Is anyone having any luck downloading and operating Cakewalk Sonar Platinum by BandLab in Windows 10? I was under the assumption I could download a workable program, but so far I've only been able to reach a point where I'm asked to upload my song, but still no working program.
Yep, I passed that part. I downloaded the exe file, but once I click on it and try to install it, it fails. I was hoping to get an answer as to whether or not anyone actually has the program installed and working. Do you have it installed and working?
There have been other posts on this. Yes many people have it successfully working. First you need to install the BandLab Download tool and install it. Then you run the download tool it goes off and downloads then installs Cakewalk by BandLab. If you have Sonar already just let it install and all will be fine. If you have setup Sonar to put files in different locations you might have to go into preferences and reset them.
I had no issues.
After re reading your post you are trying to go into BandLab project area don’t
Info on the bandlab site: Why is Windows blocking Cakewalk by BandLab? As a user of Windows 8 or 10, you’ll notice that Microsoft has included a number of built-in security features to help protect you against malicious apps. While generally this is quite helpful, Windows SmartScreen also prevents any unrecognized or newer applications from starting until you tell it otherwise. This is the case for Cakewalk by BandLab, as it is a brand new application.
When you reach this dialog, you will notice only one button, “Don’t Run”. Rather than ending here, choose “More info” directly below the message. This will reveal new information, including the app name and publisher. Since you’ll recognize our app name, as well as seeing our name as the publisher, you can now choose “Run anyway” to allow Windows to run Cakewalk by BandLab.
This message directly correlates to Cakewalk by BandLab being a brand new release. Over time as more users install, this message will disappear. If you do see it, don’t worry! As long as you’re installing Cakewalk by BandLab via the BandLab Assistant, you know you’re getting your new program from a safe place.
Othwise, assuming that you have registered an account woth bandlab, when the assistant starts, there is a window with three options. Pick the Apps option and you get a choice of Bandlab or Cakewalk. Choose Cakewalk and it should download.
Hi Just a thought It will only install and run on a 64 bit pc. There is no 32 bit version. Just go to the link supplied in the post from Tony 2 above and follow the on screen instructions explicitly. Mike
Yep, I passed that part. I downloaded the exe file, but once I click on it and try to install it, it fails. I was hoping to get an answer as to whether or not anyone actually has the program installed and working. Do you have it installed and working? Jeaux
Got it. No...I don't use the BandLab version as I'm on X3 and stopped there (prior to Platinum) because I don't care for the subscription paradigm. I've been with Cakewalk since 1994 and don't need the BL version.
Note: I did have the old BL installer and just got a notice a couple days ago of a NEW BL installer in case that may be your issue?
Yes indeed there is a new version of the Band lab assistant. When I tried to run my original one it offer to update it . This I done then went on loaded it and clicked apps and it and updated cakewalk to version 20.18.07 build 10, Sweet as a nut. Mike
If my understanding is correct there is little reason not to be free or at least very cheap. The real money is in the add ons. You now have to purchase the extras that came with say Sonar Platinum Producer. If you purchased the extras to get CbB to the same it will cost a pretty penny. If however you had the adds already then they still work.
Having said that a lot of really good VSTs are available at reasonable prices. E.g. Waves have compressors at $29 at the moment. The Waves C6 Multiband @ $29 is a good buy. Tokyo Dawn Nova free is great value. I have found the Toneboosters EQ4 @ 29 euro is brilliant allowing better bass volume and still having a great mix.
My thoughts
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 08/05/1806:52 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Honestly, I've not been on a merry go round of failure as I have trying to install it. I get to the download window/(5) items takes forever to download. I click the 'install' button and it all just down loads again and no Cakewalk files are in my "download" folder. Yes...I'm on a 64 bit system and downloaded the current 'band-lab assistant' which didn't assist me at all.
I'm so confused with the band lab site and how to navigate it I've given up. I also tried the 'forgot password' option...you can forget that. It just takes you back to some bandlab home page.
I've had it...or, I'm just daft in my old age.
I am glad others have had good luck. I'll just stick with X3.
EDIT: just this moment after 3 unsuccessful attempts over 3 hours I got a looong delayed prompt to actually install. But, I see NO .exe files in my download folder that supposedly supposed to be there according to a YT install tutorial. (?) Will advise later...
The basic installation instructions seem simple: 1) use an e-mail address to create a BandLab account. 2) download and install the BandLab Assistant account manager. 3) Open the BandLab Assistant. 4) Click on "Apps". 5) Click on the Cakewalk by BandLab "Install" button. Now comes the fun part.
The Cakewalk By BandLab installation files load in the background. There is no progress bar to illustrate that anything is happening but files begin to download as soon as you click on the install button. There are a lot of files in the initial download so reported download times of 30 - 45 minutes are not uncommon. The lack of any visible indicator that files are downloading creates confusion but it is what it is. The program is modular. Subsequent downloads are very short because just updated files are downloaded and installed.
Once ALL the required installation files are downloaded a progress bar displays and tracks the program installation.
The BandLab app Cakewalk install button changes to "Open" once the program is installed. The app does not have to constantly run however you may want to open the app every now and then so the app can check and install updates. Minimum check-in time is six months otherwise the program will go into "demo" mode.
This is where the actual BandLab installer was downloaded to Users\current user\AppData\Roaming\bandlab-assistant\Downloads just copy it to somewhere else when done as it could delete it.
I can see this is going to be a journey. Just the ticket for tweaking those Band in a Box WAV renders. Often, I go onto those things only to find out later that PGM already had it covered, somewhere deep in the bowels. I proceeded in compliance with Defender and Brave. It seems to be all right with it. Actually, I bailed when I saw the warnings. Must have a forgiving nature, because, ten minutes later, the download started all by itself. My first known foray into the Clouds. So, I would ask, "What are you (all) using this program for?"
I’ve never had an issue downloading and updating Cakewalk by BandLab. I use the installer and let it do it’s thing. Unfortunately the installer is not at all verbose but just let it go until it no longer wants update.
I use CbB mainly for playing around with midi. I find the midi in Sonar (and its derivatives) easier than Reaper. I generate midi stuff in Sonar (CbB) then freeze to audio. Export the audio then combine it with the BIAB RealTracks in Reaper.
Just my way as I find midi editing in Sonar easier than Reaper and editing audio much easier in Reaper. I “master” in Reaper as the chain is already set to go. (Izotope Balance Control, Ozone, Tonal Balance Control then the Youlean LUFS Meter.)
All very simple IMHO.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
I use it as my go to Daw , but then I have always had Cakewalk since the days of 12 Tones , then the Sona years , before I even had BIAB. It works well with the BIAB plugin when inserted into an empty project as an instrument. And opens up a host of opportunities including some good FX like EQ and Tape simulators, Compressor etc. And of course as many extra Midi and Audio tracks that you could want. Have fun Mike
Oh... That's a lot of asterisks. I don't think I've ever seen so many on this forum.
He's a troll!
As far as the asterisks I think that I can beat him****************************************************************** ********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* ********************************************************
Sorry, the devil made me to that
Last edited by MarioD; 02/08/2003:15 PM.
Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
It's [** **] modern poetry. Kasimir Malevich’s Black Square, yet to be discovered.
...All new downloads / updates for Cakewalk are done through Bandlab assistant app and the Cakewalk is authorized through Bandlab assistant app. If you uninstall Bandlab assistant, Cakewalk will deactivate itself. Unless you have older legacy version(s)
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.
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean