Optimizing Windows for UA Devices

This article shows the recommended steps to optimize your Windows PC for use with UA devices such as Apollo, Volt, Satellite, and UAD-2 PCIe cards.

• Optimize Windows Power Options
• Disable USB Power Management
• Configure Windows Sound Settings
• Disable Screen Saver
• Disable Fast Startup
• Install System Updates

Note: Before proceeding, please ensure your Windows computer confidently meets the system requirements for your UA device. If your UA device uses Thunderbolt, please also see the Thunderbolt configuration guide for Windows.

• Universal Audio System Requirements
• Configuring Windows for Thunderbolt

Optimize Windows Power Options

Search and open Edit power plan using the Start menu.

Configure Power Options by clicking Change advanced power settings.

If available, choose the High performance plan in Power Options.
The submenus under Power Options can be expanded and configured manually.
Apply the following settings for best performance and system stability.

Notes:

• When configuring numerical minute values in Power Options, set to 0 or type in Never.
• If using a laptop, make sure the computer's original power adapter is always plugged in.

Disable USB Power Management

Default Windows settings can interrupt USB data streams.
Follow the procedure below to prevent Windows from powering off USB devices.

Search and open Device Manager using the Start menu.

Locate and expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.

Each entry under Universal Serial Bus Controllers can be opened by double-clicking.
Under the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Click OK to save changes. Repeat for all other USB entries under this list.

Note: Some entries on this list will not have a Power Management tab. If this is the case, click OK and move to the next entry until the entire list has been checked.

Configure Windows Sound Settings

Search and open Change system sounds using the Start menu.

Under Sound Scheme, select No Sounds.
Uncheck Play Windows Startup sound.
Click Apply to save changes.

The next series of steps apply to both Playback and Recording tabs.
Select your default audio device and click Properties.
In the device Properties, go to the Advanced tab.

Under Default Format, make sure the Sample Rate is matching the setting used in your DAW session. 
Under Exclusive Mode, uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
Click Apply to save changes.

This next step applies only to Apollo USB devices.
Under Default Format, make sure the Sample Rate setting is always matching the UAD Console.
Click Apply to save changes.

In the Enhancements tab, check the box for Disable all enhancements.
Click Apply to save changes.

Notes:

• Make sure to repeat the steps above for both Playback and Recording devices.
• The Sample Rate setting may not be changed if an app is actively using the audio device. Terminate all applications that are actively using your audio device before making Sample Rate changes.
• Under Default Format, the Sample Rate of Thunderbolt Apollos can not be adjusted. Windows will only show a grayed out 32-bit depth (floating point) option that is dictated by the UAD Console’s Sample Rate setting.
• The Enhancements tab is not available for Thunderbolt Apollo devices.

Disable Screen Saver

Search and open Change screen saver using the Start menu.

Select (None) and click Apply.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a Windows feature designed to reduce the time it takes for the computer to boot up from a complete shut down. Using Fast Startup may negatively affect connectivity with UA devices.

How To Disable Fast Startup in Windows

Install System Updates

Ensure Windows is fully up to date: Get the latest Windows update

Visit the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website to get critical system updates. This typically includes:

• BIOS version
• Chipset drivers
• Firmware version

To find the correct updates on the web, first identify the system manufacturer and model. This info can be found by searching and opening System Information using the Start menu.

The System Summary section of the report will show manufacturer, model, and product information.

Updates can typically be found in the Drivers, Downloads, or Support section of the manufacturer’s website.