VST plugins are not recognized in the DAW

Troubleshooting Guide for the VST3 Plugin in a DAW

If you are having trouble seeing or using the VST3 plugin in your DAW, please follow the steps below to resolve the issue. This guide applies to general DAWs. For more specific details and procedures, contact the respective manufacturers.

Step 1: Verify the Plugin Installation

  1. Check the Installation Path:

    • Ensure that the plugin is installed in the correct VST3 folder. The default path for VST3 plugins on Windows is:

      C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

    • Check if the .vst3 file of your plugin is present in this folder.

  2. Reinstall the Plugin:

    • Uninstall the plugin completely and reinstall it. Follow the instructions provided by the installer.

 

Step 2: Check the Plugin Manager

  1. Open the Plugin Manager:

    • Start your DAW and go to (this may vary depending on the DAW):

      Menu > Studio > Plugin Manager

    • Search for the name of your plugin in the list.

  2. Force a Plugin Rescan:

    • If the plugin is not displayed, click on the following in the Plugin Manager:

      "Rescan All" Button

    • This will force the DAW to rescan all plugins.

  3. Check the Plugin Status:

    • The plugin must be activated. If the plugin appears in the list but is marked as "disabled," right-click on it and select:

      Activate

Step 3: Verify VST Plugin Paths in the DAW

  1. Open VST Plugin Paths:

    • Go to the settings where the DAW searches for VST plugins (this may vary depending on the DAW):

      Menu > Settings > VST Search Paths

    • Check if the path C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 is included in the list of VST plugin paths.

  2. Add the Path (if necessary):

    • If the path is missing, click on:

      Add

    • Navigate to the folder C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 and confirm. The corresponding plugin should also be located there after installation!

 

Step 4: Check Compatibility and Versions

  1. DAW Version:

    • Ensure that your DAW version supports VST3 plugins. Most modern DAWs support VST3 with 64-bit.

  2. Administrator Rights:

    • Run the DAW with administrator rights to ensure there are no permission issues. Right-click on the DAW icon and select:

      "Run as Administrator" from the Windows menu

 

Step 5: Check Error Messages and Logs

  1. Error Messages:

    • If an error message appears when loading the plugin, note the exact wording and share it with us.

  2. Log Files:

    • Most DAWs store log files that can help with troubleshooting. The log file can be found at:

      C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\<Company Name>\<DAW Name>\Logs

    • Look for entries that indicate issues with the plugin.

    • If necessary, ask the manufacturer for the log file path (the internet is also your friend).

 

Step 6: Contact Support

If the issue persists after following all the steps above, please contact us with the following information:

  • Your DAW and version

  • Your Windows version (e.g., Windows 10, 64-bit).

  • The exact name and version of the plugin, including the serial number.

  • A description of the issue (e.g., "Plugin not showing up" or "Plugin crashes").

  • Support is only available if you are logged into your account and possess a serial number.

 

Additional Notes

  • Ensure that your system is up to date (Windows updates, DAW updates).

  • Temporarily disable antivirus software to rule out the possibility of it blocking plugin access.

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