When I try to run the 704 update, I get this message
Code:
"Band-in-a-Box 2023 Build 704 Update Patch" can't be
installed on this disk. You can only install this software on
the disk that is running macOS.
I've tried closing the updater and trying again as well as rebooting.
I'm on Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh Version 2023 (702) installed to an external 2TB NVMe. It had BiaB 2022 until I updated it to 2023 last week. It also just got new 2023 content rsync'd over to it (new Drums/RealTracks/etc).
After it failed a few times, I tried creating a symlink to the
Code:
Applications/Band-in-a-Box
folder on the external in /Applications/ (which works fine for running it), but that still gives me
Code:
"Band-in-a-Box 2023 Build 704 Update Patch" can't be
installed on this disk. You do not appear to have Band-in-a-
Box, or it is not installed properly in /Applications/Band-in-a-
Box. This patch must be installed into an existing Band-in-a-
Box folder.
Is there a way to install this to an external?
EDIT: I tried plugging in the "official" external drive that was shipped from FastSpring, and it also gives me the same "You can only" error message as the other external.
When I try to run the 704 update, I get this message
Code:
"Band-in-a-Box 2023 Build 704 Update Patch" can't be
installed on this disk. You can only install this software on
the disk that is running macOS.
I've tried closing the updater and trying again as well as rebooting.
I'm on Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh Version 2023 (702) installed to an external 2TB NVMe. It had BiaB 2022 until I updated it to 2023 last week. It also just got new 2023 content rsync'd over to it (new Drums/RealTracks/etc).
After it failed a few times, I tried creating a symlink to the
Code:
Applications/Band-in-a-Box
folder on the external in /Applications/ (which works fine for running it), but that still gives me
Code:
"Band-in-a-Box 2023 Build 704 Update Patch" can't be
installed on this disk. You do not appear to have Band-in-a-
Box, or it is not installed properly in /Applications/Band-in-a-
Box. This patch must be installed into an existing Band-in-a-
Box folder.
Is there a way to install this to an external?
EDIT: I tried plugging in the "official" external drive that was shipped from FastSpring, and it also gives me the same "You can only" error message as the other external.
I had this happen a long time ago and don't recall how I fixed it – a reboot, maybe?
Obviously, there's a problem but I had no problem installing the 704 update on my "official" external drive that was shipped from FastSpring"
I'm running Ventura 13.1.1 (a) — the hot fix for some issues in 13.1.1 released a few days ago. I recommend running that, rebooting and trying again.
Unfortunately, in Ventura, this is hard to find (thanks, Apple). I had to open System Settings… and start typing Software Update in the Search field to make it appear.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
When I try to run the 704 update, I get this message "Band-in-a-Box 2023 Build 704 Update Patch" can't be installed on this disk. You can only install this software on the disk that is running macOS. I've tried closing the updater and trying again as well as rebooting.
The Installer app that installs packages occasionally does this for some reason that we do not know. The package is configured to allow installation to external volumes, and it appears to be some temporary issue / quirk. It is usually resolved after one of the following: - restarting the installer. Or if that doesn't work: - close other running applications - If all else fails, rebooting the Mac should fix it.
Now, you say you've rebooted and it still doesn't let you change the location, which is unusual ... try closing other apps that are running - press Command+Tab to cycle through apps, and command+Q to quit them (except for Finder). After that run the installer. If you are still fighting with, the log file might have further info - could you zip and send us the /var/log/installer.log to support with a reference to this forum thread? Note - to toggle hidden files and folders in Finder, press command+shift+<period>
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.