diff --git a/.github/workflows/gen_emu_config-build-win.yml b/.github/workflows/gen_emu_config-build-win.yml
index 833b37bd..2ac03377 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/gen_emu_config-build-win.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/gen_emu_config-build-win.yml
@@ -44,6 +44,21 @@ jobs:
         with:
           ref: "third-party/build/win"
           path: "${{env.THIRD_PARTY_BASE_DIR}}/build/win"
+          
+      ## clone this for 7za.exe
+      - name: "Clone third-party deps (deps/win)"
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          ref: "third-party/deps/win"
+          path: "${{env.THIRD_PARTY_BASE_DIR}}/deps/win"
+          
+      # download artifacts
+      - name: "Download emu build artifacts (Win)"
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          path: "build/win"
+          pattern: "emu-win-*"
+          merge-multiple: true
 
       # env
       - name: "Install env"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/migrate_gse-build-win.yml b/.github/workflows/migrate_gse-build-win.yml
index 34913db8..163791ff 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/migrate_gse-build-win.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/migrate_gse-build-win.yml
@@ -44,6 +44,21 @@ jobs:
         with:
           ref: "third-party/build/win"
           path: "${{env.THIRD_PARTY_BASE_DIR}}/build/win"
+          
+      ## clone this for 7za.exe
+      - name: "Clone third-party deps (deps/win)"
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          ref: "third-party/deps/win"
+          path: "${{env.THIRD_PARTY_BASE_DIR}}/deps/win"
+          
+      # download artifacts
+      - name: "Download emu build artifacts (Win)"
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          path: "build/win"
+          pattern: "emu-win-*"
+          merge-multiple: true
 
       # env
       - name: "Install env"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 82a8ba3f..fbdf2df4 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -187,6 +187,7 @@ jobs:
           retention-days: 7
 
   gen_emu_script-win:
+    needs: ["emu-win-all"] # add emu-win-all to wait for emu build to complete, so that we include the latest dlls and tools in generate_emu_config
     name: "Gen emu config win"
     if: ${{ !cancelled() }}
     uses: "./.github/workflows/gen_emu_config-build-win.yml"
@@ -247,6 +248,7 @@ jobs:
           retention-days: 7
 
   gen_emu_script-linux:
+    needs: ["emu-linux-all"] # add emu-linux-all to wait for emu build to complete (not really needed but included for better build matrix visualization)
     name: "Gen emu config linux"
     if: ${{ !cancelled() }}
     uses: "./.github/workflows/gen_emu_config-build-linux.yml"
@@ -299,6 +301,7 @@ jobs:
           retention-days: 7
 
   migrate_gse_script-win:
+    needs: ["emu-win-all"] # add emu-win-all to wait for emu build to complete, so that we include the latest dlls and tools in migrate_gse
     name: "Migrate GSE win"
     if: ${{ !cancelled() }}
     uses: "./.github/workflows/migrate_gse-build-win.yml"
@@ -359,6 +362,7 @@ jobs:
           retention-days: 7
 
   migrate_gse_script-linux:
+    needs: ["emu-linux-all"] # add emu-linux-all to wait for emu build to complete (not really needed but included for better build matrix visualization)
     name: Migrate GSE linux
     if: ${{ !cancelled() }}
     uses: "./.github/workflows/migrate_gse-build-linux.yml"
diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index f9e98206..a70e5cbf 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -20,13 +20,48 @@
 /tools/generate_emu_config/.env*/
 /tools/generate_emu_config/bin
 
-/tools/generate_emu_config/backup/
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z
+
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z
+
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.exe
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces64.exe
+
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.exe
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect64.exe
+
+/tools/generate_emu_config/_OUTPUT/
+
 /tools/generate_emu_config/login_temp/
-/tools/generate_emu_config/output/
 /tools/generate_emu_config/**/my_login.txt
-/tools/generate_emu_config/top_owners_ids.txt
 
 # migrate_gse
 /tools/migrate_gse/.py*/
 /tools/migrate_gse/.env*/
 /tools/migrate_gse/bin
+
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z
+
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z
+
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.exe
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces64.exe
+
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.exe
+/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect64.exe
+
+/tools/migrate_gse/_OUTPUT/
diff --git a/build_win_premake_gemu.bat b/build_win_premake_gemu.bat
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..2f7cd518
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build_win_premake_gemu.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+@echo off
+
+call "build_win_premake.bat"
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.cfg b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.cfg
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.cfg
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.exe b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.exe
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.exe
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.cfg b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.cfg
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.cfg
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.exe b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.exe
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.exe
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.exe b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.exe
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.exe
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.cfg b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.cfg
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.cfg
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.exe b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.exe
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.exe
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index a9c68615..00000000
Binary files a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll
deleted file mode 100644
index 5f3fb1d9..00000000
Binary files a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index cd3abcd0..00000000
Binary files a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll
deleted file mode 100644
index 39f7a970..00000000
Binary files a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3 b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3 b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3 b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3 b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/emu_version.txt b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_settings/emu_version.txt
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/emu_version.txt
rename to tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/0/steam_settings/emu_version.txt
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index 0703509c..00000000
Binary files a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z b/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index 6b875ed6..00000000
Binary files a/tools/generate_emu_config/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/bat/_pack_api.bat b/tools/generate_emu_config/bat/_pack_api.bat
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..00b90537
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/generate_emu_config/bat/_pack_api.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+@echo off
+setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion
+cd /d "%~dp0"
+
+set /a "MAX_THREADS=2"
+if defined NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS (
+  :: use 70%
+  set /a "MAX_THREADS=%NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS% * 70 / 100"
+  if %MAX_THREADS% lss 1 (
+    set /a "MAX_THREADS=1"
+  )
+)
+
+set "ROOT=%cd%"
+set "BUILD_DIR=..\..\..\build\win\vs2022"
+set "OUT_DIR=..\build\package\win"
+
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\release\" (
+  1>&2 echo:release build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\debug\" (
+  1>&2 echo:debug build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+set /a "PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT=90"
+set /a "PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB=384"
+set "PKG_EXE=..\..\..\third-party\deps\win\7za\7za.exe"
+if not exist "%PKG_EXE%" (
+  1>&2 echo:packager wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+echo:// packing latest steam_api.dll for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\release"
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\debug"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\release\steam_api.dll"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api.dll"*
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\debug"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\debug\steam_api.dll"*
+rem xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api.dll"* rem do not overwrite dll with debug version
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+echo:// packing latest steam_api64.dll for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\release"
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\debug"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\release\steam_api64.dll"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64.dll"*
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\debug"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\debug\steam_api64.dll"*
+rem xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64.dll"* rem do not overwrite dll with debug version
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+goto :end_script
+
+:end_script
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 0
+
+:end_script_with_err
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 1
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/bat/_pack_exe.bat b/tools/generate_emu_config/bat/_pack_exe.bat
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7ec6bf65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/generate_emu_config/bat/_pack_exe.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+@echo off
+setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion
+cd /d "%~dp0"
+
+set /a "MAX_THREADS=2"
+if defined NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS (
+  :: use 70%
+  set /a "MAX_THREADS=%NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS% * 70 / 100"
+  if %MAX_THREADS% lss 1 (
+    set /a "MAX_THREADS=1"
+  )
+)
+
+set "ROOT=%cd%"
+set "BUILD_DIR=..\..\..\build\win\vs2022"
+set "OUT_DIR=..\build\package\win"
+
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\release\" (
+  1>&2 echo:release build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\debug\" (
+  1>&2 echo:debug build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+set /a "PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT=90"
+set /a "PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB=384"
+set "PKG_EXE=..\..\..\third-party\deps\win\7za\7za.exe"
+if not exist "%PKG_EXE%" (
+  1>&2 echo:packager wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+echo:// packing latest generate_interfaces.exe for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces_x32.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces.exe"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces_x64.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces64.exe"*
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+echo:// packing latest lobby_connect.exe for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect_x32.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect\lobby_connect.exe"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect_x64.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect\lobby_connect64.exe"*
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+goto :end_script
+
+:end_script
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 0
+
+:end_script_with_err
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 1
diff --git a/tools/generate_emu_config/rebuild_win.bat b/tools/generate_emu_config/rebuild_win.bat
index e7062e60..87feac60 100644
--- a/tools/generate_emu_config/rebuild_win.bat
+++ b/tools/generate_emu_config/rebuild_win.bat
@@ -49,6 +49,9 @@ pyinstaller "stats_schema_achievement_gen\achievements_gen.py" --distpath "%OUT_
 )
 call "%SIGNER_TOOL%" "%OUT_DIR%\parse_achievements_schema\parse_achievements_schema.exe"
 
+call ".\bat\_pack_api.bat"
+call ".\bat\_pack_exe.bat"
+
 xcopy /s /y /e "post_build" "%out_dir%\generate_emu_config\"
 xcopy /s /y /e "_DEFAULT" "%out_dir%\generate_emu_config\_DEFAULT\"
 
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.cfg b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.cfg
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.cfg
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.exe b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_acw_helper.exe
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_acw_helper.exe
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.cfg b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.cfg
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.cfg
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.exe b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_debug_switch.exe
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_debug_switch.exe
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.cfg
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.exe b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_generate_interfaces.exe
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_generate_interfaces.exe
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.cfg b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.cfg
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.cfg
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.cfg
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.exe b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/gse_lobby_connect.exe
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/gse_lobby_connect.exe
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index a1b35a78..00000000
Binary files a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll
deleted file mode 100644
index a90054e6..00000000
Binary files a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api.dll and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index 1e741114..00000000
Binary files a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll
deleted file mode 100644
index 1d72bd5b..00000000
Binary files a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_api64.dll and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za-license.txt
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/7za/7za.exe
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3-license.txt
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/au3.exe
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.a3x
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3 b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.au3
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ff516360
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+[ARC_NAME]
+
+extra_acw = extra_acw.zip
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x
similarity index 58%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x
index 25d8ead7..0702b6f9 100644
Binary files a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x and b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.a3x differ
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3 b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
similarity index 55%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
index d2e42dca..ae0f1a33 100644
--- a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.au3
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ $steamclient_debug = IniRead(@ScriptDir & "\" & StringTrimRight(@ScriptName, 4)
 $steamclient64_debug = IniRead(@ScriptDir & "\" & StringTrimRight(@ScriptName, 4) & ".ini", "DLL_PATH", "steamclient64_debug", "debug\steamclient64.dll")
 
 If FileReadLine(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 1) == "release" Then
-	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api) Then
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api) Then ; replace steam_api.dll if it exists
 		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
 		$steam_api_dst = StringTrimLeft($steam_api_release, StringInStr($steam_api_release, "\", 0, -1))
 		$steam_api_debug_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api, 3) & "\" & $steam_api_debug, "\\", "\")
@@ -39,7 +39,19 @@ If FileReadLine(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 1) == "release"
 		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "debug" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'debug' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'release' version")
 		FileClose($hFileOpen)
 	EndIf
-	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient) Then
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api64) Then ; replace steam_api64.dll if it exists
+		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api64 & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api64, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
+		$steam_api64_dst = StringTrimLeft($steam_api64_release, StringInStr($steam_api64_release, "\", 0, -1))
+		$steam_api64_debug_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api64, 3) & "\" & $steam_api64_debug, "\\", "\")
+		If FileExists($steam_api64_dst) Then
+			FileMove($steam_api64_debug_src, $steam_api64_dst, 1)
+		EndIf
+		DirRemove(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api64, 3), 1)
+		$hFileOpen = FileOpen(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 2+8)
+		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "debug" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'debug' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'release' version")
+		FileClose($hFileOpen)
+	EndIf
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient) Then ; replace steamclient.dll if it exists
 		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
 		$steamclient_dst = StringTrimLeft($steamclient_release, StringInStr($steamclient_release, "\", 0, -1))
 		$steamclient_debug_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient, 3) & "\" & $steamclient_debug, "\\", "\")
@@ -51,8 +63,20 @@ If FileReadLine(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 1) == "release"
 		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "debug" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'debug' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'release' version")
 		FileClose($hFileOpen)
 	EndIf
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient64) Then ; replace steamclient64.dll if it exists
+		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient64 & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient64, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
+		$steamclient64_dst = StringTrimLeft($steamclient64_release, StringInStr($steamclient64_release, "\", 0, -1))
+		$steamclient64_debug_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient64, 3) & "\" & $steamclient64_debug, "\\", "\")
+		If FileExists($steamclient64_dst) Then
+			FileMove($steamclient64_debug_src, $steamclient64_dst, 1)
+		EndIf
+		DirRemove(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient64, 3), 1)
+		$hFileOpen = FileOpen(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 2+8)
+		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "debug" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'debug' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'release' version")
+		FileClose($hFileOpen)
+	EndIf
 ElseIf FileReadLine(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 1) == "debug" Then
-	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api) Then
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api) Then ; replace steam_api.dll if it exists
 		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
 		$steam_api_dst = StringTrimLeft($steam_api_debug, StringInStr($steam_api_debug, "\", 0, -1))
 		$steam_api_release_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api, 3) & "\" & $steam_api_release, "\\", "\")
@@ -64,7 +88,19 @@ ElseIf FileReadLine(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 1) == "debug
 		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "release" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'release' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'debug' version")
 		FileClose($hFileOpen)
 	EndIf
-	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient) Then
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api64) Then ; replace steam_api.dll if it exists
+		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steam_api64 & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api64, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
+		$steam_api64_dst = StringTrimLeft($steam_api64_debug, StringInStr($steam_api64_debug, "\", 0, -1))
+		$steam_api64_release_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api64, 3) & "\" & $steam_api64_release, "\\", "\")
+		If FileExists($steam_api64_dst) Then
+			FileMove($steam_api64_release_src, $steam_api64_dst, 1)
+		EndIf
+		DirRemove(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steam_api64, 3), 1)
+		$hFileOpen = FileOpen(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 2+8)
+		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "release" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'release' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'debug' version")
+		FileClose($hFileOpen)
+	EndIf
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient) Then ; replace steamclient.dll if it exists
 		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
 		$steamclient_dst = StringTrimLeft($steamclient_debug, StringInStr($steamclient_debug, "\", 0, -1))
 		$steamclient_release_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient, 3) & "\" & $steamclient_release, "\\", "\")
@@ -76,6 +112,18 @@ ElseIf FileReadLine(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 1) == "debug
 		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "release" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'release' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'debug' version")
 		FileClose($hFileOpen)
 	EndIf
+	If FileExists(@ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient64) Then ; replace steamclient64.dll if it exists
+		$7za_exit = ShellExecuteWait(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\tools\7za\7za.exe", 'x "' & @ScriptDir & "\" & $arc_steamclient64 & '" -o"' & @ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient64, 3) & '" -aoa', "", "", @SW_HIDE)
+		$steamclient64_dst = StringTrimLeft($steamclient64_debug, StringInStr($steamclient64_debug, "\", 0, -1))
+		$steamclient64_release_src = StringReplace(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient64, 3) & "\" & $steamclient64_release, "\\", "\")
+		If FileExists($steamclient64_dst) Then
+			FileMove($steamclient64_release_src, $steamclient64_dst, 1)
+		EndIf
+		DirRemove(@ScriptDir & "\steam_misc\" & StringTrimRight($arc_steamclient64, 3), 1)
+		$hFileOpen = FileOpen(@ScriptDir & "\steam_settings\emu_version.txt", 2+8)
+		FileWrite($hFileOpen, "release" & @CRLF & @CRLF & "you are currently using the 'release' version of the emulator" & @CRLF & "run 'gse_debug_switch.exe' if you want to use the 'debug' version")
+		FileClose($hFileOpen)
+	EndIf
 EndIf
 
 
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/debug_switch.ini
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.a3x
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3 b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.au3
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/generate_interfaces.ini
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.a3x
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3 b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.au3
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/lobby_connect.ini
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/acw_helper.bat
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/debug_switch.bat
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/generate_interfaces.bat
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_misc/tools/bat/lobby_connect.bat
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/emu_version.txt b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_settings/emu_version.txt
similarity index 100%
rename from tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/emu_version.txt
rename to tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/0/steam_settings/emu_version.txt
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini
deleted file mode 100644
index fbe73d68..00000000
--- a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/au3/scripts/acw_helper.ini
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@
-[ARC_NAME]
-
-extra_acw = extra_acw.7z
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index f22a8221..00000000
Binary files a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/generate_interfaces/generate_interfaces.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z
deleted file mode 100644
index b915ab27..00000000
Binary files a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_misc/tools/lobby_connect/lobby_connect.7z and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.app.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.app.ini
index 9b0a19b7..3a672775 100644
--- a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.app.ini
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.app.ini
@@ -3,16 +3,21 @@
 # ################################################################################ #
 
 [app::general]
-# by default the emu will report a 'non-beta' branch when the game calls 'Steam_Apps::GetCurrentBetaName()'
-# if 1, makes the game/app think we're playing on a beta branch
+# by default the emu will report a 'non-beta' branch when the game calls `Steam_Apps::GetCurrentBetaName()`
+# 1=make the game/app think we're playing on a beta branch
+# default=0
 is_beta_branch=0
-# the name of the current branch - this must also exist in 'branches.json'
-# otherwise it'll be ignored and the default 'public' branch will be used
+# the name of the current branch, this must also exist in 'branches.json'
+# otherwise will be ignored by the emu and the default 'public' branch will be used
+# default=public
 branch_name=public
 
 [app::dlcs]
-# report all DLCs as unlocked; some games check for 'hidden' DLCs, hence this should be set to 1 in that case
-# however, other games detect emus by querying for a fake/bad DLC, hence this should be set to 0 in that case
+# 1=report all DLCs as unlocked
+# 0=report only the DLCs mentioned
+# some games check for 'hidden' DLCs, hence this should be set to 1 in that case
+# but other games detect emus by querying for a fake/bad DLC, hence this should be set to 0 in that case
+# default=1
 unlock_all=0
 # format: ID=name
 #   1234=DLCNAME
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.main.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.main.ini
index e92b7034..b822babe 100644
--- a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.main.ini
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.main.ini
@@ -3,78 +3,136 @@
 # ################################################################################ #
 
 [main::general]
-# generate new app auth ticket
+# 1=generate newer version of Auth ticket, used by some modern apps/games
+# default=0
 new_app_ticket=1
-# generate/embed GC token inside new app ticket
+# 1=generate/embed Game Coordinator token inside the new Auth ticket
+# default=0
 gc_token=1
-# pretend the app is running on a steam deck
+# 1=pretend the app is running on a Steam Deck
+# default=0
 steam_deck=0
-# enable avatar functionality
-enable_account_avatar=0
-# prevent Steam_User_Stats::FindLeaderboard() from always succeeding and creating the unknown leaderboard
-# default=0, not recommended to change it
-disable_leaderboards_create_unknown=0
-# by default, the emu will only save/update stats defined in 'stats.txt', unknown stats requested or updated by the game will be rejected
-# set this to 1 to allow unknown stats
-allow_unknown_stats=0
-# if 0, whenever a game updates a stat which is tied to an achievement progress, the emu will save that stat progress immediately
-# some games will update the stat very frequently (with lower & higher values) resulting in a spam of disk writes or overlay notifications
-# set this to 1 to save stat progress only on higher progress value, thus avoiding spam of disk writes or overlay notifications
-# this has no impact on the stat itself, only the achievement progress of a stat tied to an achievement progress
-# also, this has no impact on the functions which directly change stats, achievements, or achievements progress
-save_only_higher_stat_achievement_progress=1
-# synchronize user stats/achievements with game servers as soon as possible instead of caching them until the next call to `Steam_RunCallbacks()`
-# default=0, not recommended to change it
+# 1=enable avatar functionality
+# default=0
+enable_account_avatar=1
+# 1=synchronize user stats/achievements with game servers as soon as possible instead of caching them until the next call to `Steam_RunCallbacks()`
+# not recommended to enable this
+# default=0
 immediate_gameserver_stats=0
-# use the proper type of the server list (internet, friends, etc...) when requested by the game
-# otherwise, the emu will always return the type 'LAN server'
-# default=0, not recommended to change it
+# 1=use the proper type of the server list (internet, friends, etc...) when requested by the game
+# 0=always return the type of the server list as 'LAN server'
+# not recommended to enable this
+# default=0
 matchmaking_server_list_actual_type=0
-# grab the server details for match making using an actual server query
-# default=0, not recommended to change it
+# 1=grab the server details for match making using an actual server query
+# 0=use the info from the local network messages shared between client/server
+# not recommended to enable this, currently breaks some games
+# default=0
 matchmaking_server_details_via_source_query=0
 # very basic crash logger/printer
 # this is intended to debug some annoying scenarios, and best used with the debug build of the emu
+# default=
 crash_printer_location=./EMU_CRASHES.txt
 
+[main::stats]
+# 1=prevent `Steam_User_Stats::FindLeaderboard()` from always succeeding and creating the unknown leaderboard
+# not recommended to enable this
+# default=0
+disable_leaderboards_create_unknown=0
+# the emu will only save/update stats defined by the user, unknown stats requested or updated by the game will be rejected
+# 1=allow unknown stats to be saved/updated
+# default=0
+allow_unknown_stats=0
+# the emu has an internal extra functionality which reports an achievement progress when a stat that's tied to an achievement is updated
+# also the progress is saved to disk (usual local storage folder for the current appid) so that external applications can watch these updates
+# 1=enable this functionality
+# only used internally for a stat that's tied to an achievement, the normal achievement progress requests made by the game are not impacted
+# some applications tie many stats to achievements, and update these stats very frequently, causing a spam of disk writes and overlay popups
+# in that case you can disable this functionality (set the value to 0), but the stat progress won't be saved or displayed in the overlay
+# default=1
+stat_achievement_progress_functionality=1
+# whenever a game updates a stat which is tied to an achievement progress, the emu will save that progress immediately
+# but some games will update the stat very frequently (with lower & higher values) resulting in a spam of disk writes or overlay notifications
+# 0=save any stat achievement progress value (higher or lower) 
+# 1=save stat achievement progress value only if it is higher than the current one
+# this has no impact on the stat itself, only the achievement progress
+# also has no impact on the functions which directly change stats, achievements, or achievements progress
+# default=1
+save_only_higher_stat_achievement_progress=1
+# the emulator loads the achievements icons is memory, this is needed for APIs like `ISteamUserStats::GetAchievementIcon()` and the overlay
+# the loaded icon size is controlled by [overlay::appearance] -> Icon_Size, in the file configs.overlay.ini
+# this value controls how many icons to load each iteration when the periodic callback of the emu is triggered
+# or when the app/game calls `SteamAPI_RunCallbacks()`
+# each achievement has 2 icons, one when it's locked and another when it's unlocked, so a value of 10 means loading 20 icons
+# increasing this value will cause a huge startup delay
+# -1=disable this functionality (`ISteamUserStats::GetAchievementIcon()` and the overlay won't be able to use icons)
+#  0=load the icon in memory only when it's requested
+# default=10
+paginated_achievements_icons=10
+
 [main::connectivity]
-# prevent hooking OS networking APIs and allow any external requests
-# only used by the experimental builds on Windows
+# 1=prevent hooking OS networking APIs and allow any external requests
+# only used by the experimental builds on **Windows**
+# default=0
 disable_lan_only=1
-# disable all steam networking interface functionality - this won't prevent games/apps from making external requests
+# 1=disable all Steam networking interface functionality
+# this won't prevent games/apps from making external requests
 # networking related functionality like lobbies or those that launch a server in the background will not work
+# default=0
 disable_networking=0
 # change the UDP/TCP port the emulator listens on, you should probably not change this because everyone needs to use the same port or you won't find yourselves on the network
+# default=47584
 listen_port=47584
-# pretend steam is running in offline mode; some games that connect to online servers might only work if the steam emu behaves like steam is in offline mode
+# 1=pretend Steam is running in offline mode, mainly affects the function `ISteamUser::BLoggedOn()`
+# Some games that connect to online servers might only work if the Steam emu behaves like Steam is in offline mode
+# default=0
 offline=0
-# prevent sharing stats and achievements with any game server, also disables the interface ISteamGameServerStats
+# 1=prevent sharing stats and achievements with any game server, this also disables the interface `ISteamGameServerStats`
+# default=0
 disable_sharing_stats_with_gameserver=0
-# do not send server details to the server browser, only works for game servers
+# 1=do not send server details to the server browser, only works for game servers
+# default=0
 disable_source_query=0
-# enable sharing leaderboards scores with people playing the same game on the same network
+# 1=enable sharing leaderboards scores with people playing the same game on the same network
+# not ideal and synchronization isn't perfect
+# default=0
 share_leaderboards_over_network=0
-# prevent lobby creation in steam matchmaking interface
+# 1=prevent lobby creation in the Steam matchmaking interface
+# default=0
 disable_lobby_creation=0
-# attempt to download external HTTP(S) requests made via Steam_HTTP::SendHTTPRequest() inside "steam_settings/http/"
+# 1=attempt to download external HTTP(S) requests made via `Steam_HTTP::SendHTTPRequest()` inside 'steam_settings/http/' folder
 # make sure to:
 # * set disable_lan_only=1
 # * set disable_networking=0
 # this will **not** work if the app is using native/OS web APIs
-download_steamhttp_requests=1
+# default=0
+download_steamhttp_requests=0
 
 ############################################
 # mostly workarounds for specific problems #
 ############################################
 
 [main::misc]
-# force SetAchievement() to always return true
+# 1=force `ISteamUserStats::SetAchievement()` to always return true
+# this is a workaround for some games that otherwise won't work
+# default=0
 achievements_bypass=0
-# force the function Steam_HTTP::SendHTTPRequest() to always succeed
+# force the function 'Steam_HTTP::SendHTTPRequest()' to always succeed
+# default=0
 force_steamhttp_success=0
-# env var SteamOverlayGameId breaks Steam Input when the game is added to Steam as a non-steam game
+# env var `SteamOverlayGameId` breaks Steam Input when the game is added to Steam as a non-steam game
+# 1=don't write this env var, allowing Steam Input to work
+# default=1
 disable_steamoverlaygameid_env_var=1
-# add many Steam apps to the list of owned DLCs and the emu's list of installed app IDs, useful for many Source-based games
+# 1=add many Steam apps to the list of owned DLCs and the emu's list of installed app IDs
+# useful for many Source-based games
 # https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Steam_Application_IDs
 # https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Dedicated_Servers_List
+# default=0
 enable_steam_preowned_ids=0
+# some Source-based games use the interface `ISteamGameStats` to report some stats
+# you can make the emu save this data to a folder
+# empty value = don't save anything (default)
+# the emu will create the folders if they are missing but the path specified must be writable
+# default=
+steam_game_stats_reports_dir=
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.overlay.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.overlay.ini
index 8e282a59..95e0d7a4 100644
--- a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.overlay.ini
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.overlay.ini
@@ -6,33 +6,49 @@
 # ################################################################################ #
 
 [overlay::general]
-# enable the experimental overlay, might cause crashes
-enable_experimental_overlay=1
+# 1=enable the experimental overlay, might cause crashes
+# default=1
+enable_experimental_overlay=0
 # amount of time to wait before attempting to detect and hook the renderer (DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan, etc...)
 # default=0
 hook_delay_sec=0
 # timeout for the renderer detector
 # default=15
 renderer_detector_timeout_sec=15
-# disable the achievements notifications
+# 1=disable the achievements notifications
+# default=0
 disable_achievement_notification=0
-# disable friends invitations and messages notifications
+# 1=disable friends invitations and messages notifications
+# default=0
 disable_friend_notification=0
-# disable showing notifications for achievements progress
+# 1=disable showing notifications for achievements progress
+# default=0
 disable_achievement_progress=0
-# disable any warning in the overlay
+# 1=disable any warning in the overlay
+# default=0
 disable_warning_any=0
-# disable the bad app ID warning in the overlay
+# 1=disable the bad app ID warning in the overlay
+# default=0
 disable_warning_bad_appid=0
-# disable the local_save warning in the overlay
+# 1=disable the local_save warning in the overlay
+# default=0
 disable_warning_local_save=0
+# by default the overlay will attempt to upload the achievements icons to the GPU
+# so that they are displayed, in rare cases this might keep failing and cause FPS drop
+# 0=prevent the overlay from attempting to upload the icons periodically,
+#   in that case achievements icons won't be displayed
+# default=1
+upload_achievements_icons_to_gpu=1
 
 [overlay::appearance]
-# load custom TrueType font from an absolute or relative path
-# relative paths will be looked up inside the local folder 'steam_settings/fonts' first,
-# if not found, it will be looked up inside the global folder 'GSE Settings/settings/fonts'
-#Font_Override=Roboto-Medium.ttf
-# global font size - for built-in font, multiple of 16 is recommended, e.g. 16, 32, etc
+# load custom TrueType font from a path, it could be absolute, or relative
+# relative paths will be looked up inside the local folder 'steam_settings/fonts/' first,
+# if that wasn't found, it will be looked up inside the global folder 'GSE Saves/settings/fonts/'
+# default=
+Font_Override=
+# global font size
+# for built-in font, multiple of 16 is recommended, e.g. 16 32...
+# default=16.0
 Font_Size=16.0
 
 # achievement icon size
@@ -50,26 +66,26 @@ Notification_A=1.0
 
 # notifications corners roundness
 Notification_Rounding=10.0
-
 # horizontal (x) and vertical (y) margins for the notifications
 Notification_Margin_x=5.0
 Notification_Margin_y=5.0
 
-# duration of notification animation in seconds - set to 0 to disable
+# duration/timing for various notification types (in seconds)
+# duration of notification animation in seconds. Set to 0 to disable
 Notification_Animation=0.35
-
 # duration of achievement progress indication
 Notification_Duration_Progress=6.0
 # duration of achievement unlocked
-Notification_Duration_Achievement=6.0
+Notification_Duration_Achievement=7.0
 # duration of friend invitation
 Notification_Duration_Invitation=8.0
 # duration of chat message
 Notification_Duration_Chat=4.0
 
 # format for the achievement unlock date/time, limited to 79 characters
-# if the output formatted string exceeded this limit, the built-in format will be used
+# if the output formatted string exceeded this limit, the builtin format will be used
 # look for the format here: https://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/chrono/c/strftime
+# default=%Y/%m/%d - %H:%M:%S
 Achievement_Unlock_Datetime_Format=%Y/%m/%d - %H:%M:%S
 
 # main background when you press shift+tab
@@ -109,4 +125,3 @@ PosInvitation=top_right
 # position of chat messages
 PosChatMsg=top_center
 # ############################# #
-
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.user.ini b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.user.ini
index b22a1af7..b903c997 100644
--- a/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.user.ini
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/_DEFAULT/1/steam_settings/configs.user.ini
@@ -4,10 +4,14 @@
 
 [user::general]
 # user account name
-account_name=goldberg
-# Steam64 format
+# default=gse_user
+account_name=gse_user
+# your account ID in Steam64 format
+# if the specified ID is invalid, the emu will ignore it and generate a proper one
+# default=randomly generated by the emu only once and saved in the global settings
 account_steamid=76561197960287930
 # the language reported to the app/game
+# this must exist in 'supported_languages.txt', otherwise it will be ignored by the emu
 # look for the column 'API language code' here: https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/store/localization/languages
 # default=english
 language=english
@@ -18,9 +22,12 @@ ip_country=US
 
 [user::saves]
 # when this is set, it will force the emu to use the specified location instead of the default global location
-# path could be absolute, or relative to the location of the .dll/.so, leading and trailing whitespaces are trimmed
+# path could be absolute, or relative to the location of the .dll/.so
+# leading and trailing whitespaces are trimmed
 # when this option is used, the global settings folder is completely ignored, allowing a full portable behavior
-#local_save_path=GSE Saves
-# name of the default global folder used to store save data, leading and trailing whitespaces are trimmed
+# default=
+local_save_path=
+# name of the base folder used to store save data, leading and trailing whitespaces are trimmed
+# only useful if 'local_save_path' isn't used
 # default=GSE Saves
 saves_folder_name=GSE Saves
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/bat/_pack_api.bat b/tools/migrate_gse/bat/_pack_api.bat
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..00b90537
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/bat/_pack_api.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+@echo off
+setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion
+cd /d "%~dp0"
+
+set /a "MAX_THREADS=2"
+if defined NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS (
+  :: use 70%
+  set /a "MAX_THREADS=%NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS% * 70 / 100"
+  if %MAX_THREADS% lss 1 (
+    set /a "MAX_THREADS=1"
+  )
+)
+
+set "ROOT=%cd%"
+set "BUILD_DIR=..\..\..\build\win\vs2022"
+set "OUT_DIR=..\build\package\win"
+
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\release\" (
+  1>&2 echo:release build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\debug\" (
+  1>&2 echo:debug build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+set /a "PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT=90"
+set /a "PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB=384"
+set "PKG_EXE=..\..\..\third-party\deps\win\7za\7za.exe"
+if not exist "%PKG_EXE%" (
+  1>&2 echo:packager wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+echo:// packing latest steam_api.dll for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\release"
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\debug"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\release\steam_api.dll"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api.dll"*
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\debug"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api\debug\steam_api.dll"*
+rem xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x32\steam_api.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api.dll"* rem do not overwrite dll with debug version
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+echo:// packing latest steam_api64.dll for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\release"
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\debug"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\release\steam_api64.dll"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64.dll"*
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\debug"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64\debug\steam_api64.dll"*
+rem xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\experimental\x64\steam_api64.dll" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64.dll"* rem do not overwrite dll with debug version
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_api64.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+goto :end_script
+
+:end_script
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 0
+
+:end_script_with_err
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 1
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/bat/_pack_exe.bat b/tools/migrate_gse/bat/_pack_exe.bat
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7ec6bf65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/bat/_pack_exe.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+@echo off
+setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion
+cd /d "%~dp0"
+
+set /a "MAX_THREADS=2"
+if defined NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS (
+  :: use 70%
+  set /a "MAX_THREADS=%NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS% * 70 / 100"
+  if %MAX_THREADS% lss 1 (
+    set /a "MAX_THREADS=1"
+  )
+)
+
+set "ROOT=%cd%"
+set "BUILD_DIR=..\..\..\build\win\vs2022"
+set "OUT_DIR=..\build\package\win"
+
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\release\" (
+  1>&2 echo:release build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+if not exist "%BUILD_DIR%\debug\" (
+  1>&2 echo:debug build target folder wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+set /a "PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT=90"
+set /a "PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB=384"
+set "PKG_EXE=..\..\..\third-party\deps\win\7za\7za.exe"
+if not exist "%PKG_EXE%" (
+  1>&2 echo:packager wasn't found
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+echo:// packing latest generate_interfaces.exe for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces_x32.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces.exe"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces_x64.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces64.exe"*
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\generate_interfaces\generate_interfaces.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+echo:// packing latest lobby_connect.exe for generate_emu_config
+
+set "ACHIVE_DIR=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect"
+
+if exist "%ACHIVE_DIR%\" (
+  rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+)
+mkdir "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect"
+
+set "TARGET_DIR=%BUILD_DIR%\release"
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect_x32.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect\lobby_connect.exe"*
+xcopy /y "%TARGET_DIR%\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect_x64.exe" "..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect\lobby_connect64.exe"*
+
+set "ACHIVE_FILE=..\_DEFAULT\0\steam_misc\tools\lobby_connect\lobby_connect.7z"
+if exist "%ACHIVE_FILE%" (
+  del /f /q "%ACHIVE_FILE%"
+)
+
+call "%PKG_EXE%" a "%ACHIVE_FILE%" "%ACHIVE_DIR%\*" -t7z -xr^^!*.lib -xr^^!*.exp -slp -ssw -mx -myx -mmemuse=p%PKG_EXE_MEM_PERCENT% -ms=on -mqs=off -mf=on -mhc+ -mhe- -m0=LZMA2:d=%PKG_EXE_DICT_SIZE_MB%m -mmt=%MAX_THREADS% -mmtf+ -mtm- -mtc- -mta- -mtr+ || (
+  goto :end_script_with_err
+)
+
+rmdir /s /q "%ACHIVE_DIR%"
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
+goto :end_script
+
+:end_script
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 0
+
+:end_script_with_err
+  endlocal
+  exit /b 1
diff --git a/tools/migrate_gse/rebuild_win.bat b/tools/migrate_gse/rebuild_win.bat
index 57791f9b..996d5a9e 100644
--- a/tools/migrate_gse/rebuild_win.bat
+++ b/tools/migrate_gse/rebuild_win.bat
@@ -34,8 +34,11 @@ pyinstaller "main.py" --distpath "%OUT_DIR%" -y --clean --onedir --name "migrate
 )
 call "%SIGNER_TOOL%" "%OUT_DIR%\migrate_gse\migrate_gse.exe"
 
+call ".\bat\_pack_api.bat"
+call ".\bat\_pack_exe.bat"
+
 xcopy /s /y /e "post_build" "%out_dir%\migrate_gse\"
-xcopy /s /y /e "_DEFAULT" "%out_dir%\migrate_gse\_DEFAULT"
+xcopy /s /y /e "_DEFAULT" "%out_dir%\migrate_gse\_DEFAULT\"
 
 copy /y "README.md" "%out_dir%\migrate_gse\"