---
title: "Find the game executable folder | OptiScaler"
description: "OptiScaler goes next to the main game executable, not the launcher shortcut. Every store can open that folder for you."
canonical: https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-find-the-game-executable-folder
updated: 2026-10-18
---

# How to find the folder OptiScaler must go in

OptiScaler goes next to the main game executable, not the launcher shortcut. Every store can open that folder for you.

## Facts (2026-10-18)

- **Version:** OptiScaler 0.9.4 (reference build, July 2026)
- **APIs:** DirectX 11, DirectX 12, Vulkan
- **Upscalers:** DLSS, FSR and XeSS inputs/outputs where compatible
- **Frame generation:** Experimental OptiFG (DirectX 12)
- **Overlay:** Insert key
- **Install:** ZIP extracted next to the main game executable
- **Platform:** Windows; Linux via Proton/Wine varies
- **Site:** Independent guide — not the official project site

## In short

OptiScaler goes next to the main game executable, not the launcher shortcut. Every store can open that folder for you.

## Steps

1. Steam: right-click the game → Manage → Browse local files.

2. Other stores: use the game's install-location or show-folder option.

3. Look for the main .exe the game actually runs.

4. Extract OptiScaler there, after a backup.

## Facts that do not change

Reference build is OptiScaler 0.9.4. Install is a ZIP next to the main game executable; the overlay opens with Insert. Avoid online or anti-cheat protected games, and test offline first.

## FAQ

### What is OptiScaler?

OptiScaler is a community tool that can intercept supported in-game upscaler calls and redirect them to another supported upscaling backend, with additional tuning options.

### How does OptiScaler work in a game?

The game exposes an input upscaler, OptiScaler sits between the game and the selected output backend, and the chosen output handles the final upscaling path where compatibility allows.

### Does OptiScaler support DirectX 11?

Yes, DirectX 11 is supported, although the available output methods and behavior can differ from DirectX 12.

### Does OptiScaler support DirectX 12?

Yes. DirectX 12 has broad support and is also the API used by experimental OptiFG functionality.

## Related

- [OptiScaler how-to: install, overlay, FSR4 and fixes](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to)
- [OptiScaler FAQ: the official 20 questions, answered](https://optiscaler.ink/faq)
- [How to install OptiScaler](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-install-optiscaler)
- [How to open the OptiScaler overlay with Insert](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-open-the-overlay)
- [How to fix the OptiScaler overlay not showing](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-fix-overlay-not-showing)

## Download

ZIP next to the game executable: [Download OptiScaler](https://optiscaler.ink/download)

Markdown mirror: https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-find-the-game-executable-folder.md