Frequently Asked Questions

What does Playnite name mean?

Playnite is combination of Play and Unite.

How do I backup Playnite library and move it to another PC?

If using portable version, just move the whole installation folder.

If using installed version, then you need to move %appdata\Playnite\ folder, which contains all user information. Make sure to completely replace the folder on new drive/PC if it already exists from other installation. Just copying over existing user data will cause issues!

Will there be Linux or macOS version?

Not in near future, mainly for technical reasons. More information here.

Where can I find library folder with all games?

Go to Settings menu and check Database Location on General tab.

By default for installed versions the library is in %appdata\Playnite\library folder and for portable it's just library folder inside the application folder.

Warning: Never combine two different library folders from different Playnite instances. It will generate duplicates in your library. If you are moving library to another Playnite instance always completely replace the folder, never just copy one over another.

Where are cover/background images stored?

All media files are stored in Database Location directory together with other game information.

How do I update Playnite?

Playnite supports auto update feature, you don't have to download and install updates manually. Playnite checks for new version at every startup and then every 4 hours. You can also manually check if new version is available by using Check for Updates menu option.

Where are Playnite settings located?

Portable editions have settings stored in config.json directly in Playnite's folder. Installed versions store settings in %AppData%\Playnite\config.json file.

How do I unhide game?

Use "funnel" filter button next to the search field to open filter panel, select Hidden filter, right-click on hidden game and choose Show in Library option.

How do I convert installed version to portable?

• Shutdown Playnite
• Copy content of %appdata\Playnite into Playnite's application folder
• Delete unins000.exe and unins000.dat files
• Edit config.json and change DatabasePath property value to "library"

How do I start additional application(s) before game starts and kill it after game exits?

• Edit game and go to Scripts tab
• Change runtime to PowerShell
• Set first script to start your application using Start-Process cmdlet

Start-Process "c:\somepath\someapp.exe" "-some arguments"

• Set second script to kill the application using Stop-Process cmdlet

Stop-Process -Name "someapp"

• If the application requires elevated rights to start then you need to start Playnite as admin too, otherwise the Stop-Process will fail due to insufficient privileges.
• If you want to start application minimized and application doesn't have native support for it then add -WindowStyle argument.

Start-Process "c:\somepath\someapp.exe" "-some arguments" -WindowStyle Minimized