The emulator reads the keys.txt file sequentially line-by-line. If the formatting is incorrect, the emulator will fail to parse the hexadecimal code. Rules for the Document Structure
Unique keys for individual games (often referred to as title keys). Example Format A standard keys.txt file looks like this:
If you are setting up a specific game, let me know which one! I can help you find: for 60 FPS or 4K resolution. Input configuration settings for your controller.
It contains a 32-character hexadecimal key for each game, representing the specific encryption key for that title. cemu emulator keys.txt
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the keys.txt file, how to find it, how to create it, and how to place it properly to get your games running smoothly in 2026. What is keys.txt in Cemu?
Legality and ethics
Install custom firmware (like Tiramisu or Aroma) on your physical Wii U console. The emulator reads the keys
Cemu is a Wii U emulator first released in 2015, known for being the very first Wii U emulator capable of booting games. Originally closed-source, Cemu became open-source in 2022, making it more accessible to the emulation community. The emulator supports Windows, Linux (experimental), and macOS (experimental) platforms, requiring at least OpenGL 4.5 or Vulkan 1.1 support and 4GB of RAM for minimum operation.
The keys.txt file contains a set of encryption keys that are used to decrypt the Wii U game's files, allowing the emulator to read and play the game. These keys are specific to each Wii U console and are used to secure the games and other data on the console. When a user obtains a keys.txt file, they are essentially getting a copy of the encryption keys from a Wii U console.
Consider converting your files to WUA to avoid dealing with keys altogether. Share public link Example Format A standard keys
Ensure your file is named keys.txt and not keys.txt.txt . Windows often hides file extensions.
Allow the process to finish. Dumpling will create text files on your SD card containing your legitimate keys. Step 2: Create the File in Cemu Connect your Wii U's SD card to your PC.
The keys.txt file needs to be placed in the main Cemu directory, where your Cemu.exe is located. Alternatively, in newer Cemu versions, you can place it in the same folder as your settings.xml .