General
What is Star-Launcher?
Star-Launcher is a lightweight Windows launcher and startup utility designed to simplify the Star Citizen setup workflow.
Is Star-Launcher an official Star Citizen or RSI product?
No. Star-Launcher is an independent community project. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cloud Imperium Games or Roberts Space Industries.
Does Star-Launcher replace the official game launcher?
No. Star-Launcher is intended to organize your surrounding startup workflow, not replace official game services or bypass their requirements.
Installation and updates
Can I download Star-Launcher from this website?
Yes. Use the Download page to get the latest stable Portable ZIP and view its release notes.
Does Star-Launcher require an installer?
No. Download the Portable ZIP, extract it, and run Star-Launcher.exe. Star-Launcher does not install a background service or force a particular folder.
What kind of computer do I need?
Star-Launcher is designed for 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
How do updates work?
Star-Launcher can check the official website for a newer stable release and apply supported updates while preserving its current location and user data. A manual Portable ZIP remains available from the Download page.
Profiles and tools
Can Star-Launcher start my head-tracking software?
Yes. Add or configure the application, select it in your profile, and Star-Launcher can include it in the launch routine. This helps avoid reaching the game and realizing the head-tracking app was forgotten.
Are controller tools required?
No. Controller preparation is optional. Enable only the tools used by your setup.
What is a controller preset?
A controller preset groups the controller tools and preparation settings a launch profile should use. Presets can be imported or exported, but exported presets omit machine-specific paths and do not replace an existing preset during import.
Does Star-Launcher include vJoy, HidHide, Joystick Gremlin, or other third-party tools?
No. Optional third-party tools are never bundled. You install and configure them separately, then point Star-Launcher to them.
Can I have more than one profile?
Yes. Separate profiles can represent different ships, controller arrangements, companion apps, or play styles.
Startup and control
Can a profile launch automatically?
Yes, if you explicitly enable that preference. A visible 10-second countdown lets you cancel. Automatic profile launch and starting Star-Launcher with Windows are separate settings.
Can I stop a launch that is already running?
Yes. The progress window provides a Stop control and keeps the results visible so you can see what completed and what needs attention.
Does Star-Launcher automate RSI login or store my credentials?
No. It does not replace or bypass RSI login, two-factor authentication, CAPTCHA, updates, UAC prompts, or other official security requirements.
Data and access
Will an account be required?
No. The website has no account system, and Star-Launcher does not require a Star-Launcher website account.
Where are my settings stored?
User data is stored under %APPDATA%\Star-Launcher. Existing data from the older %APPDATA%\StarLauncher location is migrated automatically when applicable.
Is the source code public?
No. Star-Launcher is proprietary freeware: it is free to use, while its source code remains private.