How to Install NS USBloader on PC – Step‑by‑Step Simple Guide
NS USBloader is a handy tool for sending Nintendo Switch homebrew to your console via a USB cable. If you’ve never set it up on a Windows PC, the process can look a bit intimidating, but you’ll be up and running in under thirty minutes. Below is a straightforward walk‑through that assumes you have a fresh Windows installation and a standard USB‑C cable.
What You’ll Need
- Windows 10 or 11 PC – 64‑bit, with administrative rights.
- USB‑C to USB‑A cable – preferably the one that came with your Switch.
- Latest NS USBloader release – downloadable from the official GitHub page.
- Homebrew payload injector – such as RCM Loader or a compatible USB‑based loader.
Step 1: Download the Program
Head over to the GitHub repository (search “NS USBloader”). Click the Releases tab and grab the newest .zip file. Once downloaded, extract the archive to a folder you can easily locate – the desktop works fine.
Step 2: Install Required Drivers
The loader talks to the Switch through a custom USB driver. Inside the extracted folder you’ll find a Drivers sub‑directory. Run install_driver.exe as administrator; you’ll see a brief confirmation that the driver was installed.
If Windows blocks the installer, right‑click the file, select Properties**, and tick “Unblock”. Then try again.
Quick tip
Some antivirus programs flag the driver as suspicious. Whitelist the NS_USBloader folder to avoid false positives.
Step 3: Configure the Loader
Open NS_USBloader.exe. The first thing you’ll notice is the Device drop‑down. With the Switch in RCM mode and the cable plugged in, it should appear as “Nintendo Switch”. If it doesn’t, double‑check the driver status and ensure the console is correctly in RCM.
Next, set the Payload to the homebrew you want to inject – most people start with Atmosphere or a simple payload like hekate_ipl. Drag the payload file into the designated box or use the Browse button.
Step 4: Fire Up the Transfer
Click the “Start” button. You’ll hear a faint click from the Switch, indicating the payload is being delivered. If the UI shows “Success”, you’re golden – the homebrew should now be accessible from the Switch’s Album or Homebrew Menu.
Troubleshooting Common Hurdles
- Device not listed – Re‑install the driver, then restart the PC. Occasionally a USB port reset is needed; unplug and re‑plug the cable.
- Payload rejected – Verify the payload’s compatibility with your Switch’s firmware version. An outdated payload will fail silently.
- Antivirus interference – Temporarily disable real‑time scanning, or add an exclusion for the loader folder.
When in doubt, the GitHub Issues section is a treasure trove of community solutions. A quick search with your symptom usually points to a fix.
Optional: Automate Future Loads
If you plan to flash multiple payloads, consider creating a simple batch file:
@echo offcd "C:\Path\To\NS_USBloader"
NS_USBloader.exe -d "Nintendo Switch" -p "C:\Payloads\hekate_ipl.bin"
pause
Running the script launches the loader with your chosen payload in one click – a real time‑saver for frequent tinkers.
That’s all there is to it. With the driver installed, the loader configured, and a working USB‑C cable, you can push homebrew to your Switch whenever you like, all from the comfort of your PC.
