Reinstalling Ableton Live FAQ
This guide explains when reinstalling Live may be helpful and what data is affected. Reinstalling Ableton Live replaces the program’s application files with a fresh copy. This includes the core application and the Core Library, which contains the stock content included with Live. Your preferences, settings, projects, User Library, installed Packs, third-party plug-ins, and Live license are not affected, as these are stored separately.
Note: Reinstalling Live may be recommended to solve certain issues, such as missing Core Library content or a failed update. However, it’s rarely the most relevant troubleshooting step.
Before reinstalling the Live application, please try these steps first:
- Re-authorize Live.
- Update any third-party devices and software you use with Live.
- Restart your computer.
- Check that any missing content is included in your Live edition.
What does reinstalling Live do?
What data could I lose when I reinstall Live?
What problems might be fixed by reinstalling Live?
What will not be solved by reinstalling Live?
What does reinstalling Live do?
Reinstalling Live uses Live’s installer software to replace Live’s application package on your computer with a “fresh” copy of the program. This includes only:
- Live’s Core Library, e.g. “stock” instruments, samples, and presets included with your version and edition of Live. Learn more about content included in Live editions.
- The Live application and its software components, including built-in remote scripts, UI files (themes/skins), and integrated proprietary and third-party libraries such as Max and zplane.
How do I reinstall Live?
To reinstall Live, follow the linked instructions here: Installing Ableton Live.
Do I have to uninstall Live first?
You do not need to uninstall Live or any Ableton content before reinstalling. The installer software either replaces your installed version or installs an additional version if you manually select this option.
You may choose to manually uninstall Live (macOS / Windows) or other Ableton content from your computer, for example, when transferring your computer to another user, or removing old versions. However, this is a separate, manual process.
What’s the difference between reinstalling and resetting Live?
| Reinstalling Live | Resetting Live |
|---|---|
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What data could I lose when I reinstall Live?
Personal data and files are not lost or replaced when using the installer software to reinstall Live. Nonetheless, please back up your projects before proceeding with any troubleshooting steps. Learn more about External Storage and Backup.
Note: Never manually save personal content, projects, or files inside the Live Application folder. If you have done this, reinstalling Live WILL delete this content.
Otherwise, the following information applies:
Reinstalling the Live application does not affect your projects, preferences, or defaults saved to the User Library.
The following types of data are NOT contained inside the Live application (unless you put them there), and are therefore not at risk when reinstalling Live:
- Your Live projects
- Audio files you have recorded, processed, or imported
- Your preferences, such as audio/MIDI settings, key mappings, templates, and device defaults
What do I keep if I reinstall Live?
- Projects and Sets (.als files) are not affected.
- User Library is not affected unless you manually delete it.
- Installed Packs are not affected unless you manually delete them.
- Your Live license information is stored outside the application package and is not affected.
What problems can reinstalling Live fix?
If I can’t open Live at all, should I reinstall?
Reinstalling Live may help if you:
- Can’t find the Live application on your computer.
- Migrated the Live application using a migration assistant or Time Machine.
However, if Live is crashing, or taking a long time to complete the launching process, reinstalling Live is unlikely to help. Learn more about troubleshooting a crash.
If an update to Live fails, should I reinstall?
If an automatic or manual update fails, this can be resolved by reinstalling Live.
How do I fix missing Core Library content?
Reinstalling Live may solve missing devices that are included with your Live version and edition.
Before reinstalling Live to resolve missing Ableton content:
- Make sure the devices are included in your Live edition.
- Check that Live is properly authorized on your computer.
- Make sure you don’t have multiple versions of Live open simultaneously.
- Try restarting your computer.
What will not be solved by reinstalling Live?
Will reinstalling fix long launching times?
If Live launches slowly or hangs during launch, this is typically due to:
- An issue with external content being accessed during the startup process, such as third-party plug-ins or sample libraries.
- A broken or out-of-date audio driver, faulty driver setup (such as on Windows, an ASIO driver missing the actual audio device preset) or incorrect configuration of ASIO4ALL or a similar driver.
For troubleshooting steps visit Live-is-slow-to-start-or-hangs-on-launch.
Will reinstalling fix audio crackles or latency?
Crackles, dropouts, and latency are usually caused by audio interface drivers, buffer size, or hardware settings. Learn more about Latency
Will reinstalling fix plug-in crashes?
If a third-party VST or AU is causing issues, update, remove, or troubleshoot the device itself. Reinstalling Live does not fix plug-in behavior or crashing. Learn more about troubleshooting plug-ins.
Will reinstalling restore missing samples or presets?
Custom presets are stored by default in Live’s User Library. This is not contained inside the Live application, so reinstalling Live won’t restore missing presets. Likewise, samples you have imported or created are stored in the locations where you’ve saved them on your computer, not inside the Live application itself.
Do I need to reinstall Live to fix authorization problems?
Licensing issues are handled through your Ableton account. Reinstalling won’t affect or resolve authorization issues.