Start on the old computer while everything still works
The best time to document your REAPER 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 REAPER with less guesswork.
1. Save portable copies of important REAPER projects
- Open important projects on the old machine and use Save project as to create clean transfer copies.
- Use a dedicated transfer folder so each project has its own folder rather than loose .rpp files scattered around a drive.
- Copy or move media into the project folder so audio files are not still referenced from old desktop, downloads, or external-drive locations.
- Open a few copied projects from the transfer drive before assuming your archive is complete.
2. Back up REAPER configuration files
- Export your REAPER configuration so your keyboard shortcuts, menus, actions, toolbars, screensets, templates, and preferences can be restored.
- If you use SWS extensions, ReaPack packages, custom scripts, JSFX, themes, or custom actions, make a separate note of those items.
- Save track templates, project templates, FX chains, render presets, and custom layouts that shape your workflow.
3. Recreate plugin paths carefully
- Write down your VST and VST3 plugin paths from REAPER’s preferences before leaving the old computer.
- Install plugins on the new computer first, then point REAPER to the right plugin folders and rescan.
- Use FX Locker to see which plugins existed on the old machine so you know what to reinstall before opening older projects.
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.
REAPER migration checklist
- Back up important REAPER 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 REAPER to a new computer
Can I just copy REAPER to a new computer?
You can install REAPER quickly, but you still need to move your projects, media, configuration, scripts, templates, themes, and third-party plugins.
What should I back up before moving REAPER?
Back up project folders, audio media, REAPER configuration exports, custom scripts, ReaPack or SWS-related items, track templates, FX chains, themes, and your plugin inventory.
Why use FX Locker for REAPER migration?
FX Locker scans the old computer and syncs your plugin inventory to the cloud so you can see which plugins need to be installed before opening REAPER sessions on the new machine.
Moving REAPER 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.