How to reinstall Soundtoys plugins on a new computer.
Soundtoys migration requires both the Soundtoys installer and a valid iLok activation. Document your products, install the correct formats, activate the new machine or iLok USB, and verify old sessions before wiping the original computer.
Fix the whole setup—not just one plugin file.
A dependable result accounts for software, formats, versions, licenses, presets, supporting files, and the sessions that depend on them.
Download from Soundtoys
Use the installer linked in your Soundtoys account rather than copying plugin files from the old system.
Activate through iLok
Use iLok License Manager or the in-DAW activation window to place the license on an eligible location.
Preserve Effect Rack work
Back up custom presets, Effect Rack chains, and host presets before retiring the old computer.
Before reinstalling Soundtoys
Check whether you own the full Soundtoys bundle, individual products, an older license version, or licenses transferred from another owner. Also confirm that your licenses are visible in the iLok account you intend to use on the new computer.
- Scan the old computer with FX Recall.
- Sign in to the Soundtoys account and confirm installer access.
- Open iLok License Manager and record the current activation locations.
- Back up custom presets, Effect Rack chains, and DAW presets.
Install Soundtoys plugins on the new computer
Download the installer
Sign in to your Soundtoys account and download the installer available for your owned products and operating system.
Run the official installer
On macOS, open the downloaded disk image and run the package. On Windows, run the executable and select the appropriate plugin formats.
Use intentional plugin paths
Allow standard locations unless your Windows VST2 workflow depends on a specific custom folder already configured in the DAW.
Restart and rescan
Open the DAW after installation and trigger a full plugin rescan if the Soundtoys products do not appear.
Activate Soundtoys with iLok
Soundtoys can be activated through the iLok License Manager application or through the activation window that appears when a Soundtoys plugin is opened in a DAW.
- Sign in to iLok License Manager with the account holding the Soundtoys licenses.
- View available licenses and activate them to the new computer or a connected iLok USB key.
- Alternatively, open a Soundtoys plugin in the DAW and follow the activation prompts.
- If both activations are already used, deactivate a computer you no longer use or contact Soundtoys support when an inaccessible machine needs a reset.
See the full iLok transfer guide for machine deactivation and license-location planning.
Move Soundtoys presets and Effect Rack chains
Factory presets return with the installer, but custom presets and Effect Rack chains may be stored in user or DAW-specific folders. Export the most important work and preserve project files before migration.
- Save custom Effect Rack chains with clear names.
- Back up host-level presets in Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, or your other DAW.
- Open several old sessions and verify automation and plugin state recall.
- Keep any third-party preset packs and their original installers.
Soundtoys plugins missing after reinstall
The installer is not visible in the Soundtoys account
Confirm that the order or dealer purchase is registered to that Soundtoys account. A transferred iLok license may require Soundtoys support to associate installer access correctly.
The plugin is installed but missing from the DAW
Check the selected plugin formats, confirm the DAW’s scan paths, and run a full rescan. Refer to the audio plugin folder guide.
The activation window does not appear
Use iLok License Manager directly. Select the license, choose Activate, and select the new computer or connected iLok USB.
No activation is available
Deactivate an old location in iLok License Manager. If the old computer cannot be accessed, contact Soundtoys support with your iLok user ID and the old computer name.
Official resources
Related FX Recall guides
Frequently asked questions
How many computers can use Soundtoys 5?
Soundtoys currently documents two activations for eligible Soundtoys 5 licenses registered to one iLok account.
Do I need a physical iLok USB?
No. Eligible licenses can be activated directly to the computer, though an iLok USB is useful for portable workflows.
Can I copy Soundtoys plugins from the old computer?
Use the official installer instead so all required formats, support files, and iLok components are installed correctly.
Does FX Recall transfer Soundtoys licenses?
No. FX Recall inventories the plugins. iLok License Manager controls the license activations.
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.