Clean Install Cakewalk by BandLab

If you're having trouble with Cakewalk by BandLab and have exhausted all other troubleshooting methods, performing a Clean Install will ensure all previous information is completely removed. Keep in mind, this process requires registry edits and may not be the best route for inexperienced users. Be sure to reach our team at support@cakewalk.com if you need any help prior to using this method!

To completely remove all Cakewalk software from your computer and reinstall it, follow the steps below.

Please note that this will remove any effects presets and key bindings you may have made in your Cakewalk software. You can back these up separately if you like, using Utilities menu > Cakewalk Plug-in Manager, Edit > Preferences > Customization > Keyboard Shortcuts and Edit > Preferences > Customization > Colors.

1. Run all Cakewalk uninstallers. This is normally done by utilizing the Add/Remove programs tool from the Control Panel. BandLab Assistant and the previous Cakewalk Command Center also have uninstall options within their respective programs.
   
   
2. After the uninstall process is complete, open the Run Prompt. In Windows 10 and 11, this can be done by holding down the “Windows” key and pressing “R” on the keyboard.
   
   
3. At the prompt, type regedit and click [OK].
   
   
4. Click [Yes] if asked to allow the program to make changes to your computer.         *Important: When you access the Registry Editor, create a backup by going to File > Export. In the Export Registry File window that comes up, make sure “Export range” is set to “All” and that “Save as type” is set to “Registration Files (*.reg)”. It is very important to create a backup of your registry because if you accidentally delete a registry key there is no undo function. You can, however, double-click on the Registry backup you made above to re-import your registry keys if you make any mistakes. You must re-import your backup (if needed) before restarting your computer.
   
   
5. Delete the following Registry keys. If you do not have one of the Registry keys below, simply proceed to the next one on the list.
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cakewalk Music Software
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Cakewalk Music Software
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Cakewalk Music Software
   
   
6. Open the Run Prompt again.
   
   
7. Copy and paste %appdata% into the prompt and click [OK]. On Windows 7, 8, and 10, the “AppData\Roaming” folder will open.
   
   
8. Right-click on the Cakewalk folder and select Delete.
   
   
9. Open the following directories and delete their contents: C:\Program Files\Cakewalk and C:\Program Files(x86)\Cakewalk
   
   
10. At this point, you can reinstall your Cakewalk software via this link.