How to Transfer Waves Licenses to a New Computer.
Moving Waves to a new computer requires two separate jobs: install the correct Waves software and put the corresponding license on an accessible device. Waves Central handles the licensing side.
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.
Deactivate before wiping
If the license is tied to the old computer, move or deactivate it before erasing that system whenever possible.
USB is portable
A USB flash drive can hold eligible Waves licenses and move between computers that already have the software installed.
Recovery is available
Waves provides a recovery process for inaccessible computers and USB devices.
Before transferring Waves licenses
Open Waves Central on the old computer and identify where your licenses are activated.
- Confirm the Waves account.
- Record Waves major versions used by important sessions.
- Scan the old plugin library with FX Recall.
- Back up custom presets and assets.
How to move Waves licenses to the new computer
Install Waves Central
Use the current application and sign in.
Open Licenses on the old computer
Select licenses activated to the old machine.
Deactivate or move them
Return them to the available pool or move them to a supported device.
Activate on the new computer
Use Waves Central on the new machine.
Install matching products
Install the plugin software and verify it in your DAW.
Move Waves licenses using a USB flash drive
Waves recommends USB activation as a convenient way to carry licenses between different computers. The plugin software must still be installed on each machine.
What if the old computer is broken or unavailable?
Waves provides a recover/reactivate workflow for licenses on lost, stolen, or damaged computers or USB devices.
A transferred license does not install the plugins
Install the corresponding products with Waves Central and preserve compatible major versions for older sessions. See the Waves reinstall guide.
If you use two computers regularly
Eligible products covered by the Waves Update Plan and active Waves Creative Access subscriptions can receive a second license. See the two-computer Waves guide.
Official Waves resources
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer a Waves license to a new computer?
Use Waves Central to make the license available from its old location, then activate it to the new computer or a supported USB device.
Can I transfer Waves licenses without the old computer?
Waves provides a recovery/reactivation process for licenses on lost, stolen, or damaged computers and USB devices.
Can I move a Waves license with a USB drive?
Yes. Waves recommends USB flash drive activation as an easy way to use a license on multiple compatible computers.
Do Waves plugins install automatically when the license moves?
No. Install the plugin software separately with Waves Central.
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.