How to Uninstall and Reinstall Waves Plugins on Windows and Mac

If you’re encountering issues with Waves plugins or simply need to start fresh, uninstalling and reinstalling them can often resolve the problem. Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, this guide will walk you through the process of removing Waves plugins from your system and setting them up again using Waves Central. Perfect for music producers and audio engineers working with a digital audio workstation (DAW), this tutorial ensures a smooth experience.

Why Uninstall Waves Plugins?

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why you might need to uninstall Waves plugins. Common reasons include troubleshooting errors, clearing corrupted files, or preparing for a fresh installation. By completely removing the plugins and associated files, you can avoid conflicts in your DAW.

Uninstalling Waves Plugins on Windows

To remove Waves plugins from a Windows system, follow these simple steps:

• Access Your C: Drive: Open File Explorer and navigate to your C: drive.
• Search for WaveShell: Type ‘WaveShell’ into the search bar and wait for the results to appear.
• Delete WaveShell Files: Select and delete all files and folders related to WaveShell that show up in the search results.
• Check Your DAW: Launch your digital audio workstation and confirm that no Waves plugins are listed.
• Restart Your Computer: Reboot your system to ensure all changes take effect.

Uninstalling Waves Plugins on Mac

For Mac users, the process involves using the Terminal to delete Waves-related files. Here’s how to remove Waves plugins on macOS:

• Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal app on your Mac.
• Run Deletion Commands: Enter the following commands one by one to delete Waves files from various directories:
  • sudo rm -rf /Applications/Waves
  • sudo rm -rf /Users/Shared/Waves
  • sudo rm -rf /Library/Preferences/Waves Preferences
  • sudo rm -rf /Library/Logs/Waves Audio
  • sudo rm -rf /Library/Caches/Waves
  • sudo rm -rf /Library/Application Support/Waves
  • sudo rm -rf /Library/Application Support/Waves Audio/
• Search for WaveShell: Use the search function on your macOS drive to find any remaining ‘WaveShell’ files and delete them.
• Verify in DAW: Open your DAW and ensure no Waves plugins are present.
• Restart Your Mac: Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation process.

Reinstalling Waves Plugins with Waves Central

Once you’ve successfully removed the plugins, it’s time to reinstall them. Waves Central is the official application for managing Waves Audio products. Follow these steps:

• Download Waves Central: Visit the Waves Audio website and download the Waves Central app for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
• Install Waves Central: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the application.
• Log In or Create an Account: Open Waves Central and sign in with your Waves Audio account. If you’re a new user, register for an account on their website.
• Install Plugins: Use Waves Central to download and install the desired plugins. Once installed, run any necessary patches or updates provided within the app.

Important Note for Mac Users

If you’re using a specific plugin like Cosmos, be aware that it may not be included in the standard patcher. In such cases, you’ll need to manually patch it by referring to additional instructions, often provided in a separate file like ‘Cosmos Patch.txt.’

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling and reinstalling Waves plugins on Windows or Mac is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined above. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues or setting up a new system, using Waves Central ensures you have the latest versions of your plugins. Always restart your computer after uninstalling or installing to avoid potential conflicts in your digital audio workstation. If you encounter any issues, refer to the Waves Audio support resources for further assistance.

By maintaining a clean setup, you can optimize your DAW’s performance and make the most of your Waves plugins. Happy producing!