let's start simply ...

00. A music production computer has no place on the Internet!

Whoever is of a different opinion, does not need to read further from this point.
I don't need hate speech here either; I'm just trying to help those who have the same problems over and over again.


01. Disable Windows pseudo security and system updates!

02. Sensible use of Windows Firewall (use Firewall-Control)

03. Absolutely essential, a HOST file that blocks "all" unnecessary queries from plug-in/DAW manufacturers and Windows. (mine now has over 490 lines)

04. Disabling Windows Defender. If that is not possible (WinHomeEditions) Exclude all drives containing music software/samples/libs/presets from the defender search!
Side effect: improved performance
(In case of virus panic disease, test the PlugIn in a sandbox beforehand)

05. Disabling Windows Telemetry.

06. For all purchased products, request offline licenses from the manufacturer. If that's not possible, f* the product. This has led to disputes with manufacturers in 30% of the products I have purchased.

07. Solution: Live with an older version that does not require an internet connection. Not every innovation is absolutely necessary to achieve the goal. Or, you don't want to? Then the only option is to switch to the alternative version (R2R/VR or whatever). I paid for this sh*, so it's the manufacturer's problem.

08. Get yourself an internet kill switch.
Search for Products like: DeLock RJ45 10/100/1000 2-Port manual bidirectional Gigalan Netwerk Switch 2x 10/100/1000 - Gigabit Netwerk Switcher, 10/100/1000Mbps, 2 in 1 Out

09. If !!! a plugin requires a one-time internet connection (registration query/or library download), use "savihost" or something similar for the initial launch.

10. Steps: Kill-Switch your Internet (or unplug your network cable), set "Firewall-Control" to allow all and start your session. In 99.9% of all cases, everything should now be working. I don't need the last 0.1% that still isn't working. Just uninstall that garbage.

Fundamental questions:
11. If you "need" Kontakt, use a portable version and add your old libs manually, works every time!

11.2 Do I really "need" the latest update for a PlugIn or DAW, or has something been fixed here that doesn't affect me at all?

11.3 Is it worth the risk of updating, for maybe 1 to 5 minor new features, that I'll never need, or that I already have elsewhere?

11.4 The basic rule for everything - Never change a running system.

Many problems with plugins arise “only” due to an active connection to the internet.
99.999999% of all time bombs are also triggered in this way, like the usual suspects so often mentioned here. The group that publishes this software is not always the problem, but rather the user and his system configuration. I've never had any trouble with serUheM bombs. But also online for just one sec, ta-daaa!
and the bombs fell

I myself have been following this procedure exactly since 2009 and have "never" had problems with applications. Neither on Win7 nor on Win10/11.
No Trojans, no viruses, no time bombs or whatever.
I can still start up my old Win7 music PC today and everything runs like a clockwork.
My Win11 laptop is a mirror of my Win10 studio PC, and “everything” runs completely identically.
But .... only if there is no connection to the Internet !!!

I hope I could help at least a few users

 

Never been online with my music PC, I have a second PC for 'offline' downloads, browsing etc, not every one has that luxury.

Folk do need to take care though.

Was in a commercial studio recording session recently and Pro Tools decided to update which caused problems so session was ended.

 

Always make a full backup of your C:/ drive to a second hard drive. Always back up important data to CD, DVD, or Blu-ray, keeping in mind that water damage, theft, etc., can always happen. A fireproof case is also a good investment!

 

I went the hardware protection route, got an Ubiquiti router so I can have my DAW on a separate VLAN. This lets me cut internet completely, or block traffic instead of using the windows firewall and hosts file. It also blocks malicious traffic

 

From "a bit radical but justified" POV I agree with most points.
I'd suggest to use the Firewall in whitelist mode: block everything except programs you explicitly allow
Takes a while to get used but does wonders

And the best point of the OP for me is: fuck everything that needs internet for no reason. Like OP says: once for first authorization tops. Not only for current security and whatnot problems with DAWs and similar, but for the future that will be worse in general for software.

 

Last edited: Feb 13, 2026 at 7:22 PM