'The selected Max application could not be loaded' (Max for Live error)
- Live Versions: 11.1, above
- Operating System: Windows, Mac
The Max for Live error The selected Max application could not be loaded occurring while opening a Max for Live device is caused by launching Live from the installer:
It can be avoided as explained here:
Note: Using a separate Max for Live installation on an Apple Silicon computer can cause the error in older versions of Max. If Live runs natively on your Apple Silicon machine, it's important to make sure your version of Max is compatible as well, either by using the bundled Max version, or by downloading Max 8.2.0 or later.
Mac
- Close Live.
- Double-click on the downloaded .dmg file, and the installer will open automatically.
- Drag the Live icon onto the Applications folder shortcut:
- Once the installer is finished, close the window and eject the .dmg.
- Launch Live from the Applications list.
- Load any Max for Live device.
If the error still appears, try the following steps:
- Close Live.
- Delete Max.app from the Applications folder, if using the bundled version of Max for Live (or proceed to step 3).
- Reset Max for Live.
- Eject the Ableton Live installer (see above).
- Install the latest version of Max for Live.
- Launch Live.
- Open Preferences → File/Folder.
- Point Live to the Max installation folder (/Applications/Max.app).
- Load any Max for Live device.
Windows
- Install Live, as explained here.
- Once the installation is complete, make sure to delete the installer:
If the error still appears, try the following steps:
- Close Live.
- Delete Max.app from the Applications folder if using the bundled version of Max for Live (or proceed to step 3).
- Reset Max for Live
- Eject the Ableton Live installer (see above).
- Install the latest version of Max for Live.
- Launch Live.
- Open Preferences → File/Folder.
- Point Live to the Max installation folder (/Applications/Max.app).
- Load any Max for Live device.