In the mixer, if I go the plugins tab, and click on a VST plugin (e.g., Pianoteq), I get that plugin's window.
If I close that window by hitting the X in the upper right corner, all is fine. The window goes away as expected.
BUT... if I (by mistake) minimize that window by hitting the - in the upper right, I can't seem to ever get it back, without restarting band-in-a-box. Is there a way to do so, or is this a bug?
(This is a hassle because minimizing windows is almost instinctual, so I do it by mistake with some frequency.)
I don't have an answer for you about the why the behaviour is as it is but I've found that using ALT+TAB to scroll through the active Windows (not just he BIAB windows) will usually bring me back to the VST Window.
I experimented with the issue on my system. The window minimized to the lower left corner and the top was visible and the expand buttons were visible to restore the window with each attempt.
I assigned different vst's for the different instruments as well as applying some of the PGMusic DxI's and that had no effect on the window and restoration of the window for each track worked.
It's working as it should on my system.
Have you tried to open the Plugins window from another track when you've minimized a window. In other words, if you accidentally minimized the bass track, attempt to open the plugins window from the piano track and you should have the option to select the bass track from that window and close it properly.
As a test, try changing your screen settings. I think the screen drivers have trouble working correct at certain settings if the screen is a certain size.
I highly suspect that you are using the dreaded Aero theme screen view in your windows, (the one with the semi clear fancy glass borders .) this often make items near the edge of the screen impossible to see. Right click on desktop and chose personalise and try Windows Classic in Basic themes Then chose a background wall paper if required This will also allow you to have the classic top of page menu bar back should you wish. Regards Mike
Similar problem with styles, if you minimize the window it locks out everything else. I didn't immediately look for the icon but tried just about everything else. It seems that a pop up window controls what you can do or not, and a minimized one is really hard to find.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
The problem seems to be related to the setting "Display scaling on high DPI settings" (#5 on the image below).
When I set activated the setting under Compatibility, the minimised icon Kent shows appeared. With the setting not checked, the icon is not available. I'm using Windows 7.
Here's what I did (I'm running an Aero theme on Windows 7)....
1. Right-click on the BIAB shortcut (#1).
2. Selected 'Properties' (#2).
3. Under the 'Compatibility' tab (#3), I set BIAB to run in XP mode (Service Pack 3) (#4).
4. Set the 'Display scaling...' option to active (#5).
5. Exited, started BIAB and tested the minimising of the VSTi/DXi window. The minimised window icon was present.
When I repeated the above and left all settings exactly the same but with the 'Display scaling...' (#5) option unchecked, the minimised window icon was not available. After only very brief testing, this setting seems to have no impact if running a Windows Classic theme.
This seems to suggest that some Windows themes have the scaling setting built-in and that this might be what is causing the issue.
With Windows 10 (and 8.1 on my laptop) and it's 'new' tiled interface compared to 7, i always used ClassicShell, never had issues with it, and especially like that: classicshell 4.3.1. F
OK, I see what's going on. 100% is the default setting (and is the one marked "recommended" on every computer I've ever used). 150% magnifies icons and applications to make things easier to read, but a lot less stuff fits on your screen. It's basically like using a very low screen resolution, and Band-in-a-Box (and a lot of other programs) generally won't display very well with settings like that.
When you check that "Override high DPI scaling behavior. Scaling performed by Application" box, this causes Band-in-a-Box to ignore your magnification setting, and display Band-in-a-Box how it was intended to appear.
I'd say your options are to keep that box checked or turn off magnification (this may require upgrading to a larger monitor), or start making a habit of closing the Plugins window instead of minimizing it.
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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