How to Remove and Reinstall Waves Plugins on Windows and Mac

If you’re experiencing issues with Waves plugins in your digital audio workstation (DAW) or need to perform a fresh installation, this guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling and reinstalling them on both Windows and Mac systems. Whether you’re a music producer or audio engineer, ensuring your plugins work seamlessly is crucial. Follow these steps to remove Waves plugins and set up Waves Central for a clean reinstall.

Uninstalling Waves Plugins on Windows

To completely remove Waves plugins from your Windows computer, follow these simple steps:

• Access Your C: Drive: Open File Explorer and navigate to your C: drive.
• Search for WaveShell: Use the search bar to locate any files or folders named ‘WaveShell.’
• Delete the Files: Right-click and delete all results associated with WaveShell to ensure no residual files remain.
• Check Your DAW: Launch your digital audio workstation to confirm that Waves plugins are no longer listed.
• Restart Your System: Reboot your computer to finalize the removal process.

Uninstalling Waves Plugins on Mac

For Mac users, removing Waves plugins requires using Terminal commands to delete associated files and folders. Here’s how to do it:

• Open Terminal: Access the Terminal application on your Mac.
• Run Deletion Commands: Enter the following commands one by one to remove Waves-related files from various directories. Be sure to press Enter after each command:
  • 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 Finder to search for ‘WaveShell’ on your macOS drive and delete any related files or folders that appear.
• Verify in Your DAW: Open your DAW to ensure no Waves plugins are present.
• Restart Your Mac: Restart your system to complete the uninstallation.

Reinstalling Waves Plugins with Waves Central

Once you’ve removed the old files, it’s time to reinstall your Waves plugins using Waves Central, the official application for managing Waves Audio products. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Download Waves Central: Visit the Waves Audio website and download the appropriate version of Waves Central 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 Sign Up: Open Waves Central and log in with your Waves Audio account. If you’re a new user, create an account on their official website.
• Install Plugins: Use Waves Central to download and install the desired plugins. The app will guide you through the process.
• Apply the Patcher: After installation, run the provided patcher tool to ensure compatibility and functionality.

Important Note for Mac Users

If you’re using a Mac, be aware that the ‘Cosmos’ plugin is not included in the standard patcher. You’ll need to patch it manually. Refer to the ‘Cosmos Patch.txt’ file or the official Waves Audio support page for detailed instructions on how to complete this step.

Why Proper Uninstallation and Reinstallation Matter

Issues with Waves plugins, such as compatibility errors or glitches in your DAW, can often be resolved by performing a clean uninstall and reinstall. Removing residual files ensures that no corrupted data interferes with the new installation, giving you a fresh start with your audio tools.

By following this guide, you can troubleshoot Waves plugins effectively and get back to creating music or editing audio without interruptions. If you encounter persistent issues, consider reaching out to Waves Audio support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Uninstalling and reinstalling Waves plugins on Windows or Mac is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. Whether you’re clearing out old files or setting up Waves Central for a new installation, this tutorial ensures a hassle-free experience. Keep your digital audio workstation running smoothly by maintaining your plugins with these tips on Waves Audio troubleshooting.