How to enable full read/write permissions

Ableton Live requires full read/write access to specific folders on your computer. This guide explains how to grant Live the necessary permissions if you encounter access-related error messages or issues loading files and devices in your Live Sets. Incorrect permissions settings may result in error messages like "The folder cannot be created" or "The file cannot be created."

Note: It's usually not necessary to change access rights manually. Using third-party tools to change permissions is not usually recommended and should be done with caution.

Windows permissions
macOS permissions

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Windows permissions

For how to configure permissions on Windows, refer to this guide: 

• How to take ownership of files/folders and allow Read/Write access on Windows. 

If your entire account has read-only access, it may be easiest to set up a new user account.

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macOS permissions

As of macOS 10.15 Catalina, Live needs permission to access most locations on your computer. When you install Live, a pop-up window appears to request the necessary permissions. However, if you didn't grant permissions during installation, you can still adjust these settings at any time.

To grant the necessary permissions for Ableton Live, follow the steps below for:

• macOS 12 Monterey and later
• macOS 11 BigSur or macOS 10.1.5 Catalina

For how to configure permissions generally on macOS, refer to this guide: 

• How to set permissions for items on macOS. 

To modify all files and folders on your profile, it may be easiest to set up a new user profile.

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macOS 12 Monterey and later

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
2. Select Full Disk Access
   
3. If Ableton Live does not appear in the list of applications, click +  to add it.
   
4. Next to Ableton Live, turn the switch to On.

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macOS 11 BigSur or macOS 10.1.5 Catalina

1. Open System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy
2. Click the padlock icon in the lower left corner and enter your password

3. Select Full Disk Access, then use the + button to add Live as an allowed application.

   

4. Select Files and Folders and use the + button to add Live.
   
5. After granting Full Disk Access and Files and Folders permissions to Live, click the padlock again to prevent further changes, then restart Live.