hactool --keyset=D:\switch\prod.keys game.nca This overrides all other search locations and is the most reliable method. For power users who run hactool from many locations, set the HACTOOL_KEYS_FILE environment variable.
C:\hactool\ ├── hactool.exe └── prod.keys hactool prodkeys does not exist fixed
Now that you've fixed the issue, you can continue decrypting and analyzing Nintendo Switch files. Good luck, and happy hactooling! Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. Only dump keys from hardware you own, and respect copyright laws in your jurisdiction. Do not use hactool to play pirated games. hactool --keyset=D:\switch\prod
header_key = XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX key_area_key_application_source = XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX key_area_key_application = XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX titlekek_source = XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX titlekek = XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX master_key_00 = XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX master_key_01 = XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ... Good luck, and happy hactooling
export HACTOOL_KEYS_FILE=/home/user/keys/prod.keys
If you are a Nintendo Switch homebrew enthusiast, a reverse engineer, or someone trying to dump or decrypt your own game files, you have likely encountered the frustrating hactool error: "Failed to locate prod.keys." or "prod.keys does not exist."
Remember the golden rule of homebrew: Always dump your own keys. Not only does it keep you legal, but it guarantees that hactool will work with your specific dumps.