Live is slow to start or hangs on launch
Learn how to resolve issues with Ableton Live launching slowly or hanging on startup. This guide offers step-by-step solutions, including resetting Live, troubleshooting connected devices, and addressing plugin-related problems. Live should normally launch within 3-10 seconds. If Live is slow to start or does not launch at all, try the following steps:
Rule out plug-ins
Quit or force-quit Live, and relaunch with the [ALT]/[OPTION] key held down until Live opens. This will disable scanning of plug-ins and should prevent plug-in related issues. If this allows Live to open normally, visit Plug-ins Tips and Troubleshooting for steps to resolve the issue.
Reset Live
If Live is hanging at launch, try a reset. Resetting Live deletes the preferences, plugin folder path, and template set.
Note that you can temporarily relocate your preferences file and relaunch Live to test whether this helps; if not, you can move the preferences back to the original folder to preserve your settings.
Troubleshoot "Live is not responding"
If Live fails to launch and you see an error message that Live is "not responding," or if Live displays "not responding" under the Force Quit Applications menu on macOS, it could be due to an issue with a connected device. To find the cause:
- Shut down your computer.
- Disconnect all USB/Firewire/Thunderbolt devices (audio interface, hub, external drives, printer).
- Restart the computer.
- Try to launch Live.
- If it works, then close it again and connect your devices one by one, testing each time by launching Live in between.
Once you've isolated the issue to a specific device, next try the following:
- Swap out the connecting cable. Make sure to use a high quality cable with a ferrite bead.
- Try connecting the device directly to your computer, rather than through a hub.
- Update or reinstall the firmware and drivers for the affected device.
- If the device continues to stop Live from launching, troubleshoot with support from the manufacturer.
Update MIDI drivers and other software
Outdated MIDI drivers from other software can cause MIDI applications to hang while trying to initialize. Make sure any third-party software, scripts, and drivers are fully up to date and compatible with your Live version on your OS.
Make sure any third-party Max for Live devices are up to date and supported.
Reset Live's Library
If you've added a large volume of data to Places in Live's Browser, this can result in a slow launch time. Only add a few select folders to Places, and not entire drives. To reset Places, follow the steps here for Resetting Live's Library.