How to install games on Winlator and make them work

Winlator opens up a world of PC gaming on your Android device. If you’ve already installed and configured Winlator, it’s time to learn how to install games, and getting it right is key to a good experience. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to installing games in Winlator, with helpful tips, especially when dealing with “Winlator ISO files”. The success of installation varies, so checking Winlator’s requirements beforehand is crucial.

Installing Games on Winlator: The Basics

To install PC games on Winlator, you need the game in one of these formats: a .exe executable, an .iso image (a Winlator ISO file), or a folder with the installation files. We’ll cover how to get these files. Regardless of the format, save the files in your device’s Downloads folder before starting the installation from within Winlator.

1. Creating a Container in Winlator:

If you already have containers set up, skip to the next step.

1. Open Winlator and tap the “+” icon.

2. Name the container and choose your settings (or use the defaults – see our Winlator configuration guide).

3. Tap the blue confirmation button.

This creates a virtual Windows environment for your games.

2. Getting Windows Games for Winlator

GOG.com is a good place to find games for Winlator. They offer offline installers, so you don’t need to download files during installation, which works well with Winlator’s limitations. The site has both classic and modern games at different prices.

Download the offline files for your chosen game. Some games are split into multiple parts, so extract them on your computer or device. These files might also include updates (DLC).

Important: Steam games are harder to install because Winlator lacks full internet access for the Steam launcher.

 Adding the Game to Your Mobile Device

Transfer the game files to the Download folder on your device. Winlator recognizes this folder as the D: drive of your virtual computer. A common approach is to create a folder inside Downloads, like “Windows,” for organization (e.g., Storage > Downloads > Windows).

You can download the game files directly to your phone or copy them from a computer using a USB connection. You could transfer a Winlator ISO file, but keep in mind that Winlator may have problems “mounting” the ISO properly. This is discussed further in the next section.

Moving already-installed games from a computer is another option. This involves copying the entire installation folder, but it can take a long time. Steam games usually won’t work with this method.

Mounting ISO files in Winlator: A Special Note

While you can transfer Winlator ISO files to your device, mounting ISO Winlator can sometimes be tricky. Winlator’s emulation may not perfectly handle the mounting process required to read the Winlator ISO file. This might lead to errors, installation failures, or the game simply not launching. Therefore, using the .exe installer file, or the complete set of installation files if available, is generally a more reliable approach than trying to mount ISO Winlator. If you do choose to try and use a Winlator ISO ensure you are running the latest version of Winlator and have enough resources on your device.

4. Installing the Game in Winlator

This part is just like installing a game on a real computer. Find the game’s executable file (usually setup.exe) and double-click it. Follow the installation instructions.

Some games might try to install extra components like DirectX or Microsoft.NET. Cancel these installations, as Winlator usually handles them already.

5. Starting the Game

Once installed, try launching the game. A shortcut should appear on the desktop. Double-clicking it can have different results: the game might start and crash, the screen might go black, Winlator might crash, or the game might not launch at all. This depends on your device, the game’s requirements, and your Winlator settings.

You can also launch games from the “Shortcuts” section, where all installed games are listed. This section also lets you adjust container settings for each game.

Important Considerations

Complex and modern games are less likely to work well. However, some recent titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky (which has been tested) can run.

If a game doesn’t work, experiment with different Winlator container settings. Change settings gradually, so you know what’s working and what’s not.

Key settings to adjust within the “Shortcuts” section include:

• Resolution: Try different resolutions. Modern games may not support very low settings.

• Graphics driver: Use the Turnip driver for Adreno (Snapdragon) GPUs and VirGL for others.

• DX Wrapper version: DXVK usually works best, especially for modern games. If there are problems, try WineD3D or D8VK. CNC DDraw often works well for older titles.

• Winlator Presets: The “Advanced” section has options for compatibility or performance. Start with “Compatibility” and experiment if needed.

If the game still doesn’t work after trying different settings, your device may not be powerful enough, or Winlator may not support the game.

Trick for Black Screens

Sometimes, you might see a black screen when starting a game. This can be caused by different things, like the game freezing. A workaround is to terminate the services.exe process using the Winlator task manager. This isn’t always effective, but it’s worth a try. Black screens often happen when your device can’t handle the game or because of incorrect Winlator settings.

Running Portable Games on Winlator

Portable games don’t need installation; they launch directly from a file. This saves time and increases the chance of success. These games are usually smaller and older, making them good candidates for Winlator. Many retro emulators are also available in portable formats.

Configuring Controls in Winlator

Winlator supports on-screen touch controls and external devices like controllers, keyboards, and mice. To enable the virtual controller or keyboard:

1. Launch a game and open the Winlator side menu.

2. Go to Input Controls.

3. Choose an option from the drop-down menu.

Winlator includes RTS and Virtual Gamepad settings by default. RTS adds keys for strategy games, and Virtual Gamepad replicates a gamepad. You can also create custom configurations. Connect a physical controller or keyboard via Bluetooth or cable, and Winlator will automatically recognize it.

What’s your favorite Winlator game at the moment?