K15 Contest Entry: Best Practices for VST Plugin Locations for a new Install

Vocalpoint

If you are a new Native Instruments user (on Windows) and want a trouble free experience when it comes to ensuring your VST plugins are correctly located and scanned by both your favorite DAW or Komplete Kontrol - be sure to set the following "industry standard" file locations - right after installing Native Access for the first time (but BEFORE installing any of your NI products):

1. Point Native Access to your standard Downloads area
2. Leave the App location as standard
3. Content Location - point NA to your external OR fastest drive with the most space
4. VST Location (32 Bit) - REMOVE the default Native Access location and set as above
5. VST Location (64 Bit) - REMOVE the default Native Access location and set as above

NOTE: All VST3 plugins (in Windows 10 or 11) will be installed to:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

This location is picked up by Native Access automatically and does not need to be specifically set.

Power TIP: In your favorite DAW - ensure the Plugin locations above are set as Default.

Power TIP 2: For Ableton Live - even the industry standard VST3 location is NOT set.

Set it to:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

Finally - once Native Access is set - when installing any other third party plugins - use these same locations.

Enjoy!

VP