RaceLab Support – Install & Login BasicsInstall & Login Basics
This page walks through the simple, “no surprises” way to install
RaceLab and log in for the first time. Once you are through these steps,
you will be ready to connect a sim and build your first overlay layout.
Before you start
It helps if you already have:
- Your Windows gaming PC set up and running reliably.
- At least one supported sim installed and tested.
- A RaceLab account created, even if it is just the free tier.
- The RaceLab installer downloaded to your PC.
1. Running the RaceLab installer
- Locate the installer file you downloaded earlier.
- Right-click it and choose Run as administrator
(this reduces the chance of permission issues).
- Follow the standard Windows installer steps:
- Agree to the licence terms.
- Choose the installation folder (most people leave the default).
- Let the installer complete.
- When the installer finishes, you can usually tick a box to
Launch RaceLab now.
Tip – let antivirus finish scanning
The first time you run a new app, some antivirus tools scan it in the
background. If RaceLab seems slow to appear after install, give it a
minute to complete that first scan.
2. First launch and login
- Open RaceLab:
- Either from the installer’s “Launch now” option, or
- From the new shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
- On first launch you should see a login or welcome screen.
- Enter the email and password you used when creating your RaceLab account.
- Click Sign in.
- Once logged in, RaceLab should show its main window with your
account name visible somewhere in the interface.
If you cannot log in
- Double-check your email address for typos.
- Use the “forgot password” option if you are not sure of your password.
- Make sure your PC has an active internet connection.
3. Letting RaceLab run alongside your sims
RaceLab is designed to run in the background while you drive. The normal
routine for a race night looks like this:
- Start your PC and log in to Windows.
- Launch the RaceLab app and log in (if it does not
auto-login).
- Minimise RaceLab or move it to a second monitor.
- Start your racing sim (for example iRacing or ACC).
- Once the sim is loaded, return to RaceLab and make sure the correct
game is selected or detected.
- Enable the layout you want to use (covered on the “First Overlay
Setup” page).
Tip – keep RaceLab open while you sim-hop
If you run more than one sim in a session, you can usually leave RaceLab
running and simply switch games. RaceLab will detect the new sim as long
as it is supported and properly configured.
4. Optional: starting RaceLab automatically
If you use RaceLab all the time, you may want it to start automatically
when Windows boots.
- Check inside the RaceLab settings for an option like
“Start with Windows” or “Launch at startup”.
- If you enable this, RaceLab will quietly appear each time you log in
to Windows, ready for your next driving session.
- You can always turn this back off later if you prefer to start it manually.
5. Logging out and switching accounts
Most people only ever use one RaceLab account, but if you do need to
switch:
- Look for a Log out or Sign out
option in the RaceLab app menu.
- After logging out, the app should go back to the login screen.
- Enter the details for the other account and sign in again.
Be careful with shared PCs
If you share your PC with other drivers or family members, make sure you
fully log out of RaceLab when you are finished. This avoids accidentally
using the wrong account or changing someone else’s layouts.
6. Quick “it’s installed correctly” checklist
Once you have completed this page, you should be able to say “yes” to:
- RaceLab installs without errors.
- The RaceLab app opens and shows a login screen.
- You can log in with your RaceLab account.
- The main RaceLab window opens and shows your account name.
- You can close and reopen RaceLab and it still works correctly.
If all of that works, you are ready for the next step:
First Overlay Setup, where we actually connect RaceLab
to your sim and get your first overlay on screen.
This page was created by a RaceLab community member
Scottozy, based on personal experience using
RaceLab together with publicly available documentation and community
feedback. It is an unofficial help page and is not an official RaceLab publication.
Sources & references
- RaceLab – installer behaviour and normal first-launch flow.
- RaceLab Garage – notes on login, startup behaviour and game detection.
- Real user experience from RaceLab community support discussions.