Install Spool

Spool runs on Windows and Linux, including the gaming-handheld distros (Bazzite, CachyOS, SteamOS / Steam Deck). The library, save sync, LAN sharing, and cloud sync work the same on both.

Download

Grab the latest build from the Releases page:

• Windows — the Spool_<version>_x64-setup.exe installer.
• Linux — the Spool_<version>_amd64.AppImage.

Both platforms update themselves in place — when a new version is released, Spool prompts to download and apply it on the next launch.

Install

Windows

Run the …-setup.exe installer and follow the prompts. Spool installs per-user and adds a Start Menu entry.

Linux

Mark the AppImage executable and run it:

chmod +x Spool_*_amd64.AppImage
./Spool_*_amd64.AppImage

On a Steam Deck or other handheld, do this from Desktop Mode the first time. To launch your library from Game Mode without dropping to the desktop, install the Decky plugin.

Running Windows games on Linux

The Linux build launches Windows .exe games through Proton using umu-launcher (umu-run). It’s the one dependency Spool doesn’t bundle — install it from your distro’s package manager. Settings → Compatibility checks whether it’s present and gives per-distro install hints.

How Spool runs

Spool lives in your system tray. Closing the library window hides it to the tray rather than quitting, so it stays ready to launch games with no cold-start delay. Quit from the tray menu’s Quit Spool item.

Add your first game

1. Open Spool and choose Add Game.
2. Drop in (or browse for) the game’s .exe.
3. Spool identifies the game, suggests cover art, and shows ranked matches so its saves can be tracked. Pick the right match and add it — or add it without save tracking if you’d rather not.

Once a game is in your library, launching it from Spool restores the latest save before play and backs it up when you quit.

Next steps

• Set up cloud save sync so your saves follow you between devices.
• Transfer games over your LAN instead of re-downloading them.