Hello,

I'm having some trouble activating the V.R patch on one of my two (windows 11) laptops
On one laptop the process works correctly, the license is recognized, and I can restart central and the laptop without any issues
On the other, unfortunately more important laptop, after I close and reopen central it requests administrator via UAC, and if given, the patch will stop working
If I don't give it administrator, I can't interact with central
From the diagnose report inside central, I notice on the laptop that IS working, it says
"Failed: device comp has multiple device ids: <network MAC>, <patcher MAC>
On the laptop that IS NOT working, it shows only the network MAC, and not the patch's MAC
I've uninstalled and reinstalled central many times now with revo uninstaller, and manually deleted program files, appdata, etc
The laptop that does not work DOES show the license file generated by the patcher, so it is doing something, but for some reason central seems to be deleting/removing the patched MAC when restarted only on this laptop...
If anyone has any ideas or can help, I'd appreciate it greatly
If this isn't the appropriate place to look for support, I apologize, I'm new here :D
--
To word it differently
On the not working laptop
I install central
Login
Install a plugin (just one to test, using Primary Source Expander)
Exit Central
Run the patch (2025.3, it says finished when done)
Plugins are now working normally
When I reopen Central (without plugins open)
It asks for UAC on startup
After starting, plugins are no longer working
When I reopen Central (with plugins open)
It asks for UAC on startup
It says Please close the following applications: Reaper (with plugins open)
Only option is close reaper or "Cancel". If I cancel, new popup with "Waves License Engine installation failed" and only option is to restart waves, can't use program
--
I guess it would be possible to always run patch after opening central, but not ideal, and it is working better on other laptop so hoping I can get the same on this laptop
Thanks all!

 

Which version - please provide the full name of Waves?
(Example: Waves Ultimate 16 v25.11.28 Incl V.R Patch WiN)

Windows - which version?
________________________________________________
1. Delete Waves completely:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Waves
C:\Users\Public\Waves Audio
C:\ProgramData\Waves Audio

(Hidden Folder)
C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\Waves Audio
C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Waves Audio

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
WaveShell1-VST3 15.0_x64.vst3
WaveShell1-VST3 15.2_x64.vst3
WaveShell2-VST3 15.0_x64.vst3

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\WPAPI

Scan your hard drive with the term: WaveShell and delete them.

Go to the Registry --> Run --> Regedit and delete the following folder:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Waves

2. Restart the PC, Deactivate Defender, Download and Install this one:
Next Posting

 

Last edited: Dec 3, 2025 at 9:31 PM

Waves Ultimate 16 v25.11.28 Incl V.R Patch WiN

0. Check System Requirments here : www.waves.com/support/tech-specs/system-requirements#plugins|version-14

1. Go to 1- Installer folder and Install Waves Central and Run.

2.Uninstall previous versions and run Fix Permissions from Waves Central Settings and Login to Waves (If you want Studio Verse). (Backup Presets and other data if needed)

3. Select Offline Installer and Click Install from an Offline Installer
4. Browse the Waves folder you downloaded (Inside : 1 - Installer)
5. Select Waves Ultimate or any other plugins and applications and select Install (Uncheck SD/HD)
6. Run V.R Patch
7. Reboot
8. Load StudioRack and login to Waves to use Studio Verse.
9 Done.

Credits to Team V.R patch
NOTE : Offline installation follows the Official Waves method.
Check https://www.waves.com/support for help if installation failed.

Sample Libraries for Waves Instruments
www.waves.com/downloads/sample-libraries

 

Last edited: Dec 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM

Hey, thank you for your time

This is the patch I am using (edited)
Waves Ultimate 16 v25.11.28 Incl V.R Patch WiN

Both the working and not working laptops are running Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.7171

I uninstalled waves with the uninstaller, as well as the file paths and registry paths you listed, and scanned for waveshell with wiztree, all removed

Rebooted, disabled Real-Time protection from win defender (I hope just the real-time option is enough, I'm not certain)

It doesn't look like your post has a link after Install this one:
But I'll use the waves installer from Waves official

I install central without issue, ran fix permissions, and login to waves. I am not using Studio Verse
The patch says you can use offline installer or install from central, so I've been installing from central using internet

I install primary source expander (just to test) from the install products tab
It completes normally
(Keeping waves central application open)

I run Waves Ultimate 2025.3 patch.exe
It finishes without error

Plugins are now working

I close and reopen waves central
While starting, it asks to make changes to device
If I say no, it come with error saying "Waves License Engine installation failed", with only option to close central
If I say yes, it starts normally, but patch stops working, plugins only in demo mode. And I am now signed out of waves account
And V.R. license not showing under Local Disk C tab

---

I know I can do process successfully on one laptop, but on second (new replacement) laptop, same process not working...
On older laptop, waves central not "fixing" patch on startup, but on new laptop, it "removes" patch. Both connected to internet, both same version of waves central, both same patch, etc. Should be same for both, but only older laptop working...

EDIT: I will try again now, uninstall, reinstall, but using offline installer instead of online. On working laptop it works with online, but will try offline to see

EDIT 2: Same result with offline installer and not logging into waves central w/ account
Whenever I relaunch waves central it seems to break the patch

 

Last edited: Dec 4, 2025 at 12:21 AM

@soundguy, uninstall everything again and strictly follow the instructions below:

1. Go to 1- Installer folder and Install Waves Central and Run.

2.Uninstall previous versions

3. Select Offline Installer and Click Install from an Offline Installer

4. Browse the Waves folder you downloaded (Inside : 1 - Installer)

5. Select Waves Ultimate or any other plugins and applications and select Install (Uncheck SD/HD)

6. Run V.R Patch

7. Reboot