Boot.
Four steps, no shortcuts: install Kiln, install official firmware, boot system software, add the games you own.
Boot system software.
Firmware installed? Press Boot system software. The log confirms [BOOT] and the PS5 home comes up.
◎ At a glance
Reviewed 2026-10-13.
| Button | Boot system software (toolbar) |
| Requires | Official firmware installed first |
| Log line | [BOOT] System software |
| Result | PS5 home, booted state |
Boot it
- Confirm firmware is installed — the log should show the earlier [FW] PS5UPDATE.PUP line.
- Press Boot system software in the toolbar (or File menu). The log prints [BOOT] System software.
- The PS5 home comes up and the launcher shows the System software booted state. That is your green light.
- From here, add the games you own and press Start on a title.
If the boot hangs
First boot is the slowest — shaders and caches build. Give it time before deciding it is stuck.
If it never reaches home: reinstall firmware from a fresh Sony PUP, update your GPU driver, and confirm Kiln is using the discrete GPU. The boost fps checklist covers the usual culprits.
A frozen boot can look like a dead controller. Confirm your pad in a responding menu before remapping anything.
What booted means
Booted means the official system software is running inside Kiln on your Windows PC. Games launch from this state.
Questions
Boot button does nothing. Why?
Firmware is almost certainly missing. Install the official PUP via File then Install Firmware first, then boot.
First boot is slow. Is that normal?
Yes. First boot builds caches. Later boots are faster. Only worry if it never reaches the PS5 home.
Can I skip booting and launch games directly?
No. Games launch from the booted system-software state. Boot first, every session.
Related
Install firmware.
Download PS5UPDATE.PUP from Sony's official page, then File → Install Firmware. Official file only — Kiln never hosts it.
Add games.
Press Add games and point Kiln at the games you already own. Kiln ships zero games and explains zero ways to get them.
Boost fps.
The lab checklist for frames: right GPU, current driver, 1080p Performance preset, shader patience, NVMe, nothing else running.
DualSense.
DualSense over USB is the main pad. Xbox pads work on the same layout. Keyboard mapping covers no-pad days.
Windows installer · 400+ titles in the launcher
Get the launcher.
Install Firmware with your own PS5UPDATE.PUP, boot the system software, then start a game you own.