Keeping FL Studio up-to-date is important to ensure optimal performance and access to the latest features.
However, updating it can be a hassle if you lose all your settings and files.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to update FL Studio step-by-step without losing your important data.
Updating FL Studio: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Before updating FL Studio, it’s always a good idea to back up your data.
This will ensure you don’t lose important files or settings during the update process.
You can back up your data by copying your FL Studio project files and user data folder to a location outside the FL Studio installation folder, external hard drive, or cloud storage service.
Step 2: Download the Latest Version
The first step to updating FL Studio is downloading the latest version from the Image-Line website.
Make sure to download the version that’s compatible with your operating system.
When you open FL Studio, a notification, as shown below, will be displayed on the screen if an update is available.
You can click the download button, which will open up the default browser and take you to the FL Studio download page.
From there, you can download your operating system’s latest version of FL Studio.
Step 3: Close FL Studio
Once the download is complete, close FL Studio if it’s running. This will ensure no files or settings are used while the update is installed.
It’s also a good idea to run the software as an administrator. I recommend right-clicking on the FL Studio setup file and selecting “Run as administrator” to be safe.
Step 4: Run the Installer
Open the FL Studio installer that you downloaded and click “Next.” Agree to the license agreement and click “Next” again.
Turn off the option for installing new settings, then click “Next” again.
This will ensure that your existing settings are preserved during the update process.
You’ll then be prompted to select your VST folders. Choose the appropriate folders and click “Next” to proceed.
And finally, click on the install button to start installing the update.
After installing, go to the end screen and click the finish button. Now you’ve successfully installed the update. Now let’s activate it with a license.
Step 5: Launch FL Studio and Check Registration Status
Once the installation is complete, launch FL Studio. Go to the “Help” menu tab and select “Unlock FL Studio.”
This will open up a new overlay window that shows your current registration status and allows you to add or replace an existing license.
In my case, FL Studio has automatically detected the existing license on my installation.
It shows it’s registered under my name, so I don’t have to link it with a license manually.
If you have cleared the settings while updating FL Studio, you’ll be asked to add a license manually. Until then, FL Studio will run on trial mode.
To register for FL Studio again, enter your username and password, or import your license file if you have one.
Step 6: Verify Your Settings and Files
Finally, check to ensure all your folders and files are intact. Ensure your sample libraries, plugins list, etc., are properly listed as before.
Go to the “File” menu to verify everything is in order. You should see that all of your folders and data are unchanged.
Also, check the plugin database and ensure that the ones you marked as favorites are properly listed.
If you have set a custom layout and themes for the FL Studio, you can easily identify if the settings have changed after an update by looking at the layout and theme changes, as everything will look different.
Step 7: Test FL Studio
Once you’ve verified that your settings and files are still present, it’s a good idea to test FL Studio to ensure everything works correctly.
Open a project and check that all your plugins and settings function as expected.
Following these steps, you can ensure you update FL Studio without losing your important files and settings.
Remember, always back up your data before updating FL Studio, and if you encounter any issues during the process, consult Image-Line’s support team.
With an FL Studio license, you also get priority support from a dedicated team from Image-line, which is super helpful.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are FL Studio updates free?
Yes, FL Studio updates are free for a lifetime. Once you purchase a license for any of the editions of FL Studio, you’ll get all future updates of that edition for free.
Do I have to re-download FL Studio to update it?
Yes, you have to re-download the FL Studio installation file to update it to the latest version.
How do I get the latest version of FL Studio?
To obtain the most recent version of FL Studio, visit the Image-Line website. If you’ve purchased the software and are logged in, an orange download button will appear in the top bar. Click it to access the download page for the latest FL Studio version. If you’re a new user, upon visiting the page, you’ll find a “Try for free” button. Clicking this button will also lead you to the download page where you can obtain the latest FL Studio version for a trial.