11 | Loopmidi Windows

For years, loopMIDI by Tobias Erichsen has been the gold standard for creating virtual MIDI ports on Windows. However, the landscape for loopMIDI on Windows 11 is shifting due to major operating system updates. While loopMIDI remains a critical tool for many, Microsoft is now integrating native "loopback" capabilities directly into Windows 11 through its new Windows MIDI Services. What is loopMIDI?

loopMIDI is a lightweight utility that creates virtual MIDI-ports to route data between different software applications.

Primary Use Case: Interconnecting applications that require hardware-style MIDI ports (e.g., routing a software sequencer to a standalone synth or DAW).

Key Advantage: It is simple to configure, allows up to 16 virtual ports, and is completely free for non-commercial use. Using loopMIDI on Windows 11: Challenges & Fixes

Recent Windows 11 updates (specifically version 25H2 and later) have introduced a new MIDI 2.0 stack that can sometimes cause loopMIDI ports to become "invisible" or stop working in certain DAWs like Cubase or VST Live. Common Troubleshooting Steps

If your loopMIDI ports are not appearing in your music software, try these community-vetted solutions:

Correct Startup Order: Always start loopMIDI before opening any other music applications.

Restart the Windows MIDI Service: If ports are hidden, go to Services.msc, find the Windows MIDI Service, stop it, and then start it again (avoid using "Restart").

Check for Windows Updates: Ensure you have the latest cumulative updates, as Microsoft is actively releasing fixes for the new MIDI infrastructure. The Future: Native MIDI Loopback in Windows 11 loopmidi windows 11

Microsoft is gradually rolling out Windows MIDI Services, a complete rewrite of the Windows MIDI system. This new service includes built-in loopback endpoints that function similarly to loopMIDI but are integrated directly into the OS. Loop Midi hidden in Windows 11 25H2 fix - Steinberg Forums

loopMIDI remains the industry-standard freeware for creating virtual MIDI loopback ports on Windows. While highly reliable for a decade, recent Windows 11 updates (specifically those introducing the new MIDI 2.0 stack) have introduced compatibility hurdles that users must navigate. Core Functionality

Virtual Port Creation: Easily create an unlimited number of virtual MIDI ports to route data between different software applications (e.g., from a standalone sequencer to a DAW).

System Integration: Runs as a lightweight tray application. It can be configured to autostart with Windows so your virtual ports are ready immediately upon login.

User-Specific Ports: Unlike some drivers that install at the kernel level, loopMIDI ports are unique to the logged-in user and only exist while the application is active. Windows 11 Compatibility Status

Recent Windows 11 updates (particularly versions like 24H2 and 25H2) have caused issues for loopMIDI because of Microsoft's rollout of a new native Windows MIDI Services stack. Loop Midi hidden in Windows 11 25H2 fix - Page 2 - Cubase

I'm running Windows 11 24H2 - 26100.7840, and a few days ago noticed that Loop Midi Ports were not being recognised by other apps. Steinberg Forums

Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate - Microsoft Q&A For years, loopMIDI by Tobias Erichsen has been

As of early 2026, using loopMIDI on Windows 11 requires awareness of a new, built-in "Windows MIDI Services" update (introduced in version 25H2) that often conflicts with virtual routing software Steinberg Forums

Here is the essential guide to installing, using, and troubleshooting loopMIDI on Windows 11. 1. Installation and Initial Setup Get the latest version from Tobias Erichsen's website Installation: Run the installer and follow the prompt. Create Ports: Open the app, click the

button to add a new MIDI port. You can name these ports (e.g., "DAW to Stream Deck"). Autostart:

Right-click the tray icon and select "Autostart loopMIDI when logging in" to ensure ports are ready after a reboot. 2. March 2026 Windows 11 Conflict (25H2)

Recent Windows 11 updates (Feb/March 2026) introduced a new MIDI 2.0 stack that may cause loopMIDI ports to disappear, become invisible in DAWs, or fail to work after reboots. How to Fix LoopMIDI in March 2026:

If your ports stop working, you must restart the Windows MIDI Service: services.msc , and hit Enter. Windows MIDI Service in the list. Right-click it and select Alternative: Use the command prompt as admin: net stop miniserve followed by net start miniserve Microsoft Learn 3. Alternative for Windows 11

If loopMIDI remains unstable, the community is moving toward these alternatives:

A similar virtual cable that some users report works better with the new Windows 11 MIDI structure. Built-in Loopback: loopMIDI vs Alternatives on Windows 11 | Tool

Windows 11 now includes native loopback capabilities. You can try using the MIDI Settings app within the new Windows MIDI Services. Steinberg Forums 4. Tips for Success Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate

Lucas Magnoni Nascimento. 20. Mar 5, 2026, 5:14 PM. Yes! God bless you for the YT video, Xavier. It solved my problem immediately. Microsoft Learn

Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate - Microsoft Q&A

Comment Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question. ... Mar 5, 2026, 5:14 p.m. Microsoft Learn Midi Ports not appearing in Windows 11 . How do I fix it?

loopMIDI vs Alternatives on Windows 11

| Tool | Pros | Cons | |------|------|------| | loopMIDI | Free, ultra-stable, low latency, unlimited ports | Basic interface, no built-in filtering | | MIDI-OX | Powerful filtering and mapping, great for debugging | Complex UI, not primarily a router | | CopperLAN | Network-ready, supports audio+MIDI | Not updated often, may cause crashes on Win11 | | Windows MIDI Services (Preview) | Native Microsoft solution, future-proof | Still in preview, limited app support |

For most Windows 11 users, loopMIDI remains the gold standard.

What Is loopMIDI? (And Why You Need It)

loopMIDI is a free, lightweight, open‑source tool that creates virtual MIDI cables inside your computer. Think of it as a patchbay: you create one or more “ports.” Any MIDI data sent to an output port is immediately available as an input port in another application.

For example:

  • DAW (Cubase, Ableton, FL Studio) → sends MIDI notes → loopMIDI Port 1 → receives MIDI notes → Standalone VST (like Diva or Kontakt)
  • Midi Translator (Bome, MIDI-OX) → processes MIDI → loopMIDI Port 2 → Lighting or video software

On Windows 11, loopMIDI works exactly as intended because Microsoft preserved the underlying MIDI APIs (WinMM and MIDI Services). The tool hasn’t needed a major rewrite—it just works.

Comparison to Alternatives

The main competitor used to be LoopBe1 or the built-in Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth routing (which is clunky).

  • vs. LoopBe1: loopMIDI allows you to create as many ports as you want, whereas the free version of LoopBe1 is often limited to one. loopMIDI is generally more stable on Windows 10/11.
  • Virtual Audio Cables (VoiceMeeter): VoiceMeeter handles Audio, but MIDI requires a different tool. loopMIDI is the dedicated standard for this.

Auto‑Start loopMIDI with Your System

  • Press Win + R, type shell:startup.
  • Create a shortcut to loopMIDI.exe and move it into the Startup folder.
  • In loopMIDI settings, check “Enable port creation at startup” and “Start minimized”.