Can You Use Waves Plugins on Two Computers?.
Yes, Waves can support a two-computer workflow. Eligible products covered by the Waves Update Plan and active Waves Creative Access subscriptions can receive a second license; otherwise, you can move a license between computers or carry it on a USB flash drive.
Get the specific problem right before changing anything.
Licensing, plugin files, projects, and content often look related during a computer move, but they are separate pieces. The workflow below isolates the exact job this page is meant to solve.
Eligible products get a 2nd license
Waves currently offers a free second license for plugins and bundles covered by the Waves Update Plan.
Creative Access qualifies
Active Waves Creative Access subscriptions are also eligible for second licenses.
A USB can travel
A Waves license activated to a USB can be used on compatible computers that have the software installed.
Can Waves plugins be used on two computers?
Yes, in several ways. Waves currently offers a free second license for eligible plugins and bundles covered by the Waves Update Plan and for active Waves Creative Access subscriptions. You can also move licenses or place a license on a USB flash drive.
How Waves 2nd licenses work
Open Waves Central
Sign in with the account that owns the products.
Check coverage
Confirm the products are covered by an active Waves Update Plan or qualifying subscription.
Register second licenses
Use Waves' documented second-license workflow.
Activate each license
Place the licenses on the desired supported devices.
Use a USB flash drive on multiple computers
Waves describes USB activation as an easy way to carry a license among machines. Install the Waves software on each computer, then connect the licensed USB to the machine you are using.
What if you only have one license?
Move or deactivate the license in Waves Central and activate it to the other machine. See the Waves license transfer guide.
Install the same compatible Waves versions on both computers
Keep the Waves plugin software and major versions aligned when opening the same sessions on both machines. Use the Waves reinstall guide.
Official Waves resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Waves plugins on two computers?
Yes. Eligible products covered by the Waves Update Plan and active Waves Creative Access subscriptions can receive a second license, and Waves also supports moving licenses or using a USB flash drive.
Is the Waves second license free?
Waves currently provides a bonus second license for eligible products covered by the Waves Update Plan and active Waves Creative Access subscriptions.
Can I put Waves licenses on a USB drive?
Yes. Waves documents USB flash drive activation as a convenient way to use a license across multiple computers.
Do I need to install Waves plugins on both computers?
Yes. The license authorizes the software; it does not contain the plugin installation.
Do not rebuild your plugin library from memory.
Scan your old computer with FX Recall, save a cloud-synced inventory, and track what still needs to be installed on the new machine.