Where Are AAX Plugins Stored on Mac and Windows?.
AAX plugins used by Pro Tools live in dedicated Avid Audio Plug-Ins folders. The macOS path is straightforward; on Windows, verify the folder used by your Pro Tools generation before manually moving anything.
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.
AAX is the Pro Tools format
Modern Pro Tools uses AAX rather than VST or Audio Units for normal inserts.
Mac uses the Avid support folder
Current macOS AAX plugins live under /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins.
Use official installers
Many AAX products also install licensing services, presets, and other plugin formats.
AAX plugin folder locations
| Platform | Common AAX location |
|---|---|
| macOS | /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins |
| Windows | C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins on many current installations; older Avid documentation includes generation-specific alternatives. |
How to find AAX plugins on Mac
In Finder choose Go → Go to Folder and enter /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins. AAX bundles use the .aaxplugin extension.
How to find AAX plugins on Windows
Open File Explorer and inspect the Avid Audio Plug-Ins folder under Common Files. On many current installations this is C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins. If yours differs, follow Avid's documentation for your Pro Tools generation.
What is the Plug-Ins (Unused) folder?
Pro Tools can keep AAX plugins in a nearby unused folder so they are not loaded. If a plugin is unexpectedly missing, check whether it was moved there.
AAX plugin installed but missing in Pro Tools
- Confirm you installed AAX, not only VST3 or AU.
- Check the .aaxplugin bundle in the expected Avid folder.
- Update to a version compatible with your Pro Tools and OS versions.
- Verify any required iLok license.
- Restart Pro Tools after installation.
See the iLok migration guide and the Pro Tools migration guide.
Related plugin folder guides
Frequently asked questions
Where are AAX plugins stored on Mac?
Current AAX plugins are stored in /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins.
Where are AAX plugins stored on Windows?
Many current installations use C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins. Check Avid's documentation for your Pro Tools generation.
What file extension does an AAX plugin use?
AAX plugins use the .aaxplugin extension.
Can Pro Tools use VST plugins directly?
Modern Pro Tools uses AAX for normal plugin inserts rather than VST or Audio Units.
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