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.

• Check System Requirements
• Optimize Windows Power Options
• Optimize Processor Scheduling
• Disable USB Power Management
• Configure Windows Sound Settings
• Disable Screen Saver
• Disable Fast Startup
• Installing System Updates

Note: If your UA device uses Thunderbolt, please also see this guide: Configuring Windows for Thunderbolt.

Check System Requirements

Ensure your PC confidently meets the Universal Audio System Requirements of your UA device. 

Optimize Windows Power Options

Default Windows settings that help conserve energy often contribute to audio playback interruptions. The settings below will ensure the system is primed for audio performance, especially when working in a DAW.

Search and open Edit power plan using the Start menu.

Configure Power Options by clicking Change advanced power settings.

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

Notes:

• For values that require Never in Power Options, set to 0 or type in Never.
• Depending on your PC manufacturer, settings here may be phrased differently or may not be available.
• When using a laptop, always make sure the computer's original power adapter is connected.

Optimize Processor Scheduling

Apply the Processor Scheduling setting below to support stable audio performance and reduced playback interruptions.

Open View advanced system settings using the Start menu.

Click Settings in the Performance section.
Under the Advanced tab, choose Background services and click OK.

Disable USB Power Management

Default Windows settings can interrupt USB data streams. 
Follow the procedure below to prevent Windows from suspending or 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

Apply the recommended steps below to prevent audio driver conflicts and workflow interruptions. 

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. Click Properties and go to the Advanced tab.

IMPORTANT: Under Default Format, make sure the Sample Rate matches 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.

Under Default Format, make sure the Sample Rate setting matches what is shown in 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.
• * When using Thunderbolt, the Sample Rate is dictated by UAD Console or your DAW. Windows will show a grayed out 32-bit (floating point) option that will follow UAD Console or the DAW's Sample Rate setting.
• * When using Volt devices, be sure to also check the Sample Rate setting in the Volt Driver Control Panel app.
• * The Sample Rate setting can not be changed if an application is actively using the audio device. Terminate all applications that are actively using the selected audio device before making Sample Rate changes.
• † The Enhancements tab is not available for Thunderbolt Apollo devices.

Disable Screen Saver

Disabling the Screen Saver is recommended to reduce workflow interruptions.

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

Installing System Updates

Install Windows Updates to acquire general improvements and fixes to the operating system.

Notes: Running major Windows updates (ex. 24H2 to 25H2) may have an impact on any installed software, especially when performed early in the release cycle.

• Windows has a Go back feature in the event that issues are encountered after performing major operating system updates.
• The Windows release health page can also be used to track known issues with new versions of the operating system.

Visit the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website to get critical system updates. This 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 be found in the Drivers, Downloads, or Support section of the manufacturer’s website.