I have switched back to 2020 from 2021 while PG sorts out all the bugs in 2021. I simply installed 2020 over the top of 2021 in C/bb. I would like to be able to switch between years to keep track of how 2021 is being sorted out. What’s the best way to re-install 2021 on the same hard drive so that I can switch between years? Do I have to have different directories for bb.exe the styles etc. Am I right in assuming that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
Interesting. EDIT: Never mind; the ideas in the posts below are better.
I think many might actually work, although there is the published requirement. You can let us know. They may not show up in any index.
I haven’t done this but I believe all you need to do is run the latest update of 2020 over 2021, and ignore any warning that should occur. Then to convert back to 2021 you would need to run the BIAB/RealBand first installer you got in early December, and then run the latest 2021 build.
I think ... keep good backups.
Last edited by Matt Finley; 03/26/2111:49 AM.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I think it will work if you install in two different folders, e.g. install 2020 in a folder named: '\bb_2020\' and install 2021 in the normal '\bb\' folder.
Then in the \bb_2020\ version set the RealTracks and RealDrums to share the folders from the 2021 version. This is done from Options > Preferences > RealDrums > Custom Drums Folder. Do the same for RealTracks.
I believe that you are correct in your assumption that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Another thought: After you install in the '\bb_2020\' folder and set the Preferences for the Drums and RealTracks locations to point to the 2021 folders, you can delete the duplicate set to save space. These would be:
\bb_2020\RealTracks\ and \bb_2020\Drums\
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I have switched back to 2020 from 2021 while PG sorts out all the bugs in 2021. I simply installed 2020 over the top of 2021 in C/bb. I would like to be able to switch between years to keep track of how 2021 is being sorted out. What’s the best way to re-install 2021 on the same hard drive so that I can switch between years? Do I have to have different directories for bb.exe the styles etc. Am I right in assuming that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
Thanks Tony
Yep, different directories are a must. You can point older BB's at the newer one's Realtracks and Drums folders and it will use the ones that are compatible.
I'd install the 2020 version fully, duplicate the folder minus Realtracks and Drums to a new BB folder, then install 2021 over the original 2020 folder. I've done this on my machine for testing purposes, and I have separate folders for 2014 thru 2021.
Not sure if it is an option, but I use separate drives as opposed to folders, so running any version of BiaB/RB/PT is pretty easy. I still use *:\bb for the folder, it just launches from a different drive so no worries.
Example, run the application from C:\bb, E:\bb, or F:\bb and they may all point to the E:\bb styles and Realtracks (latest), yet run their own version(s).
This is easier yet if you have previous years external PGMusic drives.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
If you install BB21 and just use the BB20 exe it all seems to work. bbw64-734.zip put them in the bb\ folder bbw64-734.exe bbw-734.exe and create some shortcuts.
This is an excellent idea Pipeline! So if I'm understanding what you're saying, if I take your zip file and put it into BB21, I could click on bbw64-734 and it would run BIAB 2020. Is this right?
With all the problems we're seeing with 2021 and the workflow issues I mentioned in the beta forum, I think I'm going to have to go this route to get back to making music and get away from trying to figure out workarounds for 2021.
Does this method confirm or presume that the other executables in the BiaB and related folders do not change, and only programs bbw64.exe (and/or bbw.exe) are modified in the 2021 version?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I think it will work if you install in two different folders, e.g. install 2020 in a folder named: '\bb_2020\' and install 2021 in the normal '\bb\' folder.
Then in the \bb_2020\ version set the RealTracks and RealDrums to share the folders from the 2021 version. This is done from Options > Preferences > RealDrums > Custom Drums Folder. Do the same for RealTracks.
I believe that you are correct in your assumption that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
Thanks, that seemed to work OK. My workflow was…..
Left 2021 in C/bb Installed just my 2020 Pluspack exe file in C/bb2020 without any RT’s or style paks that came with my 2020 purchase. Installed the last 2020 upgrade. Created a BIAB 2020 icon on the desktop. Set the 2020 preferences to point to the 2021 RD and RT folders Copied the whole Styles folder from C/bb to C/bb2020 All my styles are found when running 2020 but not the 2021 RTs even though they are in the same folder that 2020 is pointed to.
Does this method confirm or presume that the other executables in the BiaB and related folders do not change, and only programs bbw64.exe (and/or bbw.exe) are modified in the 2021 version?
This presumes that the only thing changed is the bbw exe. It is not the only thing that changed though, there are at least 800 other files updated, which may not work correctly or at all with the 2020 executable. The separate folder approach is better.
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
Originally Posted By: jcland
And am I to assume that doing this will not mess up any activation tickets?
Is there a way to backup those tickets just in case something goes wrong?
All your tickets from previous version should be in C:\Users\Public\Ticket
This should not mess up activation tickets. Backing up and restoring should work, depending on circumstances.
Thanks for that clarification, Simon. Appreciated.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
The Tickets folder shows what you have activated, you don't have to "mess" with them, if you registered 2020 and did not deactivate it the 2020 is still activated. If the 2020 is in another folder then it will be reading the 2020 RT list default.sol so that's what you'll get.
Not sure if it is an option, but I use separate drives as opposed to folders, so running any version of BiaB/RB/PT is pretty easy. I still use *:\bb for the folder, it just launches from a different drive so no worries.
Yes, me too. 2020 (724) is on a Win7 setup drive and works like qa charm. 2021 (latest update FWIW) is on my Win10 drive. I create in 2021 but if there are ANY shots or holds in the SGU I HAVE to then run it in 2020 until the hideous issues with horrible S&Hs are fixed - which doesnt seem to be any time soon. That problem has only occurred since 2021 came out. I have to accept the fact that any new 2021 RTs etc will not work in 2020 so am careful about choice. Got me wondering just what DID I pay for in December as I'm still using 2020 in real terms to get my WAV tracks to DAW. Bests Ian
Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was! BB2023 ULTRA, 1013, Win 7 and 10
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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.
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean