Optimizing Windows for Audio

For the best performance in Ableton Live, it’s helpful to make some adjustments to Windows settings, as explained in this guide. Taking the time to set up your Windows PC according to these tips will greatly reduce the chance of crashes and audio interruptions.

System updates
Audio settings and ASIO driver
System settings
Advanced system settings

If you’re experiencing audio issues, refer to the following articles:

• How to avoid crackles and audio dropouts
• Reducing the CPU load on Windows

Note: Ableton is not responsible for any issues caused by changing the settings of your operating system.

System updates

Before using Ableton Live, or if you experience performance issues, check that all of the following are fully up to date and supported in your Live version on your OS and processor:

• Windows version (check Windows Update)
• Live version (enable automatic updates or log in to your ableton.com account)
• Graphics card driver
• Software and firmware for your audio interface
• Drivers and remote scripts for MIDI controllers
• Third-party plug-ins, Max-for-Live devices, and other software used with Live

Note: Neglecting to update any of these may prevent Live from working as expected.

Audio settings and ASIO driver

Driver Type

On Windows, the best performing audio driver type is ASIO. Most audio interfaces offer a proprietary ASIO driver. To set up your sound card in Live, download and install the driver from the manufacturer’s website, then select it as the Audio Device from the dropdown menu in Live's Settings → Audio:

Alternatively, ASIO4ALL and FlexASIO are free, general purpose ASIO drivers. You can use these with audio devices that don't come with proprietary ASIO drivers, or to troubleshoot audio issues. 

Learn more about Using an ASIO audio driver on Windows and Setting up an Audio Interface.

Note: MME/DirectX audio drivers are not recommended for use with Ableton Live.

Buffer Size

We recommend using a buffer size of one of the following: 128, 256, 512 or 1024 samples.
It's possible to set the Buffer size in Live's Settings → Audio. However, depending on your interface, you might need to click on Hardware Settings to make the adjustment in the audio interface preferences.
Note: If the controls are greyed out in Live, this setting can only be changed in the interface's Control Panel, following these steps: Changing the buffer size/sample rate of an ASIO Audio Interface.

System settings

Enable the High Performance power plan

Windows 11:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Open the System tab.
3. Click the Power & battery option on the right page.
4. From the Power Mode dropdown, select Best performance.

5. Open Control panel and go to Power Options. Then choose High performance:

If your build of Windows 10 does not include the option to select a High Performance plan, click on the battery indicator and move the slider to Best performance:

Minimize CPU load from other applications

Many computers are sold pre-loaded with programs or utilities that automatically run in the background. To minimize the number of extraneous processes, we recommend using Live on a freshly installed operating system. You can also uninstall startup applications from the Windows Control Panel, in the Program subsection. Disabling programs that run automatically when Windows starts can help reduce CPU usage and improve performance.

To view the startup programs:

1. Click Start.
2. Type Run to open the Run Dialog (Windows button + R).
3. Press Enter.
4. Type 'msconfig' and click OK.
5. Open the Startup Tab.

Then disable any programs you don’t need to run automatically, like messenger apps or other background applications.

Security and Permissions

You can prevent Anti-Virus applications from blocking Live by adding Live to the list of allowed applications.

To make sure Live has adequate permissions to access all necessary files, follow the steps here on How to enable full read/write permissions.

Advanced System Settings

Disable System Sounds

Navigate to Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Sound.
Under the Sounds tab, select No Sounds:

Windows 10:

1. Open Power Options (e.g. by typing Power Options in the search bar of the Control Panel.)
2. Click on Change power plan settings on the power plan that is being used (has a bullet ticked.)
3. Click change Advanced power settings.
4. In the popup box, double click on USB settings and on USB selective suspend.
5. Then click on Enabled and change to Disabled.