Start on the old computer while everything still works
The best time to document your Ableton Live setup is before you unplug the old machine. Open current projects, check older sessions, confirm where your audio files live, and make a simple migration plan before installing everything on the new computer.
A DAW move usually fails for small reasons: a plugin that was never reinstalled, a sample folder that stayed on the old desktop, a license manager you forgot about, or a preset folder that was never backed up. This page gives you a focused checklist for moving Ableton Live with less guesswork.
1. Use Collect All and Save on important Live Sets
- For projects you need to move, use Collect All and Save so used media is copied into the Live Project folder.
- Make a fresh transfer copy of important projects rather than dragging random .als files without their project folders.
- Open the collected copy from the backup location to confirm the samples are available.
2. Back up User Library, Packs, and Max for Live dependencies
- Back up your User Library, custom presets, racks, templates, default sets, and any custom sample folders.
- Document where your Packs are installed and reinstall or relocate them on the new computer.
- If you use Max for Live devices, make sure the devices and dependencies are available on the new setup.
3. Handle third-party plugins separately
- Ableton can collect media, but third-party plugins themselves are not copied into the project folder.
- Scan the old machine with FX Locker and sync your plugin inventory to the cloud before switching computers.
- Install and authorize the plugins you rely on, then open old Live Sets and freeze, flatten, or bounce anything that depends on unavailable plugins.
Use FX Locker before you wipe the old machine
Your DAW projects may remember plugin settings, but they do not install the actual plugins on the new computer. That is why a plugin inventory is one of the most useful things you can create before migrating.
Turn your old computer into a plugin checklist
Run FX Locker on the old machine, scan your installed audio plugins, and sync the inventory to the cloud. Then open FX Locker on the new computer and use that list as your reinstall roadmap.
Ableton Live migration checklist
- Back up important Ableton Live projects and test the backups before wiping the old machine.
- Collect or copy audio files, samples, presets, templates, and custom folders used by your sessions.
- Scan the old computer with FX Locker and sync your plugin inventory to the cloud.
- Add notes for plugin vendors, license portals, serial number locations, and install reminders.
- Install the DAW, audio interface drivers, license managers, and essential plugins on the new computer.
- Open current projects first, then test older projects that may depend on discontinued plugins or old sample paths.
- Keep the old computer or old drive untouched until real projects open correctly on the new setup.
FAQ: moving Ableton Live to a new computer
Does Collect All and Save move Ableton plugins too?
No. Collect All and Save helps gather project media, but third-party plugins still need to be installed and authorized on the new computer.
What Ableton folders should I back up?
Back up your Live Projects, User Library, custom samples, presets, racks, templates, Max for Live devices, and any locations where you store Packs or external media.
Why use FX Locker for Ableton migration?
FX Locker scans your old computer and keeps a cloud-synced plugin inventory so you know which plugins to reinstall before opening old Live Sets.
Moving Ableton Live to a new computer?
Scan your old machine with FX Locker first. Your cloud-synced plugin inventory gives you a clear list of what to reinstall before opening important sessions.