01At a glance
- OS
- Windows 10 / 11, 64-bit only
- Source
- Free build from /download
- Path rule
- Default path; no OneDrive or network drives
- Next step
- Install firmware
02Procedure
Precondition: 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 with admin rights for the install step.
- Download Meridian and run the installer. If SmartScreen appears, choose More info, then Run anyway — the binary is unsigned by design at this stage.
- Keep the default install path. Paths under OneDrive, Dropbox, or network shares cause lock and sync errors during shader-cache writes.
- Launch once and confirm the version string in About. Do not index games yet — firmware comes first.
03First-launch checks
- The launcher opens without a missing-DLL error. If one appears, stop and follow Missing runtime: Microsoft's official Visual C++ 2015–2022 x64 runtime.
- The Vulkan check passes. If it fails, see Vulkan check before continuing.
- Windows Defender exclusions are optional but reduce scan stalls on the cache folder — same page as the Vulkan check references.
04After install
Continue to Install firmware: fetch the official PS5UPDATE.PUP from Sony's system-software page and apply it with File then Install Firmware. Own your library — Meridian ships with no games and no firmware.
05Questions
Q.01Is the installer free?
Yes. The Windows build is free from Download Meridian for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11.
Q.02Why does SmartScreen warn?
The build is currently unsigned. Use More info → Run anyway, and verify you downloaded from this site.
Q.03Can I install to an external drive?
Install the launcher on an internal drive. Game dumps may live on a fast external, but the cache folder must stay local.