Pro Tools Keeps Quitting Unexpectedly: How To Fix The Program Crashing

Are you experiencing frustration with Pro Tools repeatedly crashing on your Mac PC? Don’t fret, as there’s light at the end of the tunnel! The persistent crashing of Pro Tools often stems from corrupted files or compatibility hiccups, leaving users scratching their heads for solutions.

But fear not, as this guide is here to steer you through the storm. You’ll soon be back on track by unraveling the mysteries behind Pro Tools’ unexpected quits and offering straightforward fixes, making your masterpieces hassle-free. Let’s dive in and troubleshoot your Pro Tools woes once and for all.

Also Read: Peacock Sound Not Working: 8 Best Ways To Get Your Audio Back

Why do my Pro Tools keep crashing?

If Pro Tools unexpectedly quits right after you open the software or in the middle of a session, it could be for any of the following reasons.

Corrupt Pro Tools installation files
PRAM settings on your Mac causing intermittent crashes
Outdated iLok Manager account settings
The Pro Tools version is not compatible with your Mac OSX
Excessive use of plugins within Pro Tools
Pro Tools installed on a different drive than your macOS

How do I stop Pro Tools from crashing?

Before troubleshooting, take a proactive step: force the Play Engine to appear on your screen. Press the “N” key immediately after launching the Avid music software on your Mac PC. If, despite this, Pro Tools still exits unexpectedly after launch, proceed with the following troubleshooting steps.

Reset PRAM

Resetting PRAM can help resolve erratic behaviour and intermittent crashes in programs like Pro Tools. Here’s how to do it:

Power off your Mac PC.
Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys on your keyboard.
After about 20 seconds, release all four keys to reset PRAM.
Wait for your Mac to restart itself.
If your Mac emits a startup sound, release the keys once you hear the second sound.
Launch Pro Tools and check if the software stops quitting unexpectedly.

Choose the correct Pro Tools Version.

Selecting the right Pro Tools version for your Mac OSX is crucial to avoid compatibility issues and unexpected crashes. Since Pro Tools versions vary depending on your Mac, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your operating system. For instance, Pro Tools 11.3.1 works well with OSX 10.10.3 but may crash on newer OSX versions.

To resolve this, ensure you download and install the appropriate Pro Tools version for your Mac OSX. Once installed, launch the software and check for any unexpected crashes. This simple step can help stabilize Pro Tool’s performance and enhance user experience.

Update iLok License Manager

To ensure the smooth operation of Pro Tools, especially if you’re using iLok, it’s essential to update your iLok license manager. Here’s how:

Download the iLok license manager from the official iLok website.
Navigate to your Mac’s Applications folder and launch the iLok license manager.
Sign in using your iLok User ID and password.
Connect the iLok key containing your Pro Tools license and click on it.
Right-click on the Pro Tools license within the manager and select “Refresh.”

By following these steps, you can update your iLok license manager, ensuring seamless performance and preventing unexpected crashes of Pro Tools.

Choose the correct software installation Drive

Selecting the appropriate installation drive for Pro Tools is crucial to prevent unexpected crashes, especially if installed on an external drive instead of your macOS drive.

If Pro Tools is installed on a bootable external drive, it may temporarily resolve crashing issues by making that drive your system drive. However, for a permanent fix, installing Pro Tools on the same drive as your macOS is advisable.

By ensuring Pro Tools is installed where your macOS resides, you can avoid conflicts and enjoy a stable experience without the frustration of unexpected crashes.

Check the number of Pro Tools Plugins

Verify the number of plugins in your Avid Pro Tools to prevent unexpected crashes. Follow these steps:

Go to HD—> Library—> Application Support—> Avid—> Audio on your Mac PC.
Open the Plug-Ins folder.
Move 100 or more plugins to the Unused Plug-Ins folder.
Launch Avid Pro Tools and then quit it.
Return the plugins from the Unused Plug-Ins folder to the original Plug-Ins folder.
Relaunch Pro Tools and check if it runs smoothly without unexpected crashes.

You can avoid overwhelming Pro Tools and maintain stable performance during operation by ensuring a manageable number of plugins.

How do I reinstall Pro Tools?

Reinstalling Pro Tools from scratch can be the solution if none of the previous fixes work. Follow these steps for a clean Pro Tools reinstallation:

Quit Pro Tools and navigate to your Mac’s Applications folder.
Locate Avid’s Uninstaller and double-click on “Cloud Client Services.”
Click on the Avid link, then select “Avid link uninstaller” and choose “Uninstall.”
Delete Pro Tools from Mac HD –> Applications.
Go to Macintosh HD –> Library –> Audio –> MIDI patch names and delete the Avid folder.
Navigate to Library –> Application Support –> Propellerhead software and delete the Rex folder.
Delete the Avid folder under Propellerhead software as well.
Finally, go to Library –> Preferences –> Avid and delete the Pro Tools folder.
Install Pro Tools again and check if it runs smoothly.

Following these steps, you can cleanly reinstall Pro Tools, potentially resolving any lingering issues and restoring your software to optimal performance.

Conclusion

This guide offers valuable insights into resolving the frustrating issue of unexpected quitting of Pro Tools, which Mac users predominantly experience. However, the outlined fixes can also be applied to troubleshoot similar crashing issues on Windows PCs.

Additionally, utilizing a free Pro Tools utility software to delete preference files can further aid in resolving the problem. With these solutions, you can tackle Pro Tools crashing woes and enjoy uninterrupted creative sessions. Best of luck implementing these fixes and restoring smooth operation to your Pro Tools software!

Pro Tools Keeps Quitting Unexpectedly: How To Fix The Program Crashing

Why do my Pro Tools keep crashing?