What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Move the library or content folder—not the Native Instruments applications or plug-ins—then use Native Access to point the product to its new location. For future installs, set a dedicated external-drive Content Location in Native Access preferences.
What you can move to an external drive
“Native Instruments” can refer to several different things. Sound libraries and other product content—including KONTAKT libraries, REAKTOR instruments, and Expansions—can be stored on a custom drive. The application files and plug-in files are different: moving those as if they were library folders can break updates or prevent a DAW from finding a plug-in.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Library and content folders: These are the files to relocate using the steps below.
- Standalone applications: Native Instruments Support says it is “not recommended to move your Native Instruments standalone apps after installation,” because doing so can cause problems such as failed updates. Native Instruments Support’s relocation guidance explains the distinction.
- Plug-ins: On macOS, plug-in files reside in dedicated system folders and should not be moved. Native Access also does not let you customize AAX or VST3 locations. See Native Instruments’ relocation guidance and its install-location instructions.
Move a library and reconnect it in Native Access 2
This workflow applies to Native Access 2. Native Instruments lists macOS 10.14 and later and Windows 10 and later as supported for Native Access 2; labels may vary slightly between versions. Follow Native Instruments’ current external-drive relocation steps.
- Close your DAW and other audio or MIDI applications. This avoids having the product in use while its content is moved.
- Move the library or content folder to the external drive. Keep the product’s folder structure intact; do not move the application or plug-in folders in its place.
- Open Native Access and refresh the product list.
- Go to Library > All, find the product you moved, and select Repair.
- Locate the new product folder in the repair dialog. Select the folder on the external drive and complete the dialog once Native Access recognizes the product.
Keep the external drive connected when you use the library. If the drive is disconnected, renamed, or its folder is moved again, Native Access or the product may no longer find the content.
#1 Best Overall
- Capacity Display Variance: 250GB external ssd often appears as around 232GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 250 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Set the external drive as the destination for future content installs
To avoid moving each new library later, change the content destination in Native Access. In Native Access, open Preferences > File Management and set Content Location to a dedicated folder on the external drive, such as “NI Libraries.” Exact labels can vary by version. Native Instruments advises keeping the Downloads and Content locations separate; using the same location can cause installation failures. It recommends leaving Application Location at its default. The available settings are described in Native Instruments’ install-location instructions.
Choose a drive and format Native Instruments supports
Native Instruments recommends an internal drive or an external USB or Thunderbolt drive for active libraries. It generally does not recommend a NAS drive for active sound libraries, though NAS can be used for backups. Its guidance does not specify a required capacity, drive speed, or particular SSD model. Check Native Instruments’ storage guidance for the drive recommendations and formats below.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
| System | Format listed by Native Instruments |
|---|---|
| macOS 10.13 and later | APFS |
| macOS 10.12 and earlier | HFS+ / Mac OS Extended (Journaled) |
| Windows | NTFS |
Native Instruments recommends matching the external drive’s format to the computer’s internal system drive. Formatting a drive erases its existing contents, so check the drive and back up anything you need before changing its format.
Fix a Repair warning or missing library path
A Repair state can appear after a library is moved, its drive is renamed, or files are deleted. For one moved product, select Repair and browse to its current folder. If you moved several content libraries under one parent folder, Native Access offers Relocate All to scan that parent folder. The bulk relocation workflow is for content libraries, not for locating multiple applications. When Native Access cannot find the files, it offers a reinstall option. See Native Instruments’ Repair and Relocate instructions.
Rank #3
- Available in capacities up to 8TB SSD(1), giving you capacity for your photo and video collection, music library, and important documents.
- Access your content faster, 4 x faster than a desktop HDD(5), with read speeds up to 1000 MB/s(2).
- Quickly back up your files with SSD speeds using Apple Time Machine, or make backups automatic with the downloadable Acronis True Image for Western Digital backup software. (3)
- Maximize your desk space; the compact design of this SanDisk desktop SSD will feel natural in any work setting.
- Get up and running quickly and easily on Windows or Mac out of the box with exFAT formatting, using the USB Type-C cable.
- The product still shows Repair: Check that you selected the product’s actual folder, rather than only the external drive or a folder above it.
- Native Access cannot locate the content: Confirm the drive is connected and that the folder was not renamed or moved again. If the files are missing, use the reinstall option rather than pointing Native Access to an unrelated folder.
- You moved several libraries: Use Relocate All with the parent folder that contains those libraries, rather than trying to use it for application files.
Use the product-specific workflow for MASCHINE and older libraries
MASCHINE Factory Library and Expansions
For the MASCHINE Factory Library or an Expansion, Native Instruments directs users to select the new directory in MASCHINE Preferences > Library. MASCHINE updates its database after you choose the new path. Follow the MASCHINE relocation instructions.
Legacy products and Native Access 1
Older Native Access versions and some legacy products do not always use the Native Access 2 repair flow. Certain older KONTAKT libraries, AKOUSTIK PIANO, ELEKTRIK PIANO, and KORE 2 products can have their own in-product path settings. Check the instructions for the specific product and Native Access version instead of assuming the current sequence applies. Native Instruments documents these cases in its legacy-library relocation guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual Type C and USB A Flash Drive: Equipped with Type-C port and USB-A port, dual USB SSD drive makes it easier to transfer data between your smartphone/tablet and computer more convenient. Our 256G flash drive is the best way to free up space and transfer data.
- Ultra Fast Transfer Speed: Equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Solid State SSD drive up to 1000mb/s read speed and up to 800MB/s write speed, allowing for quick file access and smooth gameplay for a more productive and enjoyable experience.
- Plug and Play: Dual drives support plug and play without any software installation.Widely compatible with various operating systems like Windows, Android, Linux, and Mac. When working or studying, it is convenient to use the mobile phone to directly read the u disk for file sharing, data transmission, and video playback.
- Durable and Portable Design: This stick-style external SSD is extremely slim to carry in your pocket or bag for immediate use at home, in the office, travel, or business. The zinc alloy casing can withstand the rigors of daily and outdoor adventures.
- Wide Compatibility: This USB 3.2 portable solid state drive provides excellent performance in gaming, data analysis, graphic design, video editing, and file multitasking, which is an ideal partner for game players, students, professionals, designers, creatives, and everyday users.
Rank #4
- Capacity Reminder: Display capacity of 128GB SSD often appears as around 116GB on Windows. MacOS typically shows full 128GB. This display capacity reduction of 7% to 10% from SSD actual capacity is from algorithms differences in which 1GB is interpreted as 1024MB on Windows and 1000MB on SSDs
- 550MB/s: Instantly access to your files with blazing 6Gbps external ssd speed up to 550MB/s. LED Light indicates portable ssd instant activity (Actual speed depends on drive capacity, host device, OS and application)
- Data Security: Master external solid state drives health with S.M.A.R.T. monitoring. TRIM technology ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB C+A : Both USB-C cable and USB-A adapter featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers between computers, smartphones, tablets and Phones
- Always Fast: No slowdowns during large file transfers. This external ssd remains steady 6Gbps by using high speed SLC caching (25%of the current available capacity is allocated for high speed cache)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
