How to Fix the “PS1 BIOS Not Found” Error in ePSXe, DuckStation, and RetroArch?
Key Takeaways
- Always place the PS1 BIOS file (like SCPH5501.bin) in the correct emulator folder to help it load properly.
- Double-check the file name for spelling or extra extensions, as even small mistakes can prevent detection.
- Set the BIOS path in emulator settings so the file loads automatically whenever you start a game.
- Extract the BIOS file from any ZIP or RAR archive before use, since emulators can’t read compressed files.
- Keep both your emulator and BIOS file updated, and store a backup to avoid future errors or missing file issues.
The “PS1 BIOS Not Found” error appears when emulators like ePSXe, DuckStation, or RetroArch can’t locate the BIOS file required to start PS1 games. Placing the correct BIOS file (such as SCPH5501.bin) in the right folder and setting its path properly fixes the issue instantly. Ensuring the file isn’t renamed, zipped, or corrupted keeps emulators running smoothly. With the right setup, PS1 games load perfectly every time, bringing classic PlayStation gaming back to life without errors.
What is a BIOS File and Why is it Important?
A BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a small file that helps your emulator imitate the hardware of a real PlayStation 1. Without it, the emulator has no idea how to load the games properly. The most common BIOS files are SCPH1001.bin, SCPH5500.bin, and SCPH7001.bin. These files must match the region and system version your game needs. Always use a BIOS legally from your own console for safety and compliance.
What Causes the PS1 BIOS Not Found Error?
This error happens because your emulator needs a BIOS file to start PS1 games, just like a console needs its system software to boot. When that file is missing, misplaced, or named incorrectly, the emulator cannot run any game. Most of the time, the error appears after a new emulator installation or when the BIOS folder is empty. Understanding this helps you fix it quickly.
Common Reasons for the BIOS Not Found Message
Sometimes the reason is as simple as a small mistake. When the emulator can’t find the BIOS, it usually means:
Checking these points often solves the problem before deeper troubleshooting.
How to Fix the BIOS Not Found Error in ePSXe?
The ePSXe emulator is one of the most used PlayStation emulators because it offers smooth gameplay and great compatibility. However, many users face the “BIOS Not Found” error when the emulator cannot locate the BIOS file it needs to start. This usually happens after installation or when the BIOS folder is empty. Follow these simple steps carefully, and you’ll fix the problem in minutes.
Step 1: Locate and Place the BIOS File
Before ePSXe can load any game, it must have access to a valid BIOS file. The most common one used is SCPH1001.bin, which helps the emulator act like a real PlayStation system. To fix the issue:
Once the file is in the right place, ePSXe will be able to read it the next time you open the emulator. This placement step is important because ePSXe only looks for BIOS files in that specific directory.
Step 2: Configure the BIOS Path
Even if the BIOS file is in the correct folder, ePSXe still needs to know where to look for it. Setting the BIOS path ensures the emulator recognizes the file automatically every time you launch it. To configure the path properly:
After this setup, ePSXe will save your BIOS location, so you won’t need to repeat this step unless you move the emulator to another folder.
Step 3: Test the Setup
Once you’ve placed the BIOS and configured the path, it’s time to check if everything is working correctly. Testing ensures the emulator can now read the BIOS and load games without any issues. To test your configuration:
If your setup is correct, the emulator will start the game smoothly without showing the “BIOS Not Found” message again. This confirms that your BIOS file is properly recognized and linked with ePSXe.
By completing these steps in order, you ensure that ePSXe knows exactly where to find your BIOS file every time you use it. This not only fixes the error permanently but also improves the emulator’s performance and stability for future gameplay sessions.
How to Fix the BIOS Not Found Error in DuckStation?
The DuckStation emulator is one of the best choices for PS1 emulation because it offers smooth performance and a modern interface. However, it still requires a proper BIOS setup to run games. When the emulator can’t detect this file, it shows the “BIOS Not Found” error. Thankfully, fixing it takes only a few steps if you follow them in the correct order.
Step 1: Put the BIOS in the Correct Folder
Before DuckStation can load your games, it needs the right BIOS file placed in the right folder. This file helps the emulator understand how to boot PlayStation games correctly. To set it up:
Once placed correctly, the emulator will be able to detect it, but you still need to tell DuckStation where to find it.
Step 2: Set the BIOS Path in Settings
Now that your BIOS file is in the right place, the next step is to connect it inside the emulator’s settings. This lets DuckStation remember the location automatically. To configure the BIOS path:
After saving the settings, DuckStation will store this path so it can always find your BIOS file when launching a game.
Step 3: Verify the BIOS is Working
Once the BIOS path is set, it’s important to make sure DuckStation can actually read and use the file. This quick test confirms that everything is properly configured. To verify your setup:
If you can see the BIOS version displayed there, it means the emulator successfully detected and loaded your BIOS file. The “BIOS Not Found” error should now be gone for good.
By completing these steps, you make sure that DuckStation always knows where your BIOS file is located. This setup not only fixes the error but also ensures that every PlayStation 1 game you load will start smoothly without any interruptions.
How to Fix the BIOS Not Found Error in RetroArch?
RetroArch is a multi-system emulator that supports hundreds of gaming platforms, including PlayStation 1. Because it handles many emulators through “cores,” its BIOS setup can sometimes confuse beginners. The “BIOS Not Found” error usually happens when the BIOS file isn’t stored in the right system folder or when the core can’t detect its location. The fix is easy once you understand where to place and link the BIOS file correctly.
Step 1: Locate the System Folder
Every installation of RetroArch includes a specific folder called system, where all BIOS files must be placed. This folder acts as a storage area for system files used by different emulator cores. To find it:
This folder is where RetroArch searches first when trying to load a BIOS file for PlayStation 1 or any other console.
Step 2: Place the BIOS File
Once you’ve found or created the system folder, it’s time to add the correct BIOS file. RetroArch needs a working PlayStation BIOS file to start PS1 games properly. To set it up:
Placing the BIOS in this exact location allows RetroArch to find it easily when any PS1 core tries to boot a game.
Step 3: Configure Core Options
After placing the BIOS file, RetroArch still needs to know which system folder to use for each core. This setup ensures that your selected PlayStation core recognizes the BIOS automatically. Follow these steps:
This configuration links the BIOS file to the PS1 core permanently, so you won’t need to redo this step again.
Step 4: Confirm the Fix
To make sure everything is working correctly, test your setup by running a PS1 game. If the BIOS file is linked properly, the game will start without showing any missing BIOS message. Here’s how to verify it:
If the error message doesn’t appear, that means RetroArch has successfully detected and loaded your BIOS file.
By completing these steps, you ensure that RetroArch recognizes your PlayStation BIOS every time you launch a game. This simple configuration not only removes the “BIOS Not Found” error but also helps your games run more smoothly and accurately, just like they did on the original console.
If the Error Still Appears: Advanced Troubleshooting
If the BIOS not found message still shows up, there are a few deeper things to check:
By reviewing each of these points carefully, you can remove any hidden cause behind the BIOS error.
How to Prevent BIOS Errors in the Future?
Once the problem is solved, it’s important to prevent it from coming back. You can do this by:
These small habits make sure your emulator always runs smoothly without repeating setup errors.
Conclusion
The “PS1 BIOS Not Found” error in ePSXe, DuckStation, and RetroArch can look confusing, but it’s one of the easiest issues to fix. The key is ensuring the BIOS file is correctly named, properly placed, and linked in the emulator’s settings. Once that’s done, your PS1 games will load perfectly every time.
To keep your emulation experience smooth, always use reliable BIOS files, update your emulator regularly, and double-check the file paths after any change. With just a few simple steps, you can bring back your favorite PlayStation classics without errors and enjoy gaming just as it was meant to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can using the wrong region BIOS cause the “BIOS Not Found” error?
Yes. Using a BIOS from a different region (for example a PAL version when the game is NTSC) may cause your emulator to fail detecting it correctly. Ensure you match the game region with the correct BIOS file so the emulator can recognize and use it.
Does my emulator need the BIOS file extracted or just placed in a compressed folder?
The BIOS file must be fully extracted and placed as a standalone .bin file — it cannot stay inside a .zip or .rar archive. Emulators scan for actual BIOS files, not compressed folders, so extraction is necessary for detection and proper function.
