This article discusses how to install them in Windows 11/10. Before that, let’s discuss what a MIDI driver is. To understand that, we will have to know some basic related terms.
MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is basically a protocol that enables the communication between computers, electronic instruments, and other digital musical tools. It is a sequence of messages such as pitchbend, note on, note off, afterpitch, etc., that are understood by MIDI instruments to produce music. There are many types of MIDI instruments like synthesizer, keyboard, sequencer, etc. And, MIDI interface is a device that allows a MIDI instrument to be connected to a computer and work with it.
Now, what is a MIDI driver? Just like any other driver on Windows, MIDI driver is a software component that is used to let MIDI equipment and OS communicate. It controls and enables MIDI Interface to be used by other music-related applications and programs properly. MIDI drivers are required to be installed if you want to utilize multiple MIDI instruments on Windows 11/10.
In case your PC is unable to recognize the MIDI device, you will have to install the correct MIDI driver for it. In this article, I am going to discuss how you can install a correct MIDI driver in Windows 11/10.
How to install MIDI Drivers in Windows 11/10
To install MIDI drivers in Windows 10 and fix the issue of missing MIDI drivers, you can use the following methods:
- Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter.
- Search for MIDI Drivers on the Official Manufacturer’s website.
- Check for MIDI Driver using Third-party applications.
- Run in Compatibility Mode.
Let’s elaborate on these methods now!
1] Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter
Usually, Windows install the correct driver whenever hardware is plugged in. But, in case this doesn’t happen with your MIDI device, you can try Windows troubleshoot to fix it up. Before looking for another solution, try the below steps to troubleshoot the MIDI driver issue:
Firstly, launch Command Prompt by going to the taskbar search option.
Next, type and enter the below command in CMD:
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Wait for some seconds after entering the above command. You will see a Hardware and Device troubleshooter window. Simply click on the Next button. It will troubleshoot the program and see it fixes up the missing MIDI driver issue.
2] Search for MIDI Drivers on the Official Manufacturer’s website
You should try searching for the latest MIDI drivers on the official website of your device manufacturer. Most of the manufacturers provide the latest MIDI drivers on their website that you can download and install on your Windows 10 PC. Other than that, if you choose to download a MIDI driver from elsewhere, make sure the website is genuine.
- If you use an Akai MPC (MIDI Production Center aka Music Production Center), you can go to its official website to find related drivers and then install the one you need.
- If you use Korg USB MIDI Device, you can find MIDI drivers here.
If you can’t find a suitable MIDI driver on the official website, you can also contact the manufacturer and ask them to help you get the correct one for your device.
3] Check for MIDI Driver using Third-party applications
Don’t want to do all the work manually? We understand! There is a solution for that as well. You can use a trusted third-party free driver updater software. A driver update software can automatically find a suitable MIDI driver for you and then you can install it on your system.
But be sure to create a system restore point first before installing any driver software using these tools.
4] Run in Compatibility Mode
If your system is unable to play the MIDI program or device, there might be some compatibility issue. Try running the MIDI program in compatibility mode or use the compatibility troubleshooter and see if that fixes up your problem with MIDI drivers.
I hope this guide helps you find a solution to install MIDI drivers in Windows 11/10.
