
Hey everyone! If you’ve stumbled onto this post, chances are you’re staring at the dreaded “This title is encrypted.
To run this application, open keys.txt and add the disc title key” error in Cemu. Don’t panic—this is a common roadblock for new (and even seasoned) Cemu users.
Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Cemu Emulator, why this error happens, and how to fix it permanently using the latest keys.txt file.
Grab a coffee, and let’s dive in!
What is the Cemu Emulator? A Quick Primer
Cemu is a Nintendo Wii U emulator that lets you play Wii U games on your PC. Developed by Exzap and Petergov, it launched in 2015 and quickly became the go-to choice for gamers looking to relive classics like Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart 8 without owning the console.

While it started as a Windows-only project, experimental builds now support Linux and macOS (though Windows remains the most stable).
Cemu works by mimicking the Wii U’s hardware and software, but here’s the catch: Wii U games are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
That’s where the keys.txt file comes into play. Without it, Cemu can’t decrypt the games, leading to errors like “Failed to launch file” or “This title is encrypted.”

Why Do You Need the Cemu Keys.txt File? Breaking Down the Tech Stuff
The keys.txt file is a small but critical text document containing cryptographic keys required to decrypt Wii U game files. Think of it as a digital lockpick that lets Cemu bypass Nintendo’s encryption.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Title Keys: Unique to each game, these keys decrypt the game’s data. Without them, Cemu can’t read the game files.
- Common Key: A master key used by the Wii U system itself. Cemu needs this to handle general decryption processes.
If your keys.txt is missing, outdated, or incomplete, Cemu throws errors because it literally can’t “unlock” the game.
This isn’t a bug—it’s a deliberate security measure by Nintendo that the emulator has to work around.
Step-by-Step Fix: Downloading and Setting Up the Latest keys.txt File
Let’s get your games up and running. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Download the Latest keys.txt File
- File Name:
keys.txt
(packaged askeys.rar
) - File Size: ~122KB
- Download Link: Latest Cemu Keys.txt
Note: Always download keys from trusted sources. Unofficial sites may bundle malware.
2. Extract the keys.rar File
- Install WinRAR or 7-Zip if you don’t have a RAR extractor.
- Right-click the downloaded
keys.rar
file and select Extract Here. - You’ll get a
keys.txt
file after extraction.
3. Place keys.txt in Cemu’s Directory
- Open your Cemu installation folder (usually
C:\Cemu
). - Drag and drop the
keys.txt
file into the main folder. Do NOT place it in subfolders likemlc01
orshaderCache
. - If prompted, overwrite the existing
keys.txt
(back it up first if you’re cautious).
4. Restart Cemu and Load Your Game
- Launch Cemu.
- Go to File > Install Game Title/Update/DLC and select your game file (typically a
.rpx
or.wud
file). - The game should now load without encryption errors.
Troubleshooting: What If the Error Persists?
If you’re still seeing the error, let’s troubleshoot:
- Verify keys.txt Placement: Double-check that
keys.txt
is in the root Cemu folder, not a subdirectory. - Update Cemu: Older Cemu versions might not support newer keys. Grab the latest build from Cemu’s official site.
- Check Game Files: Corrupted or incomplete game dumps can cause issues. Re-dump your game or verify the file integrity.
- Key Formatting: Open
keys.txt
in Notepad. Each key should follow the format:titleID = [32-character key]
No extra spaces or typos allowed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is using keys.txt legal?
Dumping keys from a Wii U you own is legal in some regions, but downloading keys online exists in a gray area. I can’t provide legal advice—research your local laws.
Do I need to update keys.txt regularly?
Only if newer games aren’t working. The community often updates keys.txt for recent titles.
Can I merge multiple keys.txt files?
Yes! Copy all keys into a single file, ensuring no duplicates.
Why does Cemu still ask for a key after adding keys.txt?
The specific game’s title key might be missing. Google the game’s title ID + “title key” to find it.
And there you have it—a complete guide to slaying the “This title is encrypted” dragon. With the right keys.txt
file and a properly configured Cemu, you’re all set to dive into the Wii U’s library. Remember to keep your emulator and keys updated for the best experience.
Got stuck? Drop a comment below, and I’ll help you out. 🎮