select "View Recent Saves"

Supported Emulators:

PCSX2

Dolphin

RPCS3

RetroArch

Citra

Yuzu/Ryujinx

Your First Save

Launch Your Emulator

Start any supported emulator. RetroSave will automatically detect it and show "Monitoring: [Emulator]" in the tray tooltip.

Save Your Game

Use the emulator's save feature (not save states). RetroSave will detect the save file and automatically back it up.

Automatic Sync

Your save is compressed, encrypted, and uploaded to the cloud. You'll see a notification confirming the backup.

Version History

RetroSave keeps your last 5 saves per game. Access them anytime through the web dashboard or tray menu.

Advanced Configuration

Custom Save Locations

Add custom paths for emulators in non-standard locations:

Settings → Emulators
Click "Add Custom Path"
Select emulator and browse to save folder
Click "Save"

Sync Preferences

Control how and when saves sync:

Settings → Sync
Choose sync frequency (instant/5min/manual)
Set bandwidth limits if needed
Configure conflict resolution

Global Hotkeys

Set up keyboard shortcuts:

• Ctrl+Shift+S - Manual save backup
• Ctrl+Shift+R - Restore last save
• Ctrl+Shift+H - Show/hide window

Notifications

Customize what notifications you see:

Settings → Notifications
Toggle save confirmations
Enable/disable sync alerts
Set quiet hours

Troubleshooting

Emulator Not Detected

Ensure the emulator is in the supported list
Check if RetroSave has necessary permissions
Try running RetroSave as administrator (Windows)
Add custom path in Settings → Emulators

Saves Not Syncing

Check your internet connection
Verify you're logged in (tray menu → Account)
Check storage quota in dashboard
Try manual sync (tray menu → Sync Now)

System Tray Icon Missing

Check if RetroSave is running in Task Manager
Look in system tray overflow area
Restart RetroSave
Linux: Install appropriate system tray extension

Next Steps

Visit your dashboard to manage saves Read frequently asked questions Join our Discord community