Everything you need to know about setting up and using PersonalConsole.
A Windows shell replacement you drive with a game controller.
It replaces the Windows desktop with a full-screen, controller-first console interface: a tile desktop with tabs, an on-screen keyboard with word prediction, radial menus, a file browser, advanced gamepad mapping, and a system panel — all navigable without ever reaching for a mouse.
Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or newer, 64-bit.
Administrator. The application requests elevation on launch and will not work without it (Windows silently discards synthetic input sent to an elevated window from a non-elevated process).
Any XInput controller (Xbox and compatible pads).
Note: Controllers in DInput mode are read directly but lack force feedback. PlayStation and Switch controllers are not exposed to XInput by Windows at all; use a bridge such as DS4Windows or Steam Input.
Installer (Recommended):
1. Download the setup executable from the Releases page.
2. Run it and accept the elevation prompt. The wizard shows the license, lets you choose the install folder, and asks if you want a desktop shortcut.
Portable ZIP:
1. Download the zip and extract it to a folder you control. (Do not run it from inside the ZIP).
2. Run PersonalConsole.exe and accept the elevation prompt.
Either way, your settings will be stored in your Documents folder under 'PersonalConsole'.
• Connect a controller before launching so it is detected at startup.
• Open Preferences → Controller to confirm your input path.
• Open Console Mode and enable the console desktop.
• Use the mapping page to bind buttons. The 'Desktop' profile applies when no specific application matches.
Your settings, profiles, and themes live in Documents\PersonalConsole. Copying that folder to another machine carries your setup with it (except saved passwords, which are encrypted to the machine).
Go to Preferences → Update → Check for updates. This compares your running build against the latest release and opens the download page if a newer one exists. The check only runs when you press the button.
Note: This feature has not been tested yet and may not work properly.
Close the application (the Windows desktop and taskbar will be restored). If you enabled 'Launch on Startup', turn it off first so the scheduled task is removed.
Then, uninstall it from Windows Settings → Apps, or delete the folder if you used the portable ZIP.
Note: Uninstalling doesn't delete your personal settings in the Documents folder.
Currently, one controller drives the interface. Additional pads can run their own profiles, but menu navigation belongs to the first connected controller.
Tested only with XInput and DInput devices.
If PersonalConsole is useful to you, contributions are what keep it being developed. You can support us by donating on our Patreon.
Bug reports and feature requests are welcome in the Feedback section of our website. Please include your Windows version, controller model, and what you expected to happen.