A very good question. I don't recall this being asked before. I'll give it a try.
I believe that running a single program as Administrator would be no different from running Windows using an account with Administrator privileges. I could be completely wrong about that.
In the specific case of BIAB, Dr. Gannon has said that he does not run BIAB using administrator privileges. However, he runs the Windows version on his Mac, so I don't know how that affects the question.
For those of us running BIAB normally on a PC using Windows, I think you do not have to run BIAB As Administrator. And I do mean, just BIAB. I think, and this could be completely wrong too, the problems start to occur when other programs are involved that support or are called by BIAB. People using virtual instruments or plugins often report that their problems are fixed when they run As Administrator.
As far as I understand Windows, and I've been doing this a very long time, from the beginning and before, it does no harm to run As Administrator. Do you have a concern about doing so?
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 02/13/1908:22 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.
What is the difference between running using the computer's administrator id and running BIAB as administrator?
Why do I need it at all? Why does BIAB need admin privileges?
Matt's assessment is pretty much accurate.
Even if you are logged on as an administrator, programs only run with standard privileges unless you approve them to run with administrator privileges via the UAC prompt. This is User Account Control, which is a security feature added to Windows several years ago.
Programs need to run as administrator if they need to do certain things like make changes to the registry or copy files to System or Program Files folders.
The Band-in-a-Box *installer* does run as administrator (it associate file types, writes files to Program files, etc.), however the Band-in-a-Box program should not normally need to be run as an administrator. I don't usually run Band-in-a-Box as administrator myself.
However, sometimes while troubleshooting a specific problem it is useful to eliminate the possibility that the problem is a permission issue. For example one scenario that sometimes comes up is that a certain DX/VST plugin might require admin privileges (child processes inherit the privileges from Band-in-a-Box), but I don't think that's too common. There might be some other issues that running as an administrator prevents, but I personally haven't encountered them and don't have a list. It seems to be more anecdotal, that people recommend running as administrator because they tend to have fewer problems on their system...
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 02/13/1908:23 AM.
Thanks I have a non administrator (dumb user) account set up for running most of my regular stuff, including BIAB. But I know that often the one of the first things that is asked by PG's support staff is "did you run it with administrator". For me the answer is probably no.
So other than running the installer, I should be able to run without admin most of the time.
Thanks - I'll just go my merry way as a dumb user.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
Thanks I have a non administrator (dumb user) account set up for running most of my regular stuff, including BIAB. But I know that often the one of the first things that is asked by PG's support staff is "did you run it with administrator". For me the answer is probably no.
So other than running the installer, I should be able to run without admin most of the time.
Thanks - I'll just go my merry way as a dumb user.
Me as dumb user think it has to do with permissions and file/disk access. All sorts of access issues happen with some programs (and especially some installers) needing access to usually protected folders, like the 'start menu' folder in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\. I often use 'Take Ownership' to overcome these, even running as Administrator. F.
Thanks I have a non administrator (dumb user) account set up for running most of my regular stuff, including BIAB. But I know that often the one of the first things that is asked by PG's support staff is "did you run it with administrator". For me the answer is probably no.
So other than running the installer, I should be able to run without admin most of the time.
Thanks - I'll just go my merry way as a dumb user.
1: Yes, interesting thread.
2: I think that Windows automatically adopts Administrator privileges for installer files. By this I am referring to properly constructed MSI Microsoft Installer files, produced by programs such as Installshield etc.
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.
Running as Admin eliminates a lot of these issues, which is why it is suggested often.
Just my thoughts. Do you NEED to Run as Admin .. I dunno, depends on many system settings Can it hurt to do so .. probably not in my experience with PG Products.
Anytime I see 'Access is Denied' I immediately check the related permissions next. Not much else causes this error. You can grant access to specific users, but generally the Admin user has access already.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I seem to recall you are running Windows 7, is that correct?
What is your UAC setting? (In Control Panel type UAC or User Account Settings)
Trev
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.
With persisting permission issues sometimes i use to edit the particular folder's or file's security settings (via right-click properties). Sometimes i have to manually add my user name (in my case administrator) and give it 'full control' to files, folders & sub-folders. If that doesn't work i use Tweaking.com's 'Windows Repair AIO' to reset permissions. UAC i use 'off', too many errors. F
Drive D: is a partition of my hard disk (not a USB drive).
I renamed \bb\data\logs and the error no longer exists. Thank you.
Where do the log files now write if the "log" directory is no longer in action? (Should I make a new one?)
Regards, Noel
I would expect the log file to be created in the Data or main bb folder. If you create a new Logs folder, I think the file would in fact be saved there now without error, because I expect the new Logs folder to inherit the permissions of the bb\data folder automatically. The question is how did your original Logs folder get created with the restrictive permissions... I don't know.
I guess it's safe to say that running the program as an administrator has the benefit of avoiding this type of issue all together. It seemed to me that the advice is sometimes overused, for poorly understood problems that could have a completely logical explanation. But yeah, I suppose oddities like this are less likely to happen and to interrupt your workflow, which is a good thing..
I have had been running BIAB with "run as admin" turned off since you mentioned the above.
However...
...today I went to rebuild Stylepicker and the error shown below popped up.
When I exited BIAB and restarted it in "run as admin." mode, Stylepicker rebuilt fine.
If this is also a permissions error, I'm not sure how it might have arisen. I'm running the compressed version of BIAB installed on my hard drive. These folders were first created over 10 years ago and I've been installing new versions of BIAB over the top of them since then. (When I've changed computers, the files and folders have been transferred to new hard drives always maintaining the same structure.)
In my experience Access Denied messages (for end users) are almost always permissions related (99% +).
However, before assuming it is a PGMusic programming issue, you need to consider whether you've installed/ran *anything* else since the last PGMusic install.
I know I can write an app that, if you run or install it, I could change your permissions settings on various drives/folders. Rarely necessary, but whether it happens or not is left up to the programmer's discretion.
Even if the programmer's test computer running the code hasn't had the same effective permissions changes, some other (user's) computers may have. Often difficult to detect on a user machine without remote access.
That said, I agree I've seen 'Run as Admin' suggested in the Forum at times where it appears to not be the obvious answer .. but it does eliminate a lot of odd issues where permissions 'could' be the problem. And it really doesn't hurt to try this for PGMusic problem solving (a certain trust factor) I would be less likely to try this solution to solve an issue with an unknown software I downloaded, but here it's pretty safe to suggest, in my experience. I've never seen any PGMusic products appear to do anything that causes risk to the system; I guess that was kinda my point. For PGMusic products it likely won't hurt to try, but use this advise wisely in other situations with other software.
I'll try things here I may not try with other software.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Regarding permissions: these tools are to me to be a necessity especially regarding a permissions reset to default, rebooting to safe mode is built in to it, as is SFC:
If this is also a permissions error, I'm not sure how it might have arisen. I'm running the compressed version of BIAB installed on my hard drive. These folders were first created over 10 years ago and I've been installing new versions of BIAB over the top of them since then. (When I've changed computers, the files and folders have been transferred to new hard drives always maintaining the same structure.)
I don't know either. Were they created under Windows Vista? You could change the permissions/ownership settings of the folder, or just keep running BB as admin and forget about it, like you have been for the last 10 years. This is a good example of a problem that running the program as admin fixes.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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.
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.
This is a good example of a problem that running the program as admin fixes. 
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean