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Troubleshooting Guide

Step-by-step solutions for common EmulatorHub issues. Get your emulators running smoothly with our comprehensive troubleshooting resources.

Quick Fixes

Restart EmulatorHub

Close EmulatorHub completely and restart it as administrator. This fixes 70% of common issues.

Update Graphics Drivers

Download the latest drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Outdated drivers cause most graphics issues.

Reset Default Settings

Go to Settings > Reset to Default. This clears corrupted configuration files that cause crashes.

Check Game Files

Verify your game files aren't corrupted. Try a different game to isolate the issue.

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Startup Issues

Emulator won't start or crashes on launch
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Performance

Slow framerates, lag, or stuttering
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Graphics

Visual glitches, black screens, or display issues
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Audio

Sound problems, crackling, or no audio
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Controllers

Input lag, mapping issues, or unresponsive controls
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Game Loading

Games won't load or compatibility issues

Startup Issues

EmulatorHub won't start or crashes immediately

Solution Steps:

  1. Right-click on EmulatorHub and select "Run as administrator"
  2. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version
  3. Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2015-2022)
  4. Temporarily disable antivirus software and Windows Defender
  5. Check Windows Event Viewer for specific error messages
  6. Reinstall EmulatorHub with a clean installation
Warning: Always download drivers from official websites (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).

"Missing DLL" or "Entry Point Not Found" errors

Solution Steps:

  1. Download and install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (all versions)
  2. Run Windows Update to ensure your system is current
  3. Download DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft
  4. Restart your computer after installing all components
  5. Try launching EmulatorHub again
Note: These errors usually indicate missing system libraries required by EmulatorHub.

Performance Issues

Low framerate or stuttering gameplay

Solution Steps:

  1. Lower internal resolution from 4x to 2x or native resolution
  2. Disable anti-aliasing and anisotropic filtering temporarily
  3. Try different graphics renderers (OpenGL → Vulkan → DirectX)
  4. Close unnecessary background applications
  5. Enable frameskipping if available for your emulator
  6. Check CPU and GPU usage in Task Manager
Performance Tip: Start with 2x resolution scaling and gradually increase settings based on your hardware capabilities.

High CPU usage or overheating

Solution Steps:

  1. Enable frame limiting in emulator settings (60 FPS)
  2. Reduce CPU usage by lowering emulation accuracy settings
  3. Enable multi-threading if available in advanced settings
  4. Clean your computer's fans and ensure proper ventilation
  5. Monitor temperatures using HWiNFO64 or similar tools
  6. Consider undervolting your CPU if temperatures remain high
Warning: CPU temperatures above 85°C can cause throttling and system instability.

Graphics Issues

Black screen or no video output

Solution Steps:

  1. Switch to a different graphics renderer (OpenGL/Vulkan/DirectX)
  2. Reset graphics settings to default configuration
  3. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version
  4. Try running in windowed mode instead of fullscreen
  5. Disable hardware acceleration temporarily
  6. Check if required system files (BIOS) are properly loaded
Tip: OpenGL is most compatible, while Vulkan offers best performance on modern hardware.

Visual glitches, artifacts, or corrupted graphics

Solution Steps:

  1. Lower internal resolution to native or 2x scaling
  2. Disable advanced graphics features (shaders, post-processing)
  3. Try different texture filtering settings
  4. Update or rollback graphics drivers if issue started recently
  5. Check GPU temperatures and ensure adequate cooling
  6. Test with a different game to isolate the issue
Warning: Persistent artifacts may indicate GPU hardware failure. Test with other games/applications.

Audio Issues

No audio or silent gameplay

Solution Steps:

  1. Check Windows audio settings and ensure correct output device
  2. Switch audio backend in emulator (DirectSound/WASAPI/XAudio2)
  3. Adjust audio buffer size (try 1024 or 2048 samples)
  4. Update your audio drivers through Device Manager
  5. Disable audio enhancements in Windows sound properties
  6. Test with headphones to rule out speaker issues
Note: WASAPI usually provides the best audio quality and lowest latency.

Crackling, popping, or distorted audio

Solution Steps:

  1. Increase audio buffer size to reduce audio dropouts
  2. Change audio sample rate to 44.1kHz or 48kHz
  3. Close other audio applications and disable audio effects
  4. Try different audio backends until crackling stops
  5. Reduce audio quality if using high-end audio settings
  6. Check for Windows audio driver updates
Quick Fix: Most audio crackling is resolved by switching to WASAPI audio backend.

Controller Issues

Controller not detected or unresponsive

Solution Steps:

  1. Check controller connection (USB cable or wireless pairing)
  2. Install or update controller drivers in Device Manager
  3. Test controller in Windows Game Controllers panel
  4. Configure controller in EmulatorHub input settings
  5. For PlayStation controllers, install DS4Windows software
  6. Try a different USB port or wireless receiver
Xbox Controllers: Usually work automatically. PlayStation controllers may need third-party software.

Input lag or delayed controller response

Solution Steps:

  1. Use wired connection instead of wireless when possible
  2. Reduce audio buffer size to decrease overall latency
  3. Enable "Reduce Input Lag" option in emulator settings
  4. Disable V-Sync and use frame limiting instead
  5. Close unnecessary background applications
  6. Update controller firmware through manufacturer software
Note: Some input lag is normal for emulation. Wired controllers typically have lowest latency.

Game Loading Issues

Games won't load or show error messages

Solution Steps:

  1. Verify game file integrity (check for corruption)
  2. Ensure game format is supported by the emulator
  3. Install required system files (BIOS) if needed
  4. Check game region compatibility with emulator settings
  5. Try loading a different game to test emulator functionality
  6. Consult game compatibility database on our website
File Formats: Ensure your game files are in supported formats (ISO, BIN/CUE, etc.).

Game loads but crashes during gameplay

Solution Steps:

  1. Lower emulation accuracy settings for better stability
  2. Disable advanced graphics features and shaders
  3. Try different graphics renderers for compatibility
  4. Check if game requires specific patches or settings
  5. Monitor system temperature during extended gameplay
  6. Report the issue with crash logs to our support team
Compatibility: Some games may have known issues. Check our compatibility database for workarounds.

Still Having Troubles?

Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help you get the most out of EmulatorHub.

Contact Support