Shimeji Desktop ReloadedFrequently asked questions
What people ask most, before and after installing.
Is it free?
Yes, completely, with no ads in the app.
My antivirus flags the file. Is it a virus?
No. Shimeji Desktop Reloaded is built with AutoHotkey and bundles Java, and some antivirus programs are suspicious of little-known programs made with these tools. That’s called a false positive.
You can check that your file is the original with its SHA-256 checksum, shown on the Download page, and have it scanned on VirusTotal. If your antivirus blocks it, you can report it to the vendor as a false positive.
Windows says “Windows protected your PC”.
That’s the SmartScreen warning, shown for programs that aren’t signed with a paid certificate. Click More info, then Run anyway. Details are on the Download page.
Will it slow down my PC?
No, hardly at all. Until the Shimeji come out, the app just keeps an eye on your screens’ activity, which takes almost nothing. When they come out, the Java engine starts; it closes as soon as they’ve all left.
They never come to a screen taken by a fullscreen game, as long as that setting is on (it is by default).
Will they show up during my movies?
No, with the Not during videos setting, on by default: nobody comes to a screen where a video is playing.
I have several screens. How does that work?
You pick up to three screens. Each has its own idle timer, and when you come back to a screen, they leave that one or every screen, depending on your setting. It’s all in the guide.
How do I send them home right now?
Move the mouse or press a key on their screen. You can also right-click the icon next to the clock and choose Send them home, or Pause for an hour for some peace.
They threw my windows everywhere!
That’s Mischief. Your windows go back where they were when you return. If you’d rather they leave windows alone, turn off Mischief in the Behavior tab.
Does the app collect my data?
No. Shimeji Desktop Reloaded sends nothing over the internet. It only opens a web page when you click a link, like the character library. See the Privacy page.
How do I uninstall it?
In Settings, Apps, Installed apps, choose Shimeji Desktop Reloaded, then Uninstall. It asks whether to keep your settings and characters.
Is there a Mac or Linux version?
No, Shimeji Desktop Reloaded only runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11, 64-bit.
How do I add more characters?
Download a Shimeji’s file from its artist’s page, then drop it into the settings window. The steps are on the Characters page.