Install Dolphin Emulator on Windows 11 With One Winget Command

Setting up Dolphin Emulator is not difficult; we can quickly run it by downloading the portable version from its official website. However, what if you want to install it like any other traditional Windows software? This tutorial will solve this problem.

Well, in modern Windows 11 or 10 systems, Dolphin can be silently installed with a single command while you focus on other tasks, such as downloading the games you want to play. Isn’t that time-saving?

Today, I will share my knowledge on how you can leverage Windows 11’s built-in package manager to install the Dolphin Emulator with remarkable simplicity. This technique has saved me countless hours across dozens of installations.

What is Winget?

Winget (Windows Package Manager) is Microsoft’s answer to the package management systems that Linux users have enjoyed for years. Introduced in 2020 and fully integrated into Windows 11, Winget allows you to install, update, and remove software through simple command-line instructions. It is now one of the easiest ways to configure third-party applications on Windows.

What is Dolphin Emulator?

Dolphin is an open-source emulator for those unfamiliar. It allows you to play Nintendo GameCube and Wii games on your PC. Thanks to its accuracy, performance, and extensive feature set, it’s named after the GameCube’s development codename and has become the gold standard for Nintendo emulation.

I’ve used it to preserve my aging GameCube collection and introduce classics like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Super Smash Bros. Melee to a new generation of players.

The Traditional Installation Process

Previously, installing Dolphin involved:

1. Visiting the official website
2. Downloading the installer
3. Running the executable
4. Clicking through installation dialogs
5. Manually creating shortcuts
6. Configuring initial settings

While not overly complex, this process becomes tedious when setting up multiple systems or frequently reinstalling Windows.

Installing Dolphin Emulator with Winget

Step 1: Run Terminal with Admin rights

On Windows 11 or 10, right-click the Start button and select either “Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”, depending on what is available on your system.

Step 2. Confirm Winget availability

Although all the latest Windows versions offer the Winget package manager by default, let’s confirm this by checking its version.

winget --version

If you have the output, the package manager is there and working fine. Let’s proceed to installing the applications.

Step 3: Install Dolphin Emulator using Winget command

Now, in your Windows 11 command terminal, execute the given Winget command, and it will automatically download and install the Dolphin Emulator on Windows 11 and 10 systems.

winget install DolphinEmulator.Dolphin

That’s it. No navigating websites, clicking through installers, or accidentally installing unwanted software. Just one command, and you’re done.

It’s like having a personal assistant who handles all the tedious parts of software installation while you focus on more important things—like deciding which games to play first.

Breaking Down the Process

While the command is simple, understanding what happens behind the scenes can help you troubleshoot if issues arise:

1. Command Execution: When you run the command, Winget searches its repository for the “DolphinEmulator” package.
2. Package Verification: Winget verifies the package’s digital signature to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
3. Dependency Resolution: Though Dolphin has minimal dependencies, Winget checks for any required components and installs them if necessary.
4. Download and Installation: Winget downloads the latest stable version of Dolphin and installs it silently.
5. Configuration: The package sets up appropriate file associations and creates shortcuts.
6. Completion: Winget notifies you when the installation is complete.

Advanced Installation Options

While the basic command works for most users, you can customize the installation with additional parameters:

winget install DolphinEmulator.Dolphin --silent --location "D:\Emulators"

This installs Dolphin without any prompts and places it in a custom location—perfect for organizing your emulation station. I use this approach when setting up dedicated gaming PCs, keeping all emulators in a single, easily manageable directory.

Configuring Dolphin After Installation

Once installed, you’ll want to configure Dolphin for optimal performance:

1. Launch Dolphin from the Start menu or type “Dolphin” in the Windows 11 or 10 search bar.
2. Configure Graphics by going to Options > Graphics Settings. For most modern systems, I recommend:
   • Backend: Direct3D 12 (best for Windows 11)
   • Aspect Ratio: Force 16:9 (for widescreen displays)

3. Set Up Controllers under Options > Controller Settings. Standard Controllers work natively, but you might need additional configuration for other controllers.

4. Configure Paths for your game library under Options > Configuration > Paths. I recommend creating a dedicated folder for your legally obtained game backups.
5. Enable Cheats under Options > Configuration > General if you want to use enhancement codes.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Conclusion

The ability to install Dolphin Emulator with a single Winget command represents the convergence of two significant trends: the maturation of Windows as a platform for developers and the mainstream acceptance of emulation as a valid form of gaming preservation.

Whether setting up a single PC for personal use or deploying Dolphin across multiple systems for an event, Winget makes things easy and fast.