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ePSXe Setup Guide: PS1 Emulator for Windows (Step by Step)

Complete ePSXe setup guide for Windows. Configure BIOS, plugins, controls, and graphics for the best PS1 gaming experience.

PS1 BIOS Team
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6 min read

ePSXe Setup Guide for Windows

ePSXe is one of the most well-known PS1 emulators, with excellent game compatibility and a straightforward plugin system. This guide walks you through a complete setup from scratch.

Step 1: Download ePSXe

Download ePSXe from the official site (epsxe.com). Get the latest version for Windows — it’s a ZIP file. Extract it to any folder you like, e.g. C:\Emulators\ePSXe\.

Step 2: Get the PS1 BIOS File

ePSXe requires a BIOS file to run. The most compatible option is SCPH1001.BIN (USA, v2.2).

Download SCPH1001.BIN from this site.

Place the downloaded .BIN file inside your ePSXe folder — create a bios\ subfolder:

C:\Emulators\ePSXe\
  epsxe.exe
  bios\
    SCPH1001.BIN

Step 3: First Launch & BIOS Setup

  1. Launch epsxe.exe
  2. The Setup Wizard appears — click Next
  3. On the BIOS page, click Browse
  4. Navigate to bios\SCPH1001.BIN and select it
  5. Click OK to confirm

If no wizard appears, go to Config → BIOS and select the file manually.

Step 4: Configure Graphics Plugin

ePSXe uses plugins for graphics, sound, and CD reading. The default plugins are fine to start, but here’s the recommended setup:

Graphics (GPU) Plugin: Pete's OpenGL2 GPU

  • Go to Config → Video
  • Set resolution to your monitor’s native resolution
  • Enable Framebuffer effects for transparency effects in games
  • Set texture filtering to Extended filtering

If you just want to run games quickly, the default built-in GPU plugin works without any changes.

Step 5: Configure Sound

Go to Config → Sound. The default ePSXe SPU core works well for most games. Enable:

  • Enable SPU IRQ hack (fixes music in some games)
  • XA music (enables CD audio tracks)

Step 6: Configure Controls

  1. Go to Config → Gamepad → Port 1 → Pad 1
  2. Click each button and press the corresponding key on your keyboard or gamepad
  3. Recommended keyboard layout:
    • D-Pad → Arrow keys
    • X → Z, Circle → X, Square → A, Triangle → S
    • L1 → Q, R1 → W, L2 → 1, R2 → 2
    • Start → Enter, Select → Shift

If you have an Xbox or PlayStation controller, ePSXe detects it automatically — just assign the buttons.

Step 7: Load a Game

ePSXe can load games from:

  • ISO/IMG files — go to File → Run ISO and select the file
  • BIN/CUE files — same process, select the .BIN file (ePSXe reads the .CUE automatically)
  • Physical disc — go to File → Run CDROM (requires a working optical drive)

The game should launch after a brief PS1 boot screen.

Common Issues & Fixes

Black screen after BIOS animation

Fix: Try a different GPU plugin. Go to Config → Video and switch to the internal ePSXe GPU core 1.9.0.

Sound stuttering or missing music

Fix: In Config → Sound, enable XA music and try toggling the SPU IRQ hack.

Game runs too slow

Fix: Ensure frameskip is off (Config → CPU → Uncheck frameskip). Lower the internal resolution in the GPU plugin.

”BIOS not found” error

Fix: The .BIN file is in the wrong location. Go to Config → BIOS and re-select the file.

Controller not recognized

Fix: Go to Config → Gamepad → Port 1 → Pad 1 and use the Detect button to identify your controller.

Enhancing Graphics

For a better visual experience:

Internal Resolution — set to 1024×1024 or higher in Pete’s OpenGL2 GPU settings for sharper output.

Texture Filtering — enable to smooth pixelated textures (some players prefer original pixel look, so this is optional).

Screen smoothing — adds a slight blur to reduce pixel edges.

Save States

Press F1 to save state, F3 to load state. ePSXe supports 5 save state slots per game.

Memory card saves (in-game saves) are stored in the memcards\ folder — these persist between sessions automatically.

That’s It

ePSXe is now set up and ready. For newer games or better accuracy, consider also trying DuckStation, which has surpassed ePSXe in many areas.

All guides Download BIOS →