If you don't want to move your keys to a system folder, you can point hactool directly to the file using the Example Command: hactool -k prod.keys -t nca input.nca 3. Verify File Naming Computers can be picky. Ensure your file is exactly prod.keys.txt (common if "Hide file extensions" is on in Windows). (some systems are case-sensitive). 4. Re-Dump Your Keys
(Note: If the .switch folder does not exist, create a new folder and name it .switch )
Here is how to set this up on Windows, macOS, and Linux:
hactool is case-sensitive and expects the exact filename . hactool prodkeys does not exist
If you don't want to move the file to a default folder, you can explicitly tell hactool where the keys are using the hactool -k path/to/your/prod.keys [other arguments] Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 4. Verify Common Mistakes File Extension : Ensure the file isn't named prod.keys.txt
: The file must be a plain text file where each line follows the format key_name = HEXADECIMALKEY .
A foolproof method is to always explicitly point to your prod.keys file: hactool -k "C:\path\to\your\prod.keys" your_file.nca If you don't want to move your keys
Think of prod.keys as the master keyring to the Nintendo Switch's file system. The Nintendo Switch is a heavily secured console, and its critical files—like game data (NCA files) and save files—are stored in an encrypted format. To read or modify these files, you need the correct cryptographic keys to unlock them. This is where hactool and its keyfile come in.
Hactool is a popular, open-source tool designed for Nintendo enthusiasts and developers. It allows users to manage and edit various aspects of Nintendo Switch and 3DS games, including decryption, encryption, and verification of file signatures. Despite a hiccup with a non-existent prodkeys feature, hactool offers a robust set of functionalities that make it a valuable asset for anyone working with Nintendo games.
Look for a folder named .switch (note the dot at the beginning). (some systems are case-sensitive)
cannot find the cryptographic keys required to decrypt Switch files. To fix this, you need to manually provide the file and ensure hactool is looking in the right place. 1. Locate or Generate Your Keys Hactool requires a file (usually named ) containing your system's unique keys. Generate them Lockpick_RCM on a hacked Switch to dump your own keys. According to Reddit users , the resulting file will be in the folder on your SD card. Standard Naming : Ensure the file is named exactly 2. Configure the File Path
The software will generate a file named prod.keys (and often title.keys ) on your Switch’s SD card (usually inside the /switch/ or /backup/ folder).