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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, 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
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