Hello Audiosex galaxy! I really need your help because my sanity is hanging by a thread here!

I have no less than 387 Kontakt libraries (yes, you read that right!). When I added them all, they ended up completely out of order, in a chaos proportional to the grandeur of Wagner’s operas (complex and never-ending). On Windows 10, I had the bright idea to use Kontakt LibOrganizer v1.21 (KLO) to save the Kontakt Layouts order properly. Now, on Windows 11, I tried to load this magical file that I’ve kept under tight lock and key and... nothing happened!!! The KLO seems to ignore loading my layout like someone ignoring that annoying relative’s message in the family group chat.

It’s worth mentioning that recent versions of Kontakt 7 and 8 officially support Windows 11, so I believe the problem isn’t exactly system incompatibility, but something related to how KLO is handling my layout file.

If anyone has a brilliant idea that doesn’t involve spending two days manually reorganizing these 387 libraries in the Kontakt tab (because honestly, my soul will break, along with my tendons), I’d be extremely grateful!!!

Sorry for the melodrama, and thanks so much for the generosity and patience of anyone who has read this far!

 

Hey Mynock, A while ago I was using the CodeFN42 Kontakt LibOrganizer, & I accidently
saved my libraries in alphabetical order. The exported file I created with the Kontakt LibOrganizer
did not restore my library order either.

My two comments below may be of help to you -
http://audiosex.pro/threads/restore-kontakt-on-a-new-pc-useful.80090/

 

Last edited: Aug 22, 2025

Sorry this probably isn't the answer you're looking for, but with so many libraries, why not just use the Quick-Load function? You will save yourself so much time and headaches doing this. You can even micro-manage your libraries by subfolders of company, library type, etc. or just keep them in automatic alphabetical order.

To use quick-load, just right click in the empty black space.
You can also close the side-pane by pressing F1.

Just a thought. If you really prefer seeing the library tabs maybe someone can chime in and help with that.

 

Delete please.

 

Last edited: Aug 22, 2025

Rename dirs by publisher manually. Use Library Manager to load them into Kontakt. 1 hr. Good luck.

 

Maybe the AI can help you:

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

I feel your pain—387 Kontakt libraries in disarray sounds like a digital nightmare worthy of a Wagnerian epic! Let’s tackle this issue with Kontakt LibOrganizer (KLO) v1.21 on Windows 11 and get your libraries back in order without losing your sanity or tendons.

Key Points and Troubleshooting Steps

1. Confirm KLO Compatibility with Windows 11 While Kontakt 7 and 8 are officially supported on Windows 11, KLO is a third-party utility, and its compatibility isn’t guaranteed. KLO v1.21 is designed for Windows 7 or higher, but Windows 11’s stricter security and registry handling might be causing issues. Here’s what to try:
   • Run KLO as Administrator: KLO needs elevated permissions to access Kontakt’s registry entries. Right-click the KLO executable, select “Run as administrator,” and try loading your layout file again. This is critical, as noted in community discussions where running as admin resolved similar issues.
   • Check for KLO Updates: Visit the official KLO page (codefn42.com) to ensure v1.21 is the latest version. If there’s a newer release, it might address Windows 11 compatibility.
2. Verify the Layout File Integrity Your saved layout file might be corrupted or incompatible due to differences in Kontakt versions or Windows 11’s file handling. To test this:
   • Open the Layout File: Check if the file is accessible and not corrupted. If it’s a .nkl file (KLO’s layout format), try opening it in a text editor to see if it contains readable data or looks garbled.
   • Recreate a Test Layout: Use KLO to create a new layout with a small subset of libraries (e.g., 5–10) on Windows 11, save it, and try reloading it. If the new layout loads correctly, the original file might be the issue.
3. Kontakt Version Compatibility Kontakt 7 and 8 have updated library management systems, and KLO v1.21 might not fully support their registry structure, especially if your layout was created on an older Kontakt version (e.g., Kontakt 6). Here’s what to do:
   • Check Kontakt Version: Ensure you’re using the latest updates for Kontakt 7 or 8 via Native Access, as older versions can cause library loading issues.
   • Recreate Layout in Latest Kontakt: If KLO is reading the registry correctly but failing to apply the layout, try opening KLO with Kontakt 7 or 8 running, re-import your libraries, and save a new layout file. This ensures compatibility with the current Kontakt version.
4. Registry and File Path Issues Windows 11’s registry and file path handling can differ from Windows 10, potentially causing KLO to misread library locations or registry entries. To address this:
   • Verify Library Paths: Open Kontakt, go to the “Libraries” tab, and ensure all 387 libraries are recognized and pointing to the correct file paths. If any libraries show as “missing,” relocate them manually in Native Access or Kontakt’s file browser.
   • Clean Registry Entries: KLO relies on Native Instruments’ registry entries. Use a tool like CCleaner or manually check the registry (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Native Instruments and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Native Instruments) for outdated or conflicting entries. Back up the registry before making changes.
   • Clear Native Access Cache: Issues with Native Access’s cache can interfere with library recognition. Navigate to C:\Users\Public\Documents\Native Instruments\Native Access, delete the cache folder, and restart Native Access to refresh library data.
5. Alternative Library Management If KLO continues to fail, consider bypassing it for organizing your libraries:
   • Kontakt’s Native Library Management: In Kontakt 7 or 8, use the “Libraries” tab to manually drag and drop libraries into your preferred order. While time-consuming, you can save the configuration within Kontakt itself, avoiding third-party tools.
   • Quick-Load Feature: Organize libraries using Kontakt’s Quick-Load feature, which allows you to create custom lists alongside Native Instruments’ libraries. This can be a workaround for managing large collections.
   • Third-Party Alternatives: Explore other tools or scripts for library organization, though KLO is one of the most straightforward options available.
6. Community Workarounds and Manual Fixes Community forums suggest a few creative fixes for similar issues:
   • Reinstall KLO: Uninstall KLO, delete its folder in C:\Program Files, and reinstall it as administrator to ensure a clean setup.
   • Check VST3 Path: Ensure Kontakt 7 or 8 is correctly installed in C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3. Misplaced VST3 plugins can cause library issues.
   • Manual Registry Edit: If comfortable, export your Windows 10 registry entries for Kontakt (from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Native Instruments) before migrating, and import them into Windows 11. This can restore library order but requires caution and a full registry backup.
7. Contact Support or Community If the above steps don’t work, reach out for help:
   • Native Instruments Support: Contact NI via their support portal, as they may have insights into Kontakt 7/8’s interaction with third-party tools like KLO.
   • KLO Developer: Check codefn42.com for contact details or forums to report the issue directly to the KLO developer.
   • AudioSEX or Reddit: Post your issue on AudioSEX or r/NativeInstruments, detailing your setup (Kontakt version, KLO version, Windows 11 build). The community often shares niche fixes for such problems.

Why KLO Might Be Failing
The most likely culprits are:

• Windows 11 Security: Stricter UAC or registry access might block KLO from reading/writing layout data.
• Kontakt Version Mismatch: Layout files created in older Kontakt versions may not translate perfectly to Kontakt 7 or 8.
• Corrupted Layout File: The .nkl file might be corrupted or incompatible with the new system.
• Registry Misalignment: Differences in registry paths between Windows 10 and 11 could confuse KLO.

Recommendations
Start with these steps in order:

1. Run KLO as administrator and try loading the layout file again.
2. Verify that all libraries are correctly registered in Kontakt and Native Access.
3. Create a new test layout in KLO to confirm functionality.
4. If KLO still fails, use Kontakt’s native library management or Quick-Load as a fallback.
5. If you’re comfortable, investigate registry entries or clear Native Access’s cache.

If you’re still stuck, share more details (e.g., Kontakt version, error messages, or what happens when you try to load the layout), and I can refine the advice. I know reorganizing 387 libraries manually sounds like a descent into madness, but with these steps, you should avoid that fate. Let me know how it goes, and may your libraries align as beautifully as a Beethoven symphony!

 

Last edited: Aug 22, 2025

Maybe the AI can help you:

Spoiler: Source: Perplexity KI

Based on your situation and the available details, here are some steps and potential solutions for Kontakt LibOrganizer (KLO) layout issues on Windows 11:

Why the KLO Layout May Not Import on Windows 11

Kontakt LibOrganizer (KLO) v1.21 officially supports Windows 7 and higher, so it should work on Windows 11. However, there may be subtle issues related to how Kontakt stores its library data on Windows 11 vs. Windows 10.

KLO relies on access to specific settings files that Kontakt creates. If Kontakt’s folder structure, permissions, or database format changed slightly between OS upgrades or Kontakt versions, KLO may not read or write the layout properly. Kontakt 7 and 8 have made changes to their database and UI, which sometimes break compatibility with third-party utilities.

Upgrading systems or Kontakt itself can create mismatches in how libraries are registered or indexed, meaning the KLO file may point to the wrong folder or registry entry, or simply not match the new internal structure of the Kontakt database.

What You Can Try (Practical Steps)

1. Reset Kontakt’s Database
Kontakt 8 users with similar library/display issues have reported that fully resetting the database can restore missing or mis-ordered libraries. Try the following steps:
Quit Kontakt completely.
Find and delete the Kontakt database files. These could be in one or more locations (for Windows, look in C:\Users$$Your Username]\AppData\Local\Native Instruments\Kontakt).
Restart Kontakt and let it rebuild the database—this may take time with many libraries. Then run KLO again and attempt to import your layout.
2. Ensure Permissions and Paths Are Correct
Check that both Kontakt and KLO have permission to read and write to your user directories and the Documents/AppData paths, where they store configurations and libraries. Sometimes a new Windows install or upgrade changes user permissions or directory structures.
3. Export/Import Manually in KLO
KLO supports export/import of layouts for backup and transfer between PCs. Double-check:
You have the latest version of KLO (v1.21).
Your exported layout file matches the version of Kontakt you’re using (Kontakt 7/8 can behave differently than older Kontakt 5/6 setups).
KLO is pointing to the correct Kontakt settings directory for Windows 11.
4. Try Running KLO as Administrator
Sometimes third-party utilities need elevated privileges, especially after an OS upgrade. Right-click KLO and select “Run as Administrator.” Then try the import again.
5. Check for Compatibility Updates
Look up whether Kontakt LibOrganizer or Kontakt itself has issued new updates or compatibility fixes for Windows 11 and the very latest Kontakt versions. Recent Kontakt updates have changed how libraries are handled, which might require an updated version or alternative tool.
Community Experience
Many users on audio forums report issues with Kontakt 7/8 libraries not showing up or misbehaving after upgrading to Windows 11 or after database changes. Most solutions involve resetting the database, checking file paths, or patiently letting Kontakt rebuild its library index after a configuration change.
One user noted it's essential to let Kontakt 8’s standalone app run for 15 minutes or more after major changes, especially with large library collections, to fully rebuild the instrument database.

Final Tips
Don’t manually move or rename Kontakt library folders outside of Native Access or Kontakt itself, as mismatched databases are a common cause of problems.

If all else fails, reach out to KLO’s developer or ask in forums if anyone has a Windows 11-specific workaround.
Backup all relevant folders before making changes.
If you need precise locations for Kontakt database files or a step-by-step for database reset on Windows 11, I can provide that as well.
Let me know how it goes—hopefully you won’t have to sort all 387 libraries by hand!

 

Let it be. Use the search function.

 

Ah, c'mon man. You're only junior amateur league playing. Wanna be taken serious? Start with 1000 unique libraries with also their separate versions from each. Then we'll start talking

 

@Mynock - I hear your pain. This happened to me a fair while back. The number of libraries you have is irrelevant, I have 2x 8TB Drives with only Kontakt libraries.

I gather you want to have the aesthetic aspects? If not the Quickload function from Elph is the best solution.
If you Notice fresh when you started, they stacked as you added each? Not much has changed.

Aesthetic but painful fix... this is in case you change your mind and to test prior to making it permanent. It works but it is NOT fast.

1. Create a New folder which will house your backups - name it something meaningful so you know what it is and put it somewhere you won't forget.
2. First, copy this entire folder to the backup folder you created. C:\Program Files\Common Files\Native Instruments\Service Center
3. Next, go to your RUN menu and type REGEDIT. There are two directories you will need to export before you delete them.
4. The first is Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Native Instruments
5. Right click on the Native Instruments folder and export to your backup folder - Name it something meaningful Like Kontakt USER.
   
6. NEXT you need to do the same with Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Native Instruments - Right Click on Native Instruments folder in this part of the hive and export this entire folder to your backup folder, also as a *.reg file. Same thing, name it something meaningful to indicate where you exported from.

OK - Before you delete anything - Think about "HOW" You would like it to look. This may be a Golden opportunity to reorganize your entire Kontakt library system Permanently. everyone has their own preferences - Some people like it by Vendor e.g. SPITFIRE, 8DIO, some People like it by Instrument, so on and so forth like Quickload.

Basically at this stage you Could create a single folder with masses of subfolders. Think on this, whatever you wish to be at the top of the viewing (In the older view bar), add to Kontakt LAST. You may wish to have all of your strings at the top, or winds, or Guitars...whatever..

Kontakt does have a weird collation system but for the greater part, this works. If it was perfect you would not be in this situation and I wouldn't trying to be of some assistance.

NOW - delete the registry keys in step 4 and step 6 in the registry, and every XML file except for NativeAccess.XML in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Native Instruments\Service Center.
THEN - Reinstall the latest version of Kontakt you are using and do NOT add anything. If it is empty when you run it = GOOD.

Now with your add tool, add your libraries how you would like them viewed aesthetically if you decided against Quickload. MOST should work as intended as long as you remember whatever you add last will likely be towards the very top. You may have to move a few.

If it failed = Copy the backup folder to the source location and double-click both *.reg files and it's back the way it was before you did any of this. Keep in mind - If you did decide to move them into different folders, you may need to rescan using the add libraries because the folder directories would have changed (be aware of this if you decided to move them).

Do I recommend doing this? Only if aesthetics are important because this is the way you chose to navigate.

(P.S. This happened to me with well over 2,000 libraries so the number of libraries is irrelevant, it's a pain, full-stop)

It worked for me, perhaps it will for you.

EDIT:

P.S. - If you want to add them one at a time without changing your directory structure, and see how Kontakt does it and manually move each, that will also work. It will take you 3-6 hours, but if you only add a library randomly every few months, it will probably make it really easy to move only one library after doing that tedious labor. It will also be exactly as you want them too

 

Last edited: Aug 22, 2025

Hey pal. Can you send me by PM the KLO's backup file?

 

The solution is quite interesting. In my case, the Slave HDDs where my libraries are stored are the same, but I upgraded from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro, so perhaps some part of the coding was altered by the OS change. It’s worth noting that the Windows 11 permission system is much stricter than that of Windows 10, and this might complicate the integration in some way.

Another possibility is that, since I only use Kontakt libraries produced by our friend Bob Dule (for president!), I noticed that when adding the libraries, Kontakt organizes everything alphabetically — I know this because I took a screenshot during the indexing process, and this tool appears to work that way. So, perhaps this behavior, integrated into the initial indexing in the Windows registry, creates a kind of initial restriction for external entries (made on another OS or OS version). In my current system, when I modify, import, mess up, and then re-import the layout saved on Windows 11, the adjustment works correctly (probably because the layout was generated on the current OS).

 

For some people, I believe it works just fine! The problem is that I organized my visual template like a super-expanded orchestra grid, including woodwinds, brass, percussion, plucked strings, strings, synthesizers, exotic instruments, etc.—all already arranged so I wouldn’t waste time searching for things. This setup has trained my mind to go straight to the point without getting lost, you know...

 

Definitely for aesthetics... but actually, for functionality and to avoid wasting time searching for things I "already know where they are"!

 

Buddy, I know you do not want to spend days and in my twilight years, time spent is important. That stated, honestly, I can only speak for myself. If it was me, I'd spend the time once and manually get it exactly how I wanted it and then back my system up. It's like what they called a "WORM" in earlier computer days - Write Once Read Many times. Then Anything I add is easy to put wherever I want and if a new update screws it up, I have the backup. Cheers

 

the klo file import is broken in LibOrganizer 1.21 (win 10 also fail to take the change)

the library order is defined by REG_DWORD UserListIndex , from 0 to infinite (top to bottom)
so a regedit file is the other (and working) way to transfer the user list order.
you can export and add
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Native Instruments

without the older windows regedit backup, you'll have to re organize all from start.

 

Last edited: Aug 24, 2025

Thank you for confirming the issue with the recognition of the layout generated on Win10, bobdule (for president, as always! ). It is absolutely unbelievable that Native Instruments (NI) would expose its users to this. I feel even worse for my friend Somnambulist, who has over 2,000 libraries installed...

The possibility of importing from Win10 would have been a good idea if done earlier, but it's now recorded here in my hall of pre-formatting actions!
I'm almost done organizing my layout (I opened the Win10 layout in Notepad++ and manually edited it in the Kontakt LibOrganizer... It was even faster than I imagined, but I admit it would be terrible to perform the same operation with 1,000 libraries or more!)

The option of exporting the entire registry key ❝HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Native Instruments❞ remains the best option I believe!
I imagine that for this to work, you cannot change the drive letters where the files are located, nor modify directories or folders (you export the key, set up the location of the Kontakt libraries exactly as in the previous OS, and import it into the new OS). I believe that's it.

Of possible interest to some, there is a discussion on the NI forums about optimizing the indexing of libraries to the registry (from 2023!!!). Beyond that, little is known about the state of the art regarding the messes produced by NI=the company's complete lack of interest in facilitating the organization of libraries that will be added in bulk!

http://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/59049?tab=all

A super special thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion! You guys are great, seriously!
May you all have a very productive day, filled with all the best things in life!

 

Last edited: Aug 24, 2025

Your solution aligns with what bobdule suggested. Once bitten, twice shy: this time, the burned cat learned its lesson!

 

Hi there! Sorry it took me so much time to reply.
I looked at the format of the .klo exported libraries file. It's relatively easy to see how the order is stored.
Not so easy to make a lil program to convert it to Win registry format. With my rusty abilities in C/C++, that is.

One interesting thing is that I don't think you need to care about anything else besides the order and the libs names. For instance, doesn't matter the location, etc.

In "Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Native Instruments" there's only the order. Also if the lib is hidden.

So you have for instance "Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Native Instruments\library name"
UserListIndex = 3 ->order
UserRemoved = 0 -> hidden or not (1 or 0)

That's the part you want to overwrite. And the format of the .klo files is pretty much that:
[library name][order][hidden]...[next library name][order][hidden]...[next library name][order][hidden]
But the order is written in binary: two bytes