Batocera publishes its SHARE userdata partition over SMB while the system is running. In Windows 11, you can open it directly in File Explorer using a UNC path, map it as a drive, or create a permanent network-location shortcut.
The quickest method is to enter \BATOCERAshare in File Explorer. If Windows cannot resolve the hostname, use Batocera’s IP address instead.
Open Batocera’s share in Windows 11
- Start Batocera and connect both the Batocera device and your Windows 11 PC to the same local network.
- On Batocera, open Main Menu → Network Settings → IP Address. Note the displayed address, such as
192.168.1.2. - On Windows, open File Explorer.
- Click the address bar, enter one of these paths, and press Enter:
\BATOCERAshareOr use the IP address:
\192.168.1.2share
Replace 192.168.1.2 with the address shown on your Batocera system. The folder that opens is Batocera’s SHARE partition, which corresponds to the /userdata directory.
Browse the available shares
You can also enter only the hostname or IP address:
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\BATOCERAWindows should display the available SMB shares, including share. If the hostname does not work, try:
\192.168.1.2Use Windows UNC syntax in File Explorer. Do not enter smb://BATOCERA/share; that format is used by Linux-style file managers, not Windows File Explorer.
What is stored in the share?
The main folders you will use are:
| Windows path | Purpose |
|---|---|
\BATOCERAshareroms |
Game ROMs, organized into system folders |
\BATOCERAsharebios |
BIOS files required by some emulators |
\BATOCERAsharesaves |
Save files and save states |
\BATOCERAsharesystem |
System data, logs, themes, and configuration |
Batocera’s main configuration file is available from Windows at:
\BATOCERAsharesystembatocera.confCopy ROMs and BIOS files into the appropriate subfolders. After transferring files, restart Batocera or refresh the game list so the new content is detected.
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Mapping the share gives it a drive letter, making it easier to access from applications and save dialogs.
- Open File Explorer and enter
\BATOCERAin the address bar. If necessary, use\<Batocera-IP-address>instead. - Right-click the
sharefolder. - Select Map Network Drive….
- Choose an unused drive letter, such as
R:. - Select Finish.
The mapped share appears under This PC. It points to Batocera’s SHARE userdata partition, so a path such as R:roms accesses the same location as \BATOCERAshareroms.
Create a permanent shortcut without mapping a drive
A network location is useful if you want a shortcut but do not need a drive letter.
- Open File Explorer and select This PC.
- Right-click an empty area in the main pane and select Add a network location.
- Select Next, then select Next again.
- Enter
\BATOCERAshare. - If the hostname fails, enter
\<Batocera-IP-address>shareinstead. - Select Next, enter a name such as Batocera Share, and select Next.
- Select Finish.
The shortcut is listed in File Explorer under This PC. Older Batocera instructions may call this location This ComputerThis PC.
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Does Batocera require SMB activation?
Normally, no. Batocera’s SMB share is enabled by default while Batocera is running, and it exposes the userdata partition labeled SHARE. You generally do not need to activate anything on the Batocera side before connecting from Windows.
Batocera must be powered on, connected to the network, and not suspended or shut down. The share is provided by the running Batocera system rather than by the storage device when it is disconnected.
Credentials and the Batocera root password
With Batocera’s default security configuration, the share normally allows access without a username and password. Do not assume that Batocera’s default root password is required for this normal guest share.
If Enforce Security is enabled, Windows SMB access requires:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Username | root |
| Password | The current Batocera root password |
When Enforce Security is enabled, Batocera changes the default root password from linux to a randomly generated password. You can view it in Batocera under System Settings → Security.
To change the password, use:
Main Menu → System Settings → Security → Root Password
Enforce Security takes effect after a reboot. Batocera may also randomize the password again on the next reboot after hardware changes such as adding or removing an Ethernet interface. If a previously working password stops working, check the current password in the Security menu rather than repeatedly retrying the old one.
Fix “Batocera” missing from Network
Windows network discovery and SMB access are separate. Batocera may not appear in the Network section even though a direct UNC connection works.
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1. Connect directly using the IP address
First try:
\BATOCERAThen try the IP address shown in Main Menu → Network Settings → IP Address:
\192.168.1.2If the IP address works but BATOCERA does not, SMB is probably working. The failure is more likely hostname resolution or router handling of local hostnames. Continue using the IP address, or create a DHCP reservation in your router so Batocera keeps the same address.
2. Check that both devices are on the same network
Make sure the PC and Batocera are connected to the same home network. Some routers isolate wireless clients from wired clients, or prevent wireless devices from communicating with one another. Guest Wi-Fi networks commonly block local-device access as well.
3. Refresh the Network folder
If the Network list is stale, open the Network folder, click an item or an empty area, and press:
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →F5Then retry the direct UNC path. Direct access is preferable to waiting for Windows discovery if you already know Batocera’s hostname or IP address.
4. Set Windows 11’s network profile to Private
Batocera’s older troubleshooting instructions refer to changing a Home or Work network. Windows 11 now uses Public and Private profiles.
Set the active connection to Private:
- Open Settings → Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on the connection.
- Open the connected network’s properties.
- Set Network profile type to Private.
A Public profile can block local network sharing and discovery.
Should you enable SMB1 in Windows 11?
Usually, no. Windows 11 does not generally require SMB1 to access Batocera’s normal SMB share. Test both of these paths first:
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\BATOCERA
\<Batocera-IP-address>SMB1 is obsolete and insecure. Enable it only as a compatibility test for a specific legacy setup, not as the standard Batocera fix.
Batocera’s troubleshooting instructions describe enabling the feature by searching the Start menu for:
turn windows features on or offThen enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support, specifically the client component if Windows presents separate options, and reboot. Disable SMB1 again if it does not solve the problem or once the underlying issue is fixed.
Fix guest-access errors
Some Windows editions and versions reject unauthenticated guest SMB connections. A documented symptom is:
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Test the connection from Command Prompt with:
net use \BATOCERAIf the hostname does not resolve, test the IP address:
net use \192.168.1.2If Batocera has Enforce Security enabled, provide the username root and the current root password when Windows requests credentials.
Network share versus plugging the Batocera drive into Windows
Opening the share over the network is not the same as mounting Batocera’s physical storage drive. Batocera’s userdata partition is commonly formatted as ext4, which Windows 11 cannot normally browse by simply plugging the drive into the PC.
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For normal ROM, BIOS, save, and configuration transfers, use SMB while Batocera is running. Windows 11 WSL2 also has a physical-disk mounting command:
wsl --mount \.PHYSICALDRIVE1To unmount it:
wsl --unmount \.PHYSICALDRIVE1Replace the disk path with the actual physical drive. This method requires a Linux distribution installed in WSL2, works with a physical Linux-formatted disk, and does not connect to Batocera’s network share. Be careful to identify the correct disk; using the wrong disk path can expose or modify unrelated storage. Batocera also notes that a documented WSL2 bug can prevent devices detected as flash drives from being read.
Keep the SMB share on your local network
Batocera’s SMB service is intended for a trusted local network. Do not expose SMB directly to the public Internet through router port forwarding. If you need remote access, use a properly secured VPN rather than publishing SMB ports.
FAQ
What is the correct Windows 11 path for Batocera?
Enter \BATOCERAshare in File Explorer, or replace BATOCERA with Batocera’s IP address, for example \192.168.1.2share.
Why does Batocera not appear under Windows Network?
Discovery may be stale, blocked by the Windows network profile, or affected by router isolation. Try the direct UNC path \BATOCERA or \<Batocera-IP-address>. If the IP works but the hostname does not, the issue is probably hostname resolution.
What username and password does Batocera SMB use?
The default share normally requires no credentials. If Enforce Security is enabled, use username root and the current root password shown under System Settings → Security. The default password linux may no longer apply.
Do I need SMB1 to access Batocera from Windows 11?
Not normally. Try the hostname and IP-based UNC paths first. SMB1 is obsolete and should be enabled only as a narrowly targeted compatibility workaround.
Where should I copy ROMs and BIOS files?
Copy ROMs to \BATOCERAshareroms and BIOS files to \BATOCERAsharebios. Saves are under \BATOCERAsharesaves.
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Can Windows read the Batocera drive when it is plugged in directly?
Usually not through File Explorer because the userdata partition is commonly ext4. Use Batocera’s SMB share for routine transfers, or use WSL2 only when you specifically need to work with the physical Linux disk.
The Bottom Line
For most Windows 11 systems, the correct procedure is simply to start Batocera, find its address under Main Menu → Network Settings → IP Address, and open \<IP-address>share in File Explorer. Map that path if you want a drive letter. If access fails, check the network profile, router isolation, credentials, and hostname resolution before considering the insecure SMB1 workaround.
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