Effect plugins disappeared?

Having trouble with LMMS? Ask about it here.
I advise you to contact support or look online
It sounds like you're encountering a peculiar issue with LMMS on your Windows laptop. While it's challenging to pinpoint the exact cause without direct access to your system, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can consider:

Plugin Scanning:

Make sure that LMMS is scanning the correct directory for plugins. You mentioned you've checked this, but reverify that the plugin path is accurate in LMMS settings.
Some plugins may require specific subfolders within the plugin directory. Check if the plugins have any specific installation requirements and ensure they are met.
Plugin Format:

Confirm that the plugins you're trying to use are compatible with the version of LMMS you are running. Sometimes, an update to LMMS may cause compatibility issues with certain plugins.
Plugin Cache:

LMMS may have a cache for scanned plugins. Try clearing the plugin cache and then rescan for plugins. This option is usually available in the plugin settings or preferences.
Reinstalling Plugins:

Even if the plugins are in the correct directory, try reinstalling them. Remove the plugins from the directory, restart LMMS, and then add them back.
User Permissions:

Ensure that your user account has the necessary permissions to access and modify the plugin directory. Sometimes, permissions issues can lead to plugins not being recognized.
Configuration Files:

LMMS may have configuration files that store information about plugins. Check if there are any configuration files related to plugins and try resetting or modifying them.
LMMS Forums and Support:

Visit the LMMS forums or support channels to see if other users have experienced a similar issue. You may find valuable insights or solutions from the LMMS community.
Check for Updates:

Make sure both LMMS and your plugins are up-to-date. Sometimes, compatibility issues are resolved in newer versions.
Backup and Reinstall LMMS:

As a last resort, consider backing up your projects and reinstalling LMMS. This may resolve any corrupted files or settings causing the issue.

Sorry to be bumping this after over a year. This never got solved.

At one point I was able to fix it by opening the plugins using LMMS's "My Home" tab in the side and navigating to the plugins using the interface, but the plugins have once again vanished into the ether.
They are in Documents\lmms\plugins\ladspa. They are also in Program Files\LMMS\plugins. I have reinstalled and uninstalled them. I have selected them using the "My Home" tab multiple times. My paths for ladspa plugins are set to these directories. There is nothing wrong with the .dll or .exe files themselves, as they work fine when opened directly. I have used these before in LMMS. I do not know why this isn't working.

vlbonnie wrote:
Mon May 26, 2025 12:42 am

They are also in Program Files\LMMS\plugins.

They should not!
Program Files belongs to Windows! Users* should never manually create or insert files of any kind into Program Files!
The two folder of Program Files is windows attempting to isolate tour programs from virus and hackers! Just never mess with those folders.
I have no idea if having user-files in Program Files can lead to such strange behavior, but i would advise you to move any user-files out of Program Files and only have the plugin-files in your User-library eg
Documents\lmms\plugins, not /ladspa unless they actually are ladspa plugins.
Try that and if that strange disappearance happens again, do let us know.

  • Before some power-user chime in with debunkings of my statement... yes i am totally aware of power-user access needed for special purposes. I do it myself, but that is irrelevant in this context.
musikbear wrote:
Mon May 26, 2025 3:07 am
vlbonnie wrote:
Mon May 26, 2025 12:42 am

They are also in Program Files\LMMS\plugins.

They should not!
Program Files belongs to Windows! Users* should never manually create or insert files of any kind into Program Files!
The two folder of Program Files is windows attempting to isolate tour programs from virus and hackers! Just never mess with those folders.
I have no idea if having user-files in Program Files can lead to such strange behavior, but i would advise you to move any user-files out of Program Files and only have the plugin-files in your User-library eg
Documents\lmms\plugins, not /ladspa unless they actually are ladspa plugins.
Try that and if that strange disappearance happens again, do let us know.

* Before some power-user chime in with debunkings of my statement... yes i am totally aware of power-user access needed for special purposes. I do it myself, but that is irrelevant in this context.

Didn't work. I haven't had issues with VSTs in Program Files before.